Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Friday, May 23, 2025.

Big news for Tulsa shoppers as Utica Square shopping center may soon have new ownership. Helmerich & Payne, which has owned the property since 1964, announced yesterday they're looking to transition out of the shopping center business. The iconic retail hub near 21st and Lewis opened in 1952 as Tulsa's first suburban shopping center and has become a community fixture, hosting beloved annual events like the holiday "Lights On" ceremony.

In city news, Memorial Day closures are coming up. City Hall, Municipal Court, and recreation centers will be closed this Monday, May 26. Good news though - trash collection will continue on its regular schedule, though yard waste pickup will be delayed until Tuesday. If you're planning to use public transportation, note that MetroLink Tulsa won't be operating on Monday, with regular service resuming Tuesday. Parks lovers can still enjoy Mohawk Park, Page Belcher golf courses, and the Tulsa Zoo during the holiday.

The legal community is gathering in Tulsa this week for the 2025 Race Matters Seminar at The Mayo Hotel. The event, which runs through today, focuses on addressing the intersection of race in our criminal legal system.

Development discussions continue at City Hall as budget considerations move forward. The mayor's office recently proposed $4.2 million in reductions from non-sworn budgets, eliminating 14 full-time vacant positions. The proposal aims to balance necessary cuts while maintaining essential services for residents.

Looking for weekend activities? If you missed the Tulsa International Mayfest earlier this month, there's still plenty happening around town. The Tulsa Expo Square recently hosted Girls Day Out, a popular shopping event that brought vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to home decor.

On the planning front, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission met earlier this month to review development and zoning matters affecting our neighborhoods. Decisions from these meetings shape how our city grows and develops.

For immigration news, local attorneys are challenging detention practices at the David L. Moss facility. One case has drawn attention as Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces a court deadline today to respond to an emergency petition regarding detention procedures.

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Thursday, May 22, 2025. We wake up to a day with a mix of sun and clouds. A few showers could still pop up after last night’s storms, especially in the afternoon, so keep an umbrella handy just in case you are headed out. High temperatures top out around the upper seventies, and the cooler weather should stick with us through the weekend.

Today’s breaking news centers on City Hall, where Mayor Monroe Nichols will host the final Community Conversation at 5:30 this evening at the Crossover Community Center on East 36th Street North. This is a chance for all of us to talk one-on-one with city leaders, including Councilors Vanessa Hall-Harper and Jackie Dutton, and hear about the city’s new budget and the initiatives that could impact everyday life. If you have questions about road projects, housing, or city services, this event is your best opportunity to be heard. The session was rescheduled from earlier in the week after those severe storms swept through, so city officials are hoping for a strong turnout tonight.

In real estate news, the Tulsa City Council advanced a rezoning ordinance for property at West 8th Street South and South 45th West Avenue, making way for new single-family homes in the area. This move reflects the momentum we are seeing in Tulsa’s housing market, with more than a dozen new permits issued citywide just this week, especially in West and Midtown neighborhoods. If you are looking for new opportunities, local job postings are also up by about six percent compared to last month, with healthcare and manufacturing showing the strongest growth.

Tulsa’s cultural calendar is also in full swing. This coming weekend brings the return of Mayfest downtown at East Archer Street, with live music, food trucks, and artists from across the region. This event is always a spring favorite and a great spot to bring the whole family. If you have a green thumb, Saturday morning offers the popular Backyard Passalong Plant Sale in Glenpool.

On the sports side, local high school track teams finished strong this past week, with Booker T. Washington and Union both bringing home state medals. And while we are not in Oklahoma City, we are still celebrating the news that Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named this year’s NBA Most Valuable Player, which many here say is a point of pride for all of Green Country.

Turning to crime and safety, Tulsa Police report a relatively calm 24 hours. Officers responded to a vehicle break-in near Cherry Street overnight, and one arrest was made in connection with a burglary in East Tulsa. No major injuries have been reported, but authorities remind us to keep valuables out of sight and to lock vehicles, especially with summer activities picking up.

To end on a feel-good note, volunteers from across Tulsa came together yesterday to prepare care packages for families affected by recent storms. Their efforts at the Tulsa Dream Center highlight the strong sense of community and resilience that makes our city special.

