
New Census Data Show Oklahoma and OKC Grew in 2023
In 2023, Oklahoma’s population grew by about 1%, with Oklahoma City adding over 7,500 new residents and surpassing 700,000 people. OKC is now the 14th-fastest-growing city in the U.S., thanks to initiatives like MAPS 4. Tulsa saw minimal growth, but its suburbs are thriving. Bixby’s population increased by 3% and Owasso’s nearly by 5%. Lawton was the only major city in Oklahoma to lose residents.
Source: New census data show Oklahoma, OKC grew in 2023

Oklahoma City Schools: New Superintendent Dr. Jamie Polk
On May 11, 2024, Dr. Jamie C. Polk was named the new Superintendent for Oklahoma City Public Schools. She has been the acting Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education since 2019. The Board of Education voted unanimously to hire her, and she will start on July 1, 2024. Dr. Polk is known for improving school culture and academic achievement in the district and looks forward to leading OKCPS.
Source: Oklahoma City Schools: New Superintendent is experienced local administrator, Dr. Jamie Polk

Blitz Build: Habitat for Humanity Builds 6 Homes in One Day
On May 11, Habitat for Humanity held its 2024 Blitz Build in Tulsa, where local organizations built six new homes in one day. This event achieved the equivalent of four weeks’ work in just a single day. The goal was to create affordable home ownership for six families, including Erika Garcia’s family. Garcia expressed her excitement and disbelief at how quickly their future home was constructed before their eyes.
Source: BLITZ BUILD: Habitat for Humanity builds 6 homes in single day

Singh Receives 2024 OSU-Tulsa President’s Outstanding Research Award
Dr. Raj Singh, a Materials Science and Engineering Regents Professor at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa, was awarded the 2024 President’s Outstanding Research Award for his exceptional research contributions. Honored at the spring commencement on May 13th, he will serve as a faculty honor marshal in 2025. Singh’s pioneering work includes advancements in nanomaterials, fuel cells, and ceramic matrix composites widely adopted by global aerospace and defense companies.
Source: Singh recipient of the 2024 OSU-Tulsa President’s Outstanding Research Award

New Exhibit at Science Museum Oklahoma Combines Toys, Nostalgia, and Storytelling
Mitchel Wu, a professional toy photographer, is setting up his new exhibit “Out of the Toy Box” at Science Museum Oklahoma. The exhibit features nostalgic displays for adults and fun toys for kids. It opens on May 18 and will be available for about a year with no extra cost. Wu uses practical effects in his art to tell unique stories inspired by childhood favorites and personal experiences.
Source: New Science Museum Oklahoma exhibit combines toys, nostalgia, and storytelling

Outsiders House Museum on People’s Magazine Bucket List
Danny O’Connor talked with Will Rogers Middle and High School students during a 2022 visit to the Outsiders House Museum. Tommy Howell, who played Ponyboy Curtis in “The Outsiders,” gave fans a neighborhood tour before his debut album’s listening party there last year. Tulsa’s Outsiders House Museum gained travel-related publicity by being featured on People magazine’s 2024 Food & Travel Special bucket list for its fascinating memorabilia and behind-the-scenes photos.
Source: Outsiders House Museum on People’s magazine bucket list

Oklahoma City Philharmonic to Perform ‘Tosca,’ Outdoor Concert Series
In one weekend, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic will end its 2023-2024 Civic Center season with Puccini’s opera “Tosca” on May 18 and start its free outdoor concert series at Scissortail Park on May 19. The final Classics concert features Jennifer Rowley, Stephen Costello, and Alan Held. The next night’s concert includes movie music by John Williams and others. These events celebrate community access to high-quality orchestral music.
Source: Oklahoma City Philharmonic to perform ‘Tosca,’ outdoor concert series

Southwest Oklahoma City to Unveil New High-Tech Library with Unique Features
Southwest Oklahoma City will soon have a new library, the Almonte Library, opening on Wednesday. This facility includes unique features like sewing machines, 3D printers, a podcast studio, and outdoor play areas for kids. It also has desk-crib combos for working parents and book pick-up lockers accessible via an app. The city invested over $6.5 million into this project to meet community needs and reflect local cultures.
Source: Southwest Oklahoma City to unveil new high-tech library with unique features

Tulsa Woos IKEA with New Campaign for Oklahoma Store
Tulsa launched a campaign to attract IKEA, inspired by previous successful efforts that brought Trader Joe’s and Uber to the city. Local organizations like TYPros, Tulsa Remote, and PartnerTulsa are involved in this initiative. Supporters believe IKEA’s presence will boost job creation and economic growth. Scheduled events include trips to an existing IKEA store and public art installations. The campaign aims to showcase Tulsa as an ideal location for new business ventures.
Source: Tulsa woos IKEA with new campaign to add Oklahoma store

Owner of Ida Red in Tulsa Receives Oklahoma Small Business Award
Angelene Ripley Wright, owner of Ida Red in Tulsa, received the Oklahoma Small Business Person of the Year award. After starting at Ida Red when it was new and buying it in 2016, Wright has seen her store become a local staple over 16 years. She believes small businesses are key to community uniqueness and job creation and stresses the importance of supporting them with your dollars.
Source: Owner of Ida Red in Tulsa receives award for Oklahoma Small Business of the Year

