News Brief: Syrian refugees, tornado sirens and comic con

Headlines from Nov. 15-20:

• After attacks in Paris, U.S. governors say no to Syrian Refugees (PBS)

In the aftermath of the attacks in Paris that killed 129 people, 30 state governors, many of them Republican, released statements refusing to accept Syrian refugees. The U.S. plans to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next fiscal year, and under the Refugee Act of 1980 states don’t have a choice in the matter.

• Independents can vote in Oklahoma democratic primaries (Tulsa World)

The Oklahoma Democratic Party officially notified the State Election Board on Monday that independent voters would be allowed to vote in its primaries. The presidential primaries take place on March 1, 2016.

• Oklahoma City looks to refine tornado warning system (KFOR)

The outdoor tornado sirens sound countywide to alert residents of potential weather threat, but according to city officials some may not take the threat seriously. The city is looking to narrow the scope of the sirens to only sound in in the threatened areas instead of the entire county.

• Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office plans major development (NewsOK)

The Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office plans to transform a 134-acre patch of land near I-44 by NE 50 Street and N Lincoln Boulevard into homes, businesses, parks and a hotel. The agency owns the land that is currently covered in trees.

• House approves tougher Syrian refugee screening (New York Times)

The house voted Thursday to intensify screening procedures on inbound Syrian refugees despite President Obama’s threat to veto such legislation. The bill would require the F.B.I. director, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and the director of national intelligence to sign-off that each applicant from Syrian and Iraq poses no threat. The bill goes to the Senate next.

• Fans arrive for Amazing Oklahoma City Comic Con (NewsOK)

Comic book enthusiasts converge at the Cox Convention Center this weekend for the Amazing Oklahoma City Comic Con. Kevin Eastman, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” creator, with a host of other comic book artists, writers and creators headline the event. Weekend passes are $60 and one-day passes are $25 or $35.

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