Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Saturday, August 16, 2025. Today finds our city starting off with a steamy morning, and a heat advisory already in effect. Tulsa's forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching near 98 degrees and a heat index topping 106. If you're heading outside, especially late afternoon for River Parks events or errands, bring plenty of water and take shade breaks when you can. This stretch of hot days will continue through the weekend, with highs nudging up toward triple digits and little chance of evening rain.

In breaking news, we saw a significant incident Thursday in North Tulsa. Deputies responded to a shooting at 1532 East 67th Street North. Authorities say 34-year-old Stephen George Cox was killed after confronting 24-year-old Jovohn Kadavion Blanke over stolen property. Blanke was arrested on the spot and now faces charges of first-degree murder. There was a second victim whose vehicle was also hit by gunfire, but he sustained only minor injuries. Tulsa County authorities remind us that investigations continue and urge neighbors in the Turley area to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

On the city hall front, Tulsa continues welcoming new citizens: more than 1,500 Americans have taken their oath at City Hall within the past six years. Just yesterday, city officials concluded long-awaited repairs at several downtown intersections, smoothing commutes for hundreds who pass through each morning.

August always marks a turning point for families as school comes back in session. Tulsa police are reminding all of us to slow down in school zones, obey the flashing yellow lights, and stop when school buses extend their stop arms. Passing a stopped bus can now mean a court date and a suspended license. Fortunately, no major school-related traffic incidents have been reported this week, but every driver is urged to stay alert. Tulsa Public Schools will fully reopen in just a few days, while several neighboring districts have already started, celebrating new teachers and successful back-to-school orientations.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the spotlight lands on the Great Raft Race’s farewell float along the Arkansas River. This event from 6 to 9 tonight at River Parks East Bank features food trucks, live music, and a final community float—a chance to say goodbye to a Tulsa tradition that began fifty years ago. Kayak rentals are available; just head to the dock near 17th and Riverside. Organizers promise more river-focused events in the future, keeping our connection to the water alive.

Swings in the job market bring good news—Google just announced a nine-billion-dollar investment expanding local data centers, creating hundreds of new tech jobs over the next year. If you’re looking for something different, two new coffee shops opened downtown near Greenwood Avenue and Archer Street, with one offering mid-day music on Fridays and free Wi-Fi for students.

In real estate, home sales remain steady. Roughly 120 homes closed this week, with midsize properties around Utica Square and Brookside drawing top offers. Inventory is tight, but agents expect new listings as families settle into the school season.

Tulsa’s sports scene stays busy. Last night, Booker T. Washington’s football squad notched a win against Bixby, 28 to 24, while Union High School marked its own season kickoff with a close runner-up finish at the state softball tournament.

And now for a feel-good moment—volunteers at the Kendall-Whittier food pantry rallied yesterday to rescue hundreds of donated meals when the basement flooded. Every box made it out in time, thanks to neighbors’ quick work and support.

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