
Saturday’s Tornado Damage in Oklahoma: Photos
Over the weekend, at least 17 tornadoes reportedly struck Oklahoma, leading to a state of emergency being declared for 12 counties. The severe weather resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and injured around 100 others. Residents in affected areas, including Holdenville and Morris, worked tirelessly to salvage items from their storm-damaged homes. The aftermath images show extensive damage across various locations, highlighting the storms’ devastating impact on communities statewide.
Source: Photos: Saturday’s tornado damage from Oklahoma

Forbes Advisor Ranks Oklahoma City as 2nd-Best for Small Businesses
The Oklahoma City metro area was celebrated as the second-best locale for small businesses in America by Forbes Advisor’s 2024 report, which assessed financial, safety, and workforce/customer risks across the 50 largest metros. Credited for its strong GDP growth and population increase, OKC stood out among others like Raleigh, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia. Noteworthy were its low costs for supplies (second-lowest price parity) and minor impact from retail crime ($1.39 billion versus a $4.2 billion average) and cybercrime (34 incidents per 10,000 residents), underscoring OKC’s conducive environment for small business operations.
Source: Forbes Advisor ranks Oklahoma City 2nd-best for small businesses
Most Expensive Homes in Oklahoma Cities
Homeownership, an essential investment with significant appreciation potential, faces affordability barriers as U.S. home values and mortgage rates rise. As of March, the typical U.S. home value hit $355,696—a 4.6% increase from the previous year—with a 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 7.17%, challenging many to afford new homes or relocate, exacerbating market tightness. In Oklahoma, certain cities have notably high home prices influenced by location and property traits; Stacker’s data reveals Oklahoma City leads with the most expensive homes across various metrics—highlighting the varying real estate dynamics within the state.
Source: Cities With the Most Expensive Homes in Oklahoma

Local Businesses Help Oklahoma City Woman
Alvah Boyd, once facing the demolition of her dilapidated Northeast OKC home due to years of unaddressed repairs compounded by health and life challenges, has found renewed hope. After KFOR highlighted her predicament, local businesses like Blackstar Electrical Services and Herman’s Plumbing intervened, offering crucial renovations from electrical rewiring to complete plumbing overhauls. Despite significant progress, efforts continue as Boyd’s home still requires drywall installation among other finishes. This collaboration underscores the impact of community support and Boyd’s lifelong dedication to aiding others in similar crises.
Source: Local businesses step up to help Oklahoma City woman

Tulsa Program Aids First-Time Moms in Parenthood Prep
The Tulsa Health Department’s Children First program aids first-time mothers and their families in preparing for parenthood, focusing on improving prenatal health and children’s growth. Offering free home-based services, registered nurses visit participants from pregnancy onset until the child turns two. Eligibility hinges on being a first-time mother under 29 weeks pregnant with an income below the federal poverty level. In its last reporting year, it supported 341 clients through 4,614 visits, emphasizing early intervention and connection to community resources. The program is currently seeking more nurses to expand its reach.
Source: Tulsa Health Department Program Helps First-Time Mothers Prepare For Parenthood

AG to Board: Sex Offenders Near Proposed Tulsa School Site
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has expressed concerns to the Tulsa school board about a potential location for the expanding Tulsa Transition Academy, aimed at students with significant cognitive disabilities. The proposed site, the former Ross Elementary School, is near multiple registered sex offenders, posing an unnecessary risk according to Drummond. Despite this controversy and parental concerns highlighted by Alana Kennon regarding her daughter’s safety, plans to renovate the building with $4 million for the academy’s relocation were postponed. This debate surfaces amid efforts to accommodate a growing number of special education students needing life skills development post-high school, as mandated by House Bill 1041 passed in April 2023.
Source: AG to board: Sex offenders near proposed Tulsa schools site

Ernest Childers VA Outpatient Clinic – Eastern Oklahoma Health Care
The Ernest Childers VA Outpatient Clinic in Tulsa provides various health services to veterans but does not offer emergency care. It emphasizes secure connections through .gov websites, ensuring user data is encrypted and protected. Due to COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, visitation policies are strict, allowing one caregiver for emotional support per patient with mandatory masks for all entrants. The clinic offers free transportation for eligible veterans prioritizing those with disabilities or high-risk conditions. Various health services include audiology, dental care, mental health support, and more; however, appointments are required for most services. Additionally, it supports veteran’s needs through programs like MOVE! for weight management and Whole Health focusing on personalized healthcare plans while offering comprehensive women’s health services among others.
Source: Ernest Childers Department Of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic Eastern Oklahoma Health Care

Summer Food Safety Tips – Tulsa Health Department
As Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off summer in the United States, many Americans will celebrate with cookouts, camping, road trips, and other food-involved activities. The Tulsa Health Department (THD) emphasizes the importance of preventing foodborne bacteria that thrive in warm weather from spoiling the fun. To aid in this effort, they recommend using the USDA’s “FoodKeeper” mobile app. This free tool offers specific advice on over 400 foods and drinks, including safe cooking tips for meats and seafood and how to store items to maintain freshness during hot summer days. With foodborne illnesses rising due to higher temperatures among other factors, THD advises residents on safe food handling practices for picnics or barbecues and encourages visiting FoodSafety.gov for more information on key safety measures.
Source: Summer Food Safety Tips in Advance of Summer – Tulsa Health Department

