 |
|
|
TODAYS TOP STORIES
Anti-Smoking Bill Gets Political Support
Senate Bill 36 or the Smoking in Public Places and Indoor Workplaces Act is authored by Senator Frank Simpson from district 14.
"What this bill in essence does, it provides local control on an issue of public health," Simpson said. He authored a similar bill that died in committee last year, "Senate Bill 36 provides local communities to set smoking standards that they feel are in the best interest of their own communities," Simpson added.
State officials have tried passing similar legislation four times in the past, but this time, Governor Mary Fallin and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett have thrown their support behind SB 36.
"I think she and I share a common belief that we have to address the health concerns of people in this state," Mick Cornett said.
Right now, according to the CDC, 26% of Oklahomans are smokers, much higher than the national average of 19% and putting us at 48th place in the nation.
"Allowing municipalities to have a greater say in smoking ordinances is going to be a step in the right direction, for the health of the state of Oklahoma," Mayor Cornett said.
But changing state law so that cities can go smoke free does not sit well with everyone, "I think that's a bit much, telling people they can't smoke anywhere," Johnny Reed said.
Critics argue that cities going smoke free, takes away the rights of businesses that cater to smokers, "I believe everybody should be able to keep their rights, whatever rights we have left," Michelle Dickson said.
"If i own a business i want to make my own decisions," Dickson added.
But Senator Simpson says this gives local cities more rights to make the decision for themselves, and that improving the health of Oklahomans is something we all can agree on,
"Even though this bill does not outlaw smoking, if it influences someone to give up tobacco and makes them a healthier individual that is a good thing," Simpson said.
The bill currently sits in committee, Simpson hopes it at least gets a vote this session.
Posted: Friday, February 15 2013, 04:28 PM CST
IN OKLAHOMA NEWS
Tornado hits OKC suburb, kicking up debris
May 19, 2013 22:29 GMT
EDMOND, Okla. (AP) -- A tornado kicked up debris in an Oklahoma City suburb and threatened a number of tourist attractions on historic Route 66 before growing into a larger storm that rolled across rural parts of central Oklahoma.
Television footage Sunday showed a tornado at Edmond . The storm threatened a novelty soda-pop store and a historic barn in the small town of Arcadia, then grew into a larger storm as it moved northeastward a few miles north of the Turner Turnpike between Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The Storm Prediction Center had forecast a moderate risk of severe weather in Oklahoma and adjacent portions of Kansas and Missouri.
TV video also showed power flashes from transformers blowing out as they were hit by high winds or debris.
OKLAHOMA HEADLINES
Tornado hits OKC suburb, kicking up debris
Tornado watch issued for much of Oklahoma
Trial of Okla. fire chief's goes over to defense
More severe storms in the offing for Oklahoma
Enbridge Energy planning pipeline into Oklahoma
Tornado watch issued for western, central Oklahoma
Forecasters: Potential tornado threat for Oklahoma
Time waning for Okla. lawmakers to tackle credits
VIDEO LIST
 |
|
|
Newsmax Headlines
Sometimes the stories with the most impact come directly from the viewers. If you have a story that needs to be told, we want to hear it. Fill out the form below and let us know what stories need to be told.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
OKLAHOMA WEATHER
77°
From the FOX 25 First Forecast Center..
Tornado Watch currently in effect for central and eastern Oklahoma until 11pm this evening. Dry line is currently in between central and western Oklahoma with storms just starting to fire up. ...
Business News
Gauge of US economy's future health up in April
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A measure of the U.S. economy's future health rose in solidly in April, buoyed by a sharp rise in applications to build new homes and apartments.
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: LABOR GROUP SAYS CONDITIONS AT APPLE PLANTS IMPROVING
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A labor group Apple joined to assess working conditions at three manufacturing plants in China, where its products are made, says conditions are getting better.
Get This
ON THIN ICE?
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- He was already on thin ice with the law when he failed to meet the conditions of his probation.
IE6 Float Fix
