Tulsa Local Pulse

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

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Friday, August fifteenth.

We start today with breaking news from north Tulsa. Deputies arrested twenty-four-year-old Jovohn Kadavion Blanke yesterday after a shooting along East Sixty-Seventh Street North. The incident happened late morning with two victims—one man found shot in a yard, his condition still unknown, and another man whose car was hit and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The sheriff’s office acted quickly and charges have been filed for shooting with intent to kill and assault with a deadly weapon. While Tulsa police say violent crime is actually down compared to last year, we're still advised to stay alert. Tulsa is on track for fewer than last year’s homicides, with twenty-nine so far, and the department notes nearly all cases are solved due to strong community involvement.

City hall updates now: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission approved a new measure allowing state and city officials to use campaign funds for basic home security, like cameras and cyber protection, reflecting ongoing safety concerns for public figures. Meanwhile, Tulsa continues its effort to comply with the Supreme Court ruling on tribal jurisdiction. The city has now dismissed over four hundred cases, shifting them to tribal courts, and reaffirmed its commitment to fair legal procedures.

The weather is starting out clear this morning and we’ll push up to a very hot ninety-eight degrees around downtown and the river. Expect another scorcher tomorrow and little chance of rain—if you’re headed out to any festivals or the Drillers game at ONEOK Field, pack extra water and watch out for heat advisories, especially by mid-afternoon.

On the job market, Google’s latest announcement stands out. The tech giant is investing about nine billion dollars to expand its Oklahoma data centers, promising hundreds of new jobs across Tulsa and surrounding counties in the coming year. Real estate is still active: median home prices downtown hover near two hundred eighty thousand dollars, a slight uptick from July, with demand steady for single-family homes around Utica Square and Brookside. There are several open houses scheduled this weekend, and agents report brisk sales for properties near the Gathering Place.

For new business activity, listeners may have noticed the soft opening of Loft Wellness Spa on Cherry Street. This new spot is drawing wellness-seekers from all over Tulsa with its blend of high-end spa services and personalized nutrition plans. On the flip side, the Oak Tree Bakery in Midtown closes this weekend after a decade of sweet treats—owners cite higher ingredient costs and plan to focus on catering.

Local schools shine this week: Booker T. Washington’s debate team won top honors at the state summer invitational, and Jenks High School’s football team clinched a preseason victory over Owasso, energizing the sports scene heading into fall.

Community events include Sunday’s Osage Prairie Trail restoration voluntee

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Thursday, August 14, 2025.

We start with breaking news out of Tulsa County. The resignation of the Emergency Management director, Joe Kralicek, has been officially accepted by the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners after his arrest on child pornography charges. Tony Roda, who has served as the deputy director for the past seven years and played a critical role during the 2019 floods and the 2023 storms, steps in as interim director. City officials assure us that public safety remains their top priority, and the search is on for a permanent executive director, with Mayor Monroe Nichols and the Commissioners promising a thorough process to restore trust.

In other city hall news, Mayor Nichols is pushing forward with a major initiative aimed at reducing homelessness in Tulsa. The city plans to transition around 300 people from the streets and shelters into long-term housing, hoping to cut unsheltered homelessness by about sixty percent. The city council is scheduled to take action on this proposal next week, and this could mark a significant shift in how Tulsa addresses homelessness.

Turning to the weather, after a mild start this morning, we're headed toward a high near 95 degrees this afternoon. Humidity will push the heat index over 100, so if you are planning any outdoor activities near River Parks or along Brookside, make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. Looking ahead, hot temperatures will stick around through the weekend, with highs near the upper 90s and heat advisories likely. Not much relief from rain is expected, so water your gardens and watch out for heat-sensitive neighbors.

On the job front, Tulsa continues to show resilience. Local listings remain steady, with several hundred positions available in healthcare, education, and logistics, especially in the industrial district near Pine and Sheridan. Tulsa Public Schools has made progress hiring teachers and staff, reducing job vacancies compared to last year. That means a smoother start for students when classes resume next week.

The real estate market in Tulsa is holding steady, particularly in the Midtown and South Tulsa areas. Average home prices remain just under three hundred thousand dollars, with homes near Woodward Park seeing quick sales.

