News Brief: panhandling ordinance, Glossip execution and GOP debates

News headlines from Sept. 13-18:

• Oklahoma City Council passes ordinance to limit panhandling (KGOU)

In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council introduced an ordinance that would prohibit panhandlers on street medians. The ordinance would also remove the permit that allowed certain groups to panhandle for special causes. Ward 6 Councilwoman Meg Salyer introduced the proposal.

• New Navy ship gets name from Tulsa (News on 6)

A Navy combat ship currently under construction will become the USS Tulsa. At a Veterans of Foreign War Post in the city, the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus with five Tulsa mayors, one current and four former, made the announcement Tuesday.

• Court halts Richard Glossip’s execution (Associated Press)

With mere hours to spare, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals halted the execution of Richard Eugene Glossip that was scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday. The lethal injection was rescheduled for Sept. 30 in order for the court to consider the new evidence uncovered.

• CNN airs GOP presidential debates (CNN)

The 11 top tier republican presidential candidates faced-off Wednesday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The primetime, three-hour long event attracted an audience of 23 million viewers.

• Oklahoma State Fair opens Thursday (News9)

With its usual fun fare and fried-food flair, the annual state fair kicks off its 11-day run. Tickets at the gate cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. The fair ends Sept. 27.

• Refugees look to Croatia for passage into Western Europe (Time)

As refugees pour into eastern European countries looking for ways to the west, countries like Hungary are locking down borders. The migrants, mostly escaping the war in Syria, are searching for news ways to get access to European Union nations.

• US eases restrictions on business relations with Cuba (Reuters)

In a move to weaken the trade embargo and warm relations, the U.S. announced Friday it would ease restrictions on American companies wanting to do business in Cuba. The rules would take effect on Sept. 21.

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