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

We wake up today in Tulsa where the weather is making headlines once again. Last night, powerful storms swept through the region, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and several tornado warnings. Hail hammered Tulsa, damaging vehicles across the city and leaving neighbors assessing dented roofs and broken windows. North and east Tulsa saw the brunt of the storm, with some flash flooding around key intersections and tree limbs scattered on arterial roads. As you plan your day, expect lingering showers early, then cloudy skies and breezy conditions as crews work to clear debris. Keep an eye on local alerts if you’re out and about, especially near downtown and along Highway 169.

The aftermath of the storms is felt in nearby communities as well. In Collinsville, a sudden tornado spin-up launched a barn onto a neighbor’s home, while in Fort Gibson, damage to homes and downed trees has prompted Fort Gibson Public Schools to cancel classes today so folks can focus on recovery. If you travel southeast, allow extra time as there are still power outages and blocked roads in Muskogee County. Tulsa Public Schools, meanwhile, is open today, but afterschool activities are canceled to keep everyone safe.

Turning to city hall, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment have both been busy this month reviewing zoning, development, and variance requests, including a notable request for a new fence on South Florence Avenue. These decisions continue to shape how our city grows and adapts, impacting things like neighborhood boundaries and business opportunities.

Speaking of business, while severe weather has slowed some activity this week, we’re still seeing movement on the job market. Local listings show just under 2,000 open positions across Tulsa, ranging from warehouse and logistics work near the Port of Catoosa to healthcare and tech jobs downtown. In real estate, the market remains tight, with roughly 1,100 homes actively listed—median prices are steady but competitive, especially near Maple Ridge and Brookside.

On the community front, music fans should note that several outdoor events this week are shifting indoors or have postponed kickoff times while organizers clean up after the storms. The Tulsa Arts District is still planning its Friday Night Live series, so check social media for updates. High school sports saw a big moment last night, with Booker T. Washington's baseball team clinching a playoff win despite the rain delays—congratulations to them and their fans.

In terms of public safety, Tulsa Police responded to several storm-related calls, mostly about property damage and power outages. There were a few break-in reports overnight on Peoria and Admiral, which police believe may be connected to power outages, but no major injuries have been reported.

Finally, a feel-good note as neighbors along Utica Avenue came together late last night to help an elderly couple clear their driveway after a large tree fell during the storm. Stories like this remind us what Tulsa spirit is all about.

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Saturday, May 17, 2025.

A stormy weekend is upon us in Green Country, with tornado watches issued for several eastern Oklahoma counties yesterday. Keep your weather alerts handy today as we're expecting continued unsettled weather with a high of 83 degrees.

Today marks the final day of the 25th annual Bixby BBQ and Blues Festival at Washington Irving Park. If you haven't been yet, head over for the people's choice BBQ contest starting at 11:30 AM. For $15, you can sample offerings from all vendors and vote for your favorite. The musical lineup today includes performances from Hydramatics, Big Train and the Loco Motives, La La Craig, and headliner Super Chikan from Memphis taking the stage at 6:30 PM.

Also happening today is the Girls Day Out event at Tulsa Expo Square from 9 AM to 5 PM. Central Park Hall will be filled with vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to home decor, making it the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe and enjoy a day out with friends.

For those looking to improve their financial knowledge, credit expert Eric Counts is hosting "Crack the Credit Code: From Personal to Business Mastery" today at 9 AM. This all-day workshop will cover both personal and business credit strategies, particularly valuable for real estate investors and entrepreneurs.

In city news, the Tulsa City Council recently reviewed the city's fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal, which includes $4.2 million in reductions from non-sworn budgets and eliminates 14 full-time vacant positions. The budget also allocates funds for housing initiatives, including a Housing Grant Fund and Housing Investment Fund.

On the public safety front, Tulsa police arrested two men following an attempted apartment break-in early yesterday morning. Meanwhile, local schools briefly went into lockdown yesterday after reports of nearby gunfire, but operations have since returned to normal.

In business news, improvements are underway at the Wagoner animal shelter following a recent video controversy that raised concerns about conditions there.

Looking ahead to next week, the Black Wall Street Motorcycle Rally continues through Sunday, and Tulsa International Mayfest wrapped up earlier this week after drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors downtown for arts, music, and festival food.

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Friday, May 16, 2025.