For our cultural calendar, tonight the Guthrie Green will host another installment of their free summer music series, featuring Tulsa’s own Red Dirt Ramblers. On Saturday, the Tulsa Arts District throws open its doors for the third annual Black Wall Street Festival, celebrating history, art, and music with food trucks and family activities.

In sports, the Drillers came out on top in a close win last night at ONEOK Field, and local high school football teams are wrapping up preseason scrimmages. On the education front, Edison High just received a state-level award for STEM achievement, bringing pride to students and staff alike.

On the business beat, Main Street welcomes a

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Sunday, August tenth, twenty-twenty-five.

We begin today reflecting on the legacy of Detective John Brown, a fixture in Tulsa law enforcement for thirty-five years and known nationwide for his work on the First 48. Detective Brown, who sadly passed away this week after a long fight with cancer, was laid to rest yesterday at Church on the Move. The outpouring of respect from colleagues, family, and community members has been extraordinary. His dedication shaped how justice is done in our city and leaves a strong example for the next generation of officers.

Turning now to other developments, public safety remains front and center. The Tulsa Police Department is ramping up their presence at the downtown Denver Avenue bus station, which has become a hotspot for crime over the past month. More than one hundred and twenty calls for service have come from that area, with substance abuse and vulnerability among the city’s homeless population playing significant roles. Officers have added bicycle patrols and are prioritizing the most serious calls first. The good news is that citywide, homicide rates are down twenty percent since twenty-twenty-one, according to TPD’s Captain Meulenberg. Still, if you’re downtown, especially near Denver and Archer, please be extra cautious.

The weather this Sunday starts clear and warm, with temperatures already in the low eighties and a high expected near ninety-eight. If you have outdoor plans, prepare for heat and plenty of sun with minimal chance of rain. The heat continues through Monday, with nothing cooler until midweek. For those thinking about a river outing, water levels at the Arkansas River are steady, but be careful of currents if you plan to get out on the water.

In city government, the biggest headlines come from the state level today. Thousands are expected to rally at the State Capitol this afternoon, calling for the impeachment of Oklahoma’s superintendent over our state’s ongoing challenges in education. Many local teachers and parents will participate, spotlighting how statewide education policy shapes classroom life right here in Tulsa.

On the real estate and jobs front, Tulsa’s summer market stays hot but competitive. Home inventory in the city core is down about ten percent from last July, making for fast-moving sales, especially around Brookside and midtown. Unemployment stands at just under four percent, and local employers are actively recruiting for roles in healthcare, logistics, and tech, so keep an eye out if you’re searching for your next step.

If you are a music fan, KC and the Sunshine Band is coming to Tulsa, and tickets are up for grabs. News 9 is giving listeners a chance to win two tickets, so don’t miss your shot to dance to those classics live before the contest closes this week.

We are also seeing back-to-school events gearing up. The Central Library hosts its Back-to-Home School Reunion this Wednesday, with activities for all ages a

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Saturday, August 9, 2025. We hope you are enjoying this sunny start to the weekend, with temperatures already climbing through the low eighties as we kick things off. Expect a hot day ahead—our high will approach ninety-nine degrees, so if you’re heading out, grab your water bottles and take it easy if you plan on being outside later this afternoon. The heat continues into tomorrow, staying near one hundred, but a possible breeze Sunday evening may bring some slight relief.

We begin this morning with major headlines from North Tulsa, where the City has seized nine dogs from a home that’s drawn repeated complaints from neighbors after a pack of pit bulls were seen openly mating in their gated yard. Despite recent action and two citations to the owner for violating spay and neuter laws, puppies have been spotted once again at the property. The city is investigating possible ongoing violations. Mayor Monroe Nichols has announced stricter fines will be imposed for failure to comply with new pet ordinances, aiming to address Tulsa’s expanding issue with pet overpopulation.

Turning now to City Hall, the Tulsa City Council is considering a four point three million dollar proposal called Safe Move. This initiative would address homelessness by relocating people to safer, purpose-built shelters and increasing downtown outreach. In related developments, the city, along with Oklahoma City, is moving forward with so-called hostile architecture—features designed to keep encampments away from certain public spaces. Community advocates have raised concerns; city officials say the need to balance public safety with compassion is at the heart of new policies.

In real estate, the market remains active but inventory is tight. Median home prices in Tulsa remain near three hundred thousand dollars, with job openings in construction, health care, and hospitality holding steady at around six thousand current postings citywide.

