Oklahoma Mansion With Every Amenity Imaginable Seeks $17.25M
An extraordinary megamansion in Oklahoma City has hit the market for $17.25 million, fully furnished. The gated estate spans 36 acres and boasts a luxurious 19,000-square-foot main house with eight bedrooms and ten bathrooms. Additional features include a koi pond, bowling alley, billiards room, arcade, two-lane basketball court/helipad combo, and an extravagant barn equipped with bars and event spaces. This property is the city’s most expensive listing ever
Source: Oklahoma mansion with every amenity imaginable seeks $17.25M
Review: ‘Twisters’ Is an Insult to Science and the People of Oklahoma
The new disaster movie “Twisters,” filmed in Oklahoma, disappoints with its inaccurate weather science and shallow characters. The plot is predictable, the pseudo-science absurd, and the portrayal of Oklahomans insulting. Director Lee Isaac Chung’s talents seem wasted on this film that panders to stereotypes. Unlike the 1996 “Twister,” which had some charm, this sequel offers little more than frustration for those who value intelligent storytelling or accurate representation of severe weather phenomena.
Source: Review – ‘Twisters’ an insult to science, people of Oklahoma
Arvest Bank Shares Advice to Help Small Businesses Prevent Financial FraudNews
Arvest Bank in Tulsa offered advice to small businesses on preventing financial fraud, which can severely impact their operations. Business Banking Manager Andrew Marshall emphasized the importance of protecting bank accounts by keeping separate personal and business accounts. He also urged vigilance in monitoring transactions for unauthorized charges and suggested creating internal controls for spending. Additionally, staying informed about phishing scams and providing ongoing training to employees were recommended strategies to safeguard against fraud.
Source: Arvest Bank offers tips to help small businesses avoid financial fraud News
‘Something That Is Their Own’: 15 New Tiny Homes Unveiled for Those Leaving Foster Care
On Friday, organizers revealed 15 new tiny homes in Oklahoma City to support young people transitioning out of foster care. The project, funded by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and Pivot, allows residents aged 18-23 to pay affordable rent and recoup it when they move out. Designers decorated the homes for incoming occupants. Pivot now has 41 such homes, offering services like case management to help residents succeed.
Source: Something that is their own’: 15 new tiny homes unveiled for those leaving foster care
OKC Leaders Approve Pause on New Short-Term Rental Homes
Oklahoma City leaders are concerned about too many homes being used for short-term rentals through Airbnb and Vrbo. To address this, they approved a six-month moratorium on new applications for these types of rentals, aiming to limit their density and impact on neighborhoods. Current permits remain valid, but future applications will face stricter limits. This pause allows the city time to study and plan regulations better.
Source: OKC leaders approve moratorium on new short-term rental homes
Wild Oklahoma City Mega Mansion—With Everything From a Bowling Alley to a Helipad—Is Selling for $17.25 Million
A luxurious Oklahoma City home, listed for $17.25 million, boasts amenities that rival resorts and is the city’s most expensive property on the market. Spanning 36 acres with a 19,000-square-foot main house and a unique barn, it offers features like an arcade, bowling lanes, event space, basketball court/helipad combo and resort-style pool. Designed for entertaining large gatherings inspired by the owner’s travels.
Del City Steps In During OKC, OK County Jail Dispute as Health Inspections Fail
In recent court filings, Oklahoma City’s lawyers argue that the county’s lawsuit claiming sovereignty should be dismissed because it fails to state a claim for relief and lacks jurisdiction over zoning decisions. The OKC City Council had denied a permit for building the new jail at 1901 E. Grand Blvd., yet the county still purchased the land and filed suit. Del City also seeks to intervene, fearing community hazards from the proposed site while health inspections show ongoing noncompliance issues at the current Oklahoma County Jail.
Source: Del City interjects in OKC, OK County jail joust as failed health inspections mount
Oklahoma Health Leaders Promote Awareness for National Minority Mental Health Month
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and Oklahoma health leaders are focusing on issues impacting minority communities. Stephanie Roberts from the Mental Health Association Oklahoma highlighted that minorities often face a disconnect with health agencies, affecting their treatment. A 2020 study revealed non-Hispanic or multi-racial individuals struggled with mental health for over two weeks monthly. Additionally, African Americans in Oklahoma had high mental health issue rates but low healthcare insurance coverage.
Source: Oklahoma Health Leaders Raise Awareness For National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Tulsa Health Department and StopDUI Task Force to Hold Community Safety Fair – Tulsa Health Department
What are your plans for Saturday, July 27? The Tulsa Health Department and the Stop DUI Task Force are hosting Prevention and Play, a free community event at the Genesis Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families can enjoy games, music, face painting, and more while learning about substance abuse prevention and other safety tips. Immunizations will also be available to help prepare kids for school.
OKC Hospital Groups Unaffected by Global Technology Outage
Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City faced delays and cancellations Friday morning due to an IT outage. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike experienced an overnight outage, affecting various services globally but not involving a security incident or cyberattack; the issue is being resolved. Despite this, major hospital groups in OKC like Integris, OU Health, and Mercy reported no impact from the technology disruption.
Source: OKC hospital groups not impacted by worldwide technology outage
National Weather Center: A Look Inside Oklahoma’s Hub for Weather Science
The National Weather Center at the University of Oklahoma is crucial for global weather research and forecasting. This 244,000-square-foot building in Norman houses essential organizations like the National Weather Service and NOAA. The center’s strength lies in combining state, federal, and academic efforts to advance weather science. It operates a 24/7 Weather Forecast Office and Storm Prediction Center that issue vital warnings. Research institutions also study severe weather here to improve predictions worldwide.
Source: National Weather Center: Peek inside Oklahoma hub for weather science
The Science Section of the ACT Exam Will Now Be Optional
The ACT exam is making some changes starting in spring 2025. The science section will now be optional, and the test duration will decrease from three hours to two. Students can choose different versions of the test that focus on their strengths, like reading, math, English, or writing. This flexibility aims to help students do their best without feeling too tired during longer exams.
Source: The science section of the ACT exam will now be optional
Oklahoma International Dance Festival Announces Summer Intensive ProgramArts & Entertainment
This summer, the Oklahoma International Dance Festival (OIDF) is