Today marks an exciting milestone for boxing enthusiasts as the inaugural eGoldenGloves National Championship kicks off at the Arvest Convention Center, running alongside the 102nd annual National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions. This first-of-its-kind event allows virtual reality boxers to compete for recognition in the Golden Gloves of America archives. The action begins at 5 p.m., with competitors battling for national championship belts, medals, and cash prizes.

In city news, the Tulsa City Council is preparing for their upcoming meeting where they'll continue discussions on the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget and Capital Plan recently presented by the Mayor. The council is also reviewing the annual assessment roll for Kendall Whittier Improvement District, with a public hearing scheduled for June 11.

Our congressional representatives have been making headlines this week. In a rare joint interview on Wednesday, Oklahoma's all-Republican delegation shared their thoughts on President Trump's second term policies, with Senator Markwayne Mullin highlighting opportunities to "make some real big differences in the country right now."

Public safety alert: Tulsa Police are investigating reports of gunfire that briefly put local schools on lockdown yesterday. Schools have since resumed normal operations. Additionally, a Tulsa man was arrested after allegedly stabbing an officer in the face, according to reports from local authorities.

Looking at events around town, the Tulsa International Mayfest wrapped up earlier this week, bringing arts, music, and festival food to downtown. For those looking for weekend activities, Girls Day Out takes place tomorrow at Central Park Hall in the Tulsa Expo Square from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's a perfect opportunity to shop for everything from handmade jewelry to home decor while socializing with friends.

Also continuing through today at the Philbrook Museum of Art is the "Stay Gold Session: Botanical Illustrations" workshop, which has been running since May 1.

In transportation news, travelers should be aware that a semi-truck crash on Tuesday caused significant delays on the Will Rogers Turnpike when it collided with a toll sign. The incident required hours of cleanup and repairs.

For anyone heading out today, expect warm temperatures reaching into the high 80s with similar conditions continuing into tomorrow, though we'll see a slight cooling on Saturday with highs around 84.

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Thursday, May 15, 2025.

We begin today with a burst of excitement on Greenwood Avenue as the fourth annual Black Wall Street Rally rolls into Tulsa. Downtown is buzzing as motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country gather for this multi-day celebration of history, culture, and community. Today’s kickoff includes a citywide meet and greet at Mother Road Market from three to seven and a comedy show tonight on Reconciliation Way. Over the next couple of days, expect everything from live Top 40 and jazz to Southern soul, motorcycle demo rides, and the headlining Zapp Band concert at BMX Stadium Saturday night. The event showcases not just Tulsa’s vibrant Black heritage but also supports dozens of local vendors and brings an economic boost to nearby businesses, restaurants, and hotels.

Weather-wise, we’re looking at a warm, breezy day with morning sunshine and a chance for clouds by afternoon. Keep an umbrella handy just in case, but outdoor events should stay mostly dry until late tonight. Weekend temps hold steady in the mid-80s, perfect for festival season.

From City Hall, we’re watching the first readings of several zoning changes, including a new residential development near West 8th Street and South 45th West Avenue. City planners say the project could bring dozens of single-family homes to the area, a welcome addition as Tulsa’s housing demand continues to climb. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the June 11 public hearing on the Kendall Whittier Improvement District assessment roll, which will impact property owners along that corridor.

Tulsa’s job market remains steady, with local employers posting nearly two thousand openings this week, ranging from health care to hospitality. The revitalized downtown continues to attract new investment, and our city recently ranked seventeenth on WalletHub’s list of best summer getaway spots, praised for affordability, the Gathering Place, and our unique arts scene.

On the business front, we’re seeing a few new shop openings clustered around Cherry Street and the Pearl District, plus a wave of local vendors setting up for Girls Day Out at Expo Square this Saturday. This shopping fair promises everything from handmade jewelry to home décor, and it’s a great chance to support Tulsa makers.

Turning to sports, Tulsa high school students made headlines this week with Booker T. Washington’s soccer team advancing to state semifinals. Over at LaFortune Park, students and alumni are teeing off in the TU Catholic annual golf scramble, raising funds for college ministry programs.

For public safety, Tulsa Police are investigating a road rage incident that ended in tragedy on a busy stretch of Memorial Drive yesterday. Officers urge anyone with dashcam footage or details to come forward as the investigation continues. Otherwise, no major incidents overnight, and police presence remains high downtown for this weekend’s festivities.