There’s a cultural buzz downtown as the Oklahoma Comic Con opens today at the Arvest Convention Center. Pop culture fans can meet actors like Sean Astin and Vicki Lawrence, as well as voice actors and wrestlers from across the country. The event runs today and tomorrow and provides a great way for families to escape the heat indoors.

For families with students, Blended and Brewed on Peoria Avenue is hosting a back to school bash today. The first five visitors to order coffee this morning get their drinks for free, and there are giveaways for kids who stop by—a sweet way to ease into the new school year.

Our local schools are gearing up for fall sports, and congratulations are due to several Tulsa area youth baseball teams that wrapped up solid summer seasons. Parents have raised concerns over mold at Sequoyah Middle School. The district is responding quickly and expects thorough cleaning before classes resume.

In crime news, Tulsa Police continue to investigate several recent incidents in North T

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Saturday, August 9, 2025.

We start with breaking news from North Tulsa, where the city has seized nine pit bulls from a home after concerns about repeated breeding and noisy conditions. City officials say the owners, who had already been cited twice for not complying with spay and neuter rules, are once again suspected of exceeding the legal limit, with puppies roaming the yard. Animal control promises another visit and Mayor Monroe Nichols is pushing for tougher fines to address the city’s pet overpopulation problem.

Today’s weather shapes much of our local story. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning as heat index values shoot as high as 112. Please listen closely if you plan to be outside—temperatures will top out near 100 degrees, and outdoor workers, athletes, and festivalgoers need to hydrate and take plenty of breaks. We can expect south winds making things feel even hotter, with some energetic gusts this afternoon. This heat will stick with us well into the weekend, so take it seriously, especially if you are headed outdoors for local events.

Now, turning to the Kendall Whittier neighborhood, construction gets going this month on a two point one million dollar project to replace water lines and revamp the busy East Admiral and Lewis intersection. The city says the area will remain open, but traffic could be tricky for the next few months. Despite the mess, the Tulsa Farmers’ Market on East Admiral isn’t going anywhere. Organizers have added new parking maps and improved traffic flow to keep shoppers visiting all seventy vendors each Saturday. The popular online ordering and midweek Wednesday market are sticking around through the summer.

In downtown Tulsa, the Arvest Convention Center is buzzing today as Oklahoma Comic Con kicks off. It is a two-day celebration with celebrity guests, comic book legends, vendors, and cosplay contests. Doors open at 10 this morning and the event runs through 6 tonight, so expect extra foot traffic and costumes around Civic Center.

Saturday evening brings the Global Gatherings World Festival to the QuikTrip Great Lawn at Gathering Place. From four to ten tonight, Tulsa puts on a celebration of international music, food, and art, inviting families and visitors to enjoy the best of global culture by the river.

On the sports front, the Tulsa men’s soccer team hosts SMU tonight at Hurricane Soccer Stadium for their second home exhibition match of the preseason. After Wednesday’s five to nothing win over Southwestern Christian, the Golden Hurricane look to keep up the momentum. Fans can grab game-worn gear at the stadium with all proceeds going to support UTulsa athletes.

In local education, several TPS schools have earned recognition for their summer STEM programs, giving students hands-on opportunities in robotics and coding. Shout-out to the volunteer mentors making these programs possible.

In business news, there are continued conve

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Friday, August eighth. We’re waking up to clear skies and a stretch of summer heat, with temperatures already in the mid-eighties and expected to hit ninety-nine by late afternoon. If you’re planning to be outside, especially near Gathering Place or Riverside, definitely pack water and sunscreen. We’re headed for triple digits tomorrow too.

Let’s start with breaking news from city hall. Tulsa City Council is debating a big proposal to address homelessness downtown with the Safe Move initiative. The city wants to spend six million dollars to get about three hundred people into permanent housing over the next year. Leaders say the goal is long-term stability and to clear downtown encampments, but some councilors are questioning how quickly the city can connect people to support services.

Meanwhile, the downtown nine p.m. curfew that’s been in effect since June continues to make an impact. Police say they’re seeing smaller crowds inside the Inner Dispersal Loop late at night, fewer rowdy gatherings, and more officers now available to handle other crimes citywide. Only ten curfew-related tickets have been written so far, and business owners report no drop in traffic. Still, there’s concern about whether the curfew is shifting problems to other neighborhoods. The city council may extend the curfew past its October expiration depending on results.