Aetna Provides Over $40K for Oklahoma Health Initiatives
In celebration of Every Kid Healthy Week, Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma announced donations totaling $42,500 to Oklahoma Cleats for Kids and the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. This funding aims to enhance youth sports participation by providing essential equipment and bolstering health and wellness initiatives across central Oklahoma. Highlighting a holistic approach to children’s well-being, these contributions support physical activity, nutrition, mental health, etc., ensuring kids have access to necessary resources for healthy living. The investments are part of Aetna’s commitment to fostering vibrant communities through supportive partnerships with organizations dedicated to empowering Oklahoma’s youth.
Source: Aetna provides more than $40K to support health initiatives in Oklahoma Drug Store News

University of Oklahoma Expands Computer Science to OU Tulsa
The University of Oklahoma is expanding its computer science program to the OU Tulsa campus in collaboration with the George Kaiser Family Foundation. This move aims to provide more opportunities for students interested in software engineering and cybersecurity. Expected to attract several hundred new students and add 20 new faculty members within six years, this expansion signifies a significant growth in educational offerings at the university’s Tulsa campus.
Source: University Of Oklahoma Expanding Computer Science Program To OU Tulsa Campus

“Tulsa King” Adds Neal McDonough for Season 2
“Tulsa King” has added Neal McDonough to its Season 2 cast on Paramount+, where he will play Cal Thresher, a formidable businessman in Tulsa. Known for his roles in numerous TV series and films, McDonough joins an ensemble that includes Sylvester Stallone among others. The show, which is set to film in Oklahoma and Atlanta, follows the story of a mafia capo trying to establish a new criminal empire after spending 25 years in prison. Despite its popularity as one of Paramount+’s most-watched series, “Tulsa King” faced controversy over allegations against Stallone creating a toxic set environment.
Source: Tulsa King’ Adds Neal McDonough as Season 2 Series Regular

Tulsa Artist Micaela Young to Release New Single
Tulsa native Micaela Young is set to release her new single “Hide Instead of Seek” on May 3, following the 2024 single “Operation Manual.” Both singles precede her EP “Liquid Prayers,” due later this summer. The song, produced at Logan Bruhn Productions in Tulsa and co-written with Bruhn, blends folk, jazz, and eclectic elements. Young describes it as a self-reflective piece on hiding emotions, likening its sound to Mediterranean food’s rich mix. She collaborates closely with producer Bruhn for all her new music. The debut will happen at Tulsa’s Mayfest on May 10.
Source: Tulsa music artist Micaela Young to release new single

Allied Arts Hosts 2024 Toy ARTini & Entertainment on May 4
Allied Arts is set to host ARTini 2024, a significant martini competition and art auction themed “Toy ARTini,” on May 4 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The event, which runs from 7 to 11 p.m., is presented by Paycom and Tito’s Handmade Vodka and aims to raise crucial funds for the arts community. It will feature unique toy-inspired martinis crafted by local restaurants, along with one-of-a-kind artworks available for bidding. Guests can also participate in a silent auction offering experiences, excursions, jewelry, and more. Co-chairs Janelle Archer and Rachel Benbrook emphasize ARTini as an essential event for young professionals and art enthusiasts that supports over one million people annually through various arts programs.
Source: Allied Arts to host 2024 martini tasting event, Toy ARTini on May 4 & Entertainment

Therapy Thursday: Free Mental Health Seminar
On Therapy Thursday, May 11th, 2023, Dr. Brenda Lloyd Jones from the University of Oklahoma highlighted her upcoming participation in a mental health seminar at Tulsa Tech. This event aims to address crucial aspects of mental well-being and provide insights into maintaining good mental health. Additionally, News on 6 offers subscribers up-to-the-minute news updates including breaking news and weather reports directly via email, keeping readers informed about important events and developments.
Source: Therapy Thursday: Free Mental Health Seminar At Tulsa Tech

Lynn Institute on Latest Vaccine Technology Developments
On February 12th, 2022, Carlos Bianco, president and CEO of the Lynn Institute in Oklahoma City metro, appeared on News 9 to share updates on vaccine trials and technological advancements. The institute plays a significant role in advancing these trials. This discussion highlights ongoing innovation in vaccine development crucial for public health updates. Interested individuals are encouraged to subscribe to News on 6 for the latest news and weather updates delivered directly to their inbox.
Source: Lynn Institute Discusses Latest Developments In Vaccine Technology

Spotlight: Travis Wilsey – Tulsa District Flood Plain Manager
Travis Wilsey serves as the Flood Plain Manager for the Tulsa District Corps of Engineers, where he manages base flood elevations, fee collections, and develops hydrologic and hydraulic studies. With a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University, his career began in hydraulics and hydrology before moving to flood plain management post-2019 flooding. Wilsey prides himself on exceptional customer service across various stakeholders and plays a key role in the Silver Jackets program to mitigate flood risks through collaborative agency efforts. He navigates complex FEMA-regulated landscapes to improve community resiliency and ease development challenges within floodplains, leveraging technology improvements for better data collection.
Source: DVIDS – News – Spotlight: Travis Wilsey – Tulsa District Flood Plain Manager