And finally, our feel-good story comes from Greenwood, where volunteers, elders, and teens teamed up last night to launch a mural project honoring Black Wall Street’s legacy, adding new color and hope to the district.

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Tragedy struck downtown Tulsa last week when what began as a fight escalated into gunfire near East Second Street and South Elgin Avenue. One person died and at least five others were injured in the incident. Mayor Monroe Nichols assured residents that downtown safety remains a priority, stating this appears to have been an isolated incident between two groups. Police are continuing their investigation and seeking surveillance footage from area businesses.

On a brighter note, downtown Tulsa was filled with art and music this past weekend as the annual Tulsa International Mayfest wrapped up on Sunday. The festival, which ran from May 9th through 11th, attracted thousands of visitors who enjoyed visual arts, dance performances, music, and festival food at the event centered around 101 East Archer Street.

In sports news, Oklahoma City Thunder fans are gearing up for Game 2 against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight. The pre-game press conference earlier today has basketball enthusiasts across Tulsa buzzing with excitement.

The business community is welcoming SparkLMS to town as they showcase their loan management solutions at the OLA Tribal Lending Conference happening today through Thursday at the Tulsa Convention Center.

At City Hall, the Council is preparing for budget discussions following March's retreat between the Mayor's Office and Council staff. The proposed 2025-2026 fiscal year budget includes potential department reorganization and amendments regarding the Office of Children, Youth, and Families.

For those seeking support resources, remember that the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance hosts their weekly meeting tonight at 6:30 PM, providing valuable community connection for those affected by mood disorders.

A somber gathering took place recently at B.C. Franklin Park, where loved ones held a vigil for victims of a recent Tulsa crash, bringing the community together in a show of support during difficult times.

Looking ahead to this weekend, don't miss Girls Day Out on Saturday at Tulsa Expo Square, where Central Park Hall will be filled with vendors selling everything from jewelry to home decor from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Today's weather looks pleasant with temperatures reaching into the mid-80s under partly cloudy skies—perfect for enjoying outdoor activities around town. We can expect even warmer temperatures tomorrow with highs in the low 90s.

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Tulsa's signature spring festival is in full swing this weekend. Mayfest 2025, now in its 52nd year, returns to the Tulsa Arts District with a special "Stay Gold" theme paying homage to S.E. Hinton's iconic novel, The Outsiders. The free festival features over 150 vendors and 75 live performances. Festival hours today are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This morning kicked off with the inaugural Mayfit 5K race, which started at 8 a.m., benefiting The Outsiders House Museum. The collaboration between Mayfest, The Outsiders House Museum, and Fleet Feet Tulsa takes runners through the heart of the Arts District. Additional fitness and wellness events are scheduled throughout the day following the race.

Downtown visitors should note several road closures in effect around the festival area. Security has been heightened following a recent downtown incident, with the University of Tulsa partnering with Tulsa Police to ensure safety. Parking is limited, so festival organizers recommend checking the Mayfest website for parking options and maps.

In other events happening today, the Tulsa Oddities & Curiosities Expo runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tulsa Expo Square. Garden enthusiasts can head to Glenpool for the 7th Annual Backyard Passalong Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to noon. Tonight, The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show takes place at Hilton Garden Inn in Broken Arrow at 6 p.m.

At City Hall, officials are preparing for budget discussions. The Mayor's presentation of the City of Tulsa Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget and Capital Plan is upcoming, with several committee meetings having recently addressed budget impacts and proposed amendments. The Council also recently discussed the allocation of nearly $2 million in grant revenues for Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiatives.

It's a beautiful spring day to enjoy all these events, with clear skies and temperatures expected to reach the mid-70s by afternoon – perfect weather for exploring Mayfest or joining in the outdoor activities around town.

For families with children, Mayfest's Kids' World offers free face painting, balloon art, arts and crafts, live music, bubbles, and inflatables – making it an ideal weekend destination for all ages.

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Friday, May 9, 2025.

We wake up to blue skies and mild temps in the metro this morning. Highs are set to reach the mid-70s, making it perfect weather for all the action happening downtown today. It’s a big day for Tulsa with Mayfest kicking off in the Tulsa Arts District. Our city’s spring signature festival runs today through Sunday, with this year’s theme “Stay Gold” paying homage to S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, a true Tulsa legacy. Mayfest is free and always a crowd favorite, so we expect plenty of folks out enjoying the art, music, and food along Archer and Main. Watch for road closures around 101 East Archer and keep an eye out for the new Mayfit 5K and 1K fun run tomorrow morning, supporting The Outsiders House Museum. If you’re coming down, plan for parking and take advantage of public transit or rideshare when you can.

In other happenings, gardeners and plant lovers can stop by the 7th Annual Backyard Passalong Plant Sale in Glenpool this afternoon from 1 to 4. That’s at 1038 East 133rd Street. Tonight, for something different, The Dinner Detective Mystery Show pops up at the Hilton Garden Inn in Broken Arrow. The show runs six to nine and includes dinner and interactive fun.

Turning to city hall, the council recently advanced a $40 million bond for city water and public works improvements, and approved nearly $2 million in new grants for local violence intervention efforts. A zoning change for residential development near West 8th Street and South 45th West Avenue is also moving forward, which may soon bring new single-family homes to that area. Meanwhile, plans for more downtown farmers markets are back on the agenda, aiming to boost local shopping options and community events.

In jobs and real estate, Tulsa’s unemployment rate remains stable, hovering around four percent as of this week. The spring housing market is seeing a modest uptick in home listings, with about 1,200 homes currently for sale across the county and median prices just over two hundred thousand dollars. Several local businesses are hiring ahead of busy summer months, especially in hospitality, tech, and logistics.

School pride shines as Booker T. Washington’s track and field team captured state titles in the 4x400 relay, and several local high school students have been named National Merit Scholars. Congratulations to all our students and educators finishing the year strong.

On the public safety front, Tulsa police reported a car burglary spree overnight near Utica Square with several vehicles broken into, but no injuries. Extra patrols are in the area, so please remember to lock up and remove valuables. No major violent incidents have been reported in the past 24 hours, and authorities remind us to stay aware, especially with crowds expected downtown for Mayfest.

Finally, a feel-good note: volunteers from Kendall-Whittier are planting new community gardens this weekend, bringing neighbors together to beautify our streets and share fresh produce this summer.

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Thursday, May 8, 2025.

We begin with breaking news from East Tulsa where three people were hospitalized following a two-vehicle rollover crash that occurred early Wednesday at 61st and Mingo. Fortunately, all injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening. The incident snarled traffic in the area for several hours as emergency crews worked to clear the scene.

At City Hall, the Tulsa City Council is preparing for upcoming budget discussions following their March meeting where they reviewed a proposed authorization of nearly $40 million in revenue bonds for capital improvement projects. Council members are also considering amendments regarding the Office of Children, Youth, and Families, which could impact community services in the coming fiscal year.

The weather in Tulsa today calls for partly cloudy skies with a high of 67 degrees. We're seeing a warming trend with temperatures expected to reach 71 tomorrow and 73 by the weekend. While we're enjoying dry conditions today, the National Weather Service warns that heavy rainfall is affecting the Gulf Coast region through Friday.

Our community continues to mourn the loss of beloved basketball coach Wayne Walls, who was tragically killed in a collision in Kansas. The passing maneuver that led to the accident has been under investigation. A candlelight vigil is planned for the students and coaches lost in this heartbreaking crash.

Looking ahead to community events, Guthrie Green has activities planned throughout May at their downtown location at 111 East Reconciliation Way. ONEOK Field is hosting various events all month long, and Night Light Tulsa continues its weekly gatherings today and throughout the month.

For those interested in development matters, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission held its meeting yesterday, reviewing comprehensive plan amendments affecting areas along US Highway 75 in both North and South Tulsa County.

In state government news, Representative Charles McCall has been elected as the new Speaker of the Oklahoma House, making history as the youngest House speaker in Oklahoma state history at just 30 years old. The 60th legislature will convene on Monday, February 3, 2025, for its first regular session.

On the education front, Oklahoma public schools will soon implement a bell-to-bell cell phone ban, affecting all students in Tulsa and across the state. This policy aims to reduce distractions and improve focus in the classroom.

This has been Tulsa Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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