On the crime front, public safety is a major topic after an emergency management director was arrested on allegations of child pornography. Separately, a Tulsa man filed a lawsuit after a police K9 attacked him while he was reporting gunshots near his home on North Utica Avenue. He’s seeking one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars in damages, citing permanent injuries and significant medical costs. Police confirmed the shooting call that night but haven’t commented directly on the lawsuit yet.

Business news is headlined by a planned four billion dollar aluminum plant at Tulsa Port of Inola, with the Tulsa Ports director calling the project a potential game-changer for job growth and shipping in our region. This week, Miami Regional Airport opened a new terminal, a good sign for regional travel and local hospitality businesses.

In real estate, we’re still feeling the effects of out-of-state landlords buying up properties across Tulsa, sometimes pushing out long-term residents. Eviction rates remain high, and a local law school is stepping up its efforts to help tenants know their rights.

On the job market front, city officials point to the aluminum plant announcement as a sign of future hiring, with an estimated two hundred new regional jobs expected by late next year.

For our schools, parents are raising concerns about mold found at Sequoyah Middle School ahead of next week’s first day of class. The district says remediation is underway, hoping to finish before students return.

Sports fans should circle tonight’s Tulsa women’s soccer exhibition at Hurrica

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Thursday, August 7th, 2025. We are starting off today with a major development from city hall. Tulsa leaders are pushing forward with the Safe Move Tulsa initiative, a proposed six million dollar investment aimed at rehousing at least 300 unhoused Tulsans over the next year. Leaders hope that by getting more folks off the streets and into stable housing, they can set people on a path toward long-term independence. City Council is set to vote on this plan August twentieth, and advocates are watching closely, as the plan includes tailored support and a full year’s rent for participants. The city says the goal is to keep people housed and prevent returns to homelessness, a point Mayor Monroe Nichols emphasized during this week’s public works meeting.

Meanwhile, the real estate scene in Tulsa is in the headlines. Yesterday, the Planning Commission approved a new rezoning request for a nearly ten-acre property at 101st and Florence, right across from Jenks Middle School. The area was initially set for offices and single-family homes, but now the restriction on apartment buildings has been lifted. Some neighbors are concerned about future multi-family developments, and the issue will return to City Council for more debate in about a month. For now, developers and residents alike are awaiting the city’s final verdict.

If you are heading out today, be prepared for another scorcher. Expect fair skies and highs around ninety-eight, cooling only slightly tonight. The heat continues into the weekend, so take precautions, especially if you are out at any events.

On the cultural front, tonight at the Tulsa Botanic Garden, the August Florigami lineup continues. The Wild Oklahoma event kicks off at six, featuring special animal guests from the Tulsa Zoo. It is a great chance to explore native wildlife and enjoy summer in the gardens. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame renovation is drawing music lovers to Muskogee, promising a fresh spotlight on Tulsa’s musical roots.

School storylines are beginning as well, with parents raising concerns over reports of mold at Sequoyah Middle School as families and staff prepare for the upcoming year. Still, area schools are celebrating baseball and softball tournament wins, and students are gearing up for another season of Friday night lights.

In local crime news, Tulsa police recently arrested a man linked to a string of peeping tom incidents at the Hobby Lobby store on South Memorial Drive. In a separate incident, officers used stopsticks to end a pursuit with a driver who had evaded police twice in a single day. These arrests offer some relief and a reminder for all of us to keep an eye out and stay aware.

For job hunters, the local market remains tight, with affordable housing developments and public programs in the works, but many like those at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope say more jobs and accessible opportunities are still needed.

On a feel-good note, Tul

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Sunday, August 3rd. A lot is happening in Tulsa, so let’s get right to the stories shaping our community today.

There’s breaking news this morning as fire crews responded overnight to a house fire in west Tulsa, leaving a firefighter and two others injured. Officials remind us to be especially careful as the heat persists, making fires more dangerous and complicating recovery for everyone involved. And speaking of the heat, we start our day partly cloudy and mild in the low seventies. Expect temperatures to climb to the mid-eighties with just a light breeze, so if you’re planning to be outside — especially for sports or outdoor events — bring plenty of water. The heat is expected to linger through early next week, touching the nineties by Tuesday, according to KTUL’s forecast.

Turning now to city hall, the Haikey Creek bridge project finally kicks off this week after months of frustrated commutes. City officials in Bixby say the much-needed repairs should ease traffic and boost safety for drivers. Meanwhile downtown, residents have been raising questions about large boulders placed on sidewalks near 4th Street. The city says it’s all part of a long-planned sidewalk improvement project, but the timing has drawn attention, especially amid ongoing challenges with homelessness in the area, as KTUL reports.

In real estate, rental uncertainty is front and center as the Tulsa Housing Authority, facing fresh federal funding cuts, says it can no longer cover rent increases for Section 8 tenants. This has left dozens of families at places like Gable Hills Apartments suddenly facing steep rent hikes — often three to four hundred dollars a month. Some have already received eviction notices, with many scrambling to find a place they can afford. The Authority hopes limiting rent growth will keep more families in their homes, but options are tightening and anxiety is running high among Tulsa’s most vulnerable, as News On 6 details.

On the jobs front, many local businesses are working to adjust after a busy summer, though the ongoing school bus driver shortage has union public schools bringing in outside help to streamline bus routes before students head back to class. Meanwhile, Rucker Lamps assures customers they are still serving Tulsa from their new Midtown location, despite a temporary slowdown during their big move.

Here’s a quick community alert: Enrollment for Tulsa’s EMSAcare ambulance coverage is open through August, letting residents opt in or out of emergency ride coverage for a small monthly fee. It’s a good time to double-check your enrollment if you want to avoid unexpected ambulance bills later in the year.

In crime and public safety, Tulsa police made a significant break in the long-unsolved 2019 homicide case, arresting a key suspect after new evidence surfaced. In a separate and troubling case, a former St Francis Hospital employee faces charges for allegedly assaulting a brain-injured patient

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Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Saturday, August 2nd, 2025.

We wake up to a cooler-than-average August morning, thanks to scattered showers lingering near the city. After several weeks of medical heat alerts, we finally get a break today, with highs near 88 and lows in the low 70s, according to KTUL. That cooler air should make all of today’s outdoor plans more comfortable, though we’ll want to keep an umbrella handy for occasional showers.

The top story from City Hall this morning centers on those boulders recently placed on the downtown sidewalk near the main bus stop. Mayor Monroe Nichols hosted a public meeting yesterday, listening to community feedback about the decision. Some residents voiced concerns about accessibility, while others pointed to the city’s effort to address loitering and improve public safety. The dialogue is ongoing, and the mayor’s office says more changes could be coming once feedback is reviewed.

Turning to public safety, Tulsa Police made progress in an ongoing investigation by arresting a third suspect connected to the Juneteenth shooting, which left one dead and seven injured. Officers continue to call for community cooperation as the investigation moves forward. In another case from the past 24 hours, KJRH reports a local woman was reunited with her missing puppy after it was stolen from her backyard. Police officers were able to track down the suspect and safely return the dog, offering a small piece of good news amid a tough week for public safety.

For those planning their weekend, the Tulsa Arts District is hopping tonight with the First Friday Art Crawl stretching from 6 to 9 p.m. Highlights include new exhibitions at 108 Contemporary and the Oklahoma Center for the Humanities, along with locally made jewelry and live performances. Shops and restaurants will be open late, making it a perfect night to explore downtown. Circle Cinema is also back with its annual Cat Video Festival this afternoon at 3, with all proceeds benefiting local animal shelters.

Nature lovers can take advantage of the break in the heat by heading to the Tulsa Botanic Garden this evening for their Florigami Summer Nights event, where the gardens are open until 8 with food, drinks, and large-scale origami art tucked among the blooms.

In sports, FC Tulsa delivered a thrilling 3-2 victory over Loudoun United last night at ONEOK Field, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The team remains squarely in the USL playoff picture, much to the delight of local fans.

On the real estate and jobs front, KTUL reports steady activity, with around 1,400 new job listings this week, especially in healthcare and manufacturing. The real estate market continues to sizzle, with average home sale prices just over three hundred thousand dollars, and a modest uptick in new listings compared to last week.

Finally, congratulations go out to several Tulsa high school students who earned state honors in STEM competitions this week. Their achievements se

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