Tulsa Foundation Aids Spanish-Speaking Entrepreneurs
The Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation is reviving El Programa de Lanzamiento, a program to help Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs launch food businesses. Taught entirely in Spanish, the program covers marketing, business financing, and licensing. Since 2021, it has partnered with Tulsa Economic Development Corporation and helped 46 businesses. Participants use Mother Road Market’s kitchen facilities. Applications are due May 19th, with scholarships available for tuition assistance.
Source: Tulsa Foundation Helping Spanish-Speaking Entrepreneurs Launch Food Businesses

Tulsa, OK: A Surprising Arts Hub in Middle America
Tulsa’s First Friday Arts Crawl on May 3, 2024, will bring thousands downtown to Guthrie Green for art, music, and food. Since its start in 2007, the event has revitalized Tulsa’s Arts District. Key developments like ONEOK Field (2010) and Guthrie Green (2012) have transformed the area. The Bob Dylan Center joined the Woody Guthrie Center in 2022. This arts revival draws artists nationwide through initiatives like the Tulsa Artist Fellowship.
Source: Tulsa, OK: A Surprising Arts Destination In Middle America

Oklahoma City Small Businesses Can Apply for ARPA Funds
Jeff Richards, owner of Geronimo’s Bakery in Oklahoma City, is proud of his business’s new look funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Improvements like fresh paint and a new sign helped attract customers. Oklahoma City’s Storefront Improvement Program offers businesses up to $25,000 for outdoor repairs if they qualify. This initiative boosts small businesses’ appearances and revenue while enhancing neighborhood appeal. Support local businesses!
Source: Oklahoma City’s small businesses needing repairs can apply for ARPA funds

OKC Grandma Gets Honorary Business Degree
Jordan Cowan, diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at age two, never backed down from challenges. With the support of his grandmother Wilma Hamilton, who attended all his classes and took notes for him, he graduated with a business degree from UCO. After Jordan’s passing, UCO President Todd Lamb honored Wilma with an honorary business degree for her dedication. She felt deeply honored by this recognition but saw it as simply what family does for each other.
Source: OKC Grandmother Receives Honorary Business Degree

Food, Not Drinks, Is the True Focus at Soda Pops in OKC
South OKC’s Soda Pops #1 diner excels in nostalgic decor with signs of obscure cola brands and classic ads. Despite the soda-themed name, its strength lies in a diverse menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, and traditional dinners like chicken-fried steak. Diners order at the counter but pay at their table. Recommended dishes include Twisted Tator appetizers and country chicken salad. The food is straightforward, simple, delicious, and affordable—classic diner fare done right.
Source: Food, not drinks, is the true focus at Soda Pops in OKC

Tulsa Chef Shannon Smith Seeks Hidden Places in New Cookbook
Local chef Shannon Smith has published her first cookbook, “The Hidden Table: The Recipes, People & Stories I’ve Discovered While Traveling the World.” The book features 120 recipes and stories from people she met during her travels. Each chapter focuses on a different place and culinary theme. Despite not initially wanting to write a book, Smith found inspiration in sharing these experiences and emphasizes the importance of connecting through food.
Source: Tulsa chef Shannon Smith seeks hidden places in new cookbook

TPS, Mental Health Association Oklahoma Host Fair
May is Mental Health Month, and Tulsa Public Schools partnered with Mental Health Association Oklahoma to host a fair promoting mental wellness for youth and families. Held on Guthrie Green’s lawn, the event featured over 30 vendors and screened the movie “Inside Out.” The aim was to encourage open discussions about mental health and offer resources like prevention, intervention, and crisis support. This first-time event united the community in prioritizing mental well-being.
Source: TPS, Mental Health Association Oklahoma host Mental Health Fair fox23.com

OU College of Nursing Program Aims to Fill Oklahoma Nursing Shortage
Oklahoma faces a nursing shortage, but a program in Oklahoma City aims to help. Beth Condley from OU Nursing says the field is tough emotionally and physically. To address this, OU’s nursing program increased its graduating classes by 52%, accepting all eligible applicants recently. The faculty emphasizes mental health and holistic care to improve patient treatment. Good candidates for nursing are compassionate, empathetic, and driven to help others.
Source: OU College Of Nursing Program Seeking To Fill Gaps In Oklahoma Nursing Shortage

OKC Thunder Players, Coach Donate to Kentucky Child Facing Health Issues
A Kentucky family received unexpected support from the Oklahoma City Thunder as their 3-year-old son, Nova, battles severe health issues including paralysis and a collapsed lung. Dylan Huntzinger, who hosts the Topic Thunder podcast, shared Nova’s story online. Thunder stars Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and coach Dave Bliss made generous donations. Grateful for the help, Huntzinger asks fans to pray for Nova’s recovery and hopes he will leave the hospital soon.
Source: OKC Thunder Players, Coach Donate To Kentucky Child Facing Health Issues

Oklahoma City Launches Crisis Intervention Group for Mental Health
A Crisis Intervention Advisory Group (CIAG) has formed in Oklahoma City to address the mental health crisis. They will meet quarterly to improve police practices during mental health encounters. The group will select and monitor a provider for mobile Behavioral Health Alternative Response Teams, coordinating with public safety departments for low-risk calls. CIAG was recommended in a 2022 report to modernize the police department and guide Crisis Response Teams.
Source: Oklahoma City launches crisis intervention group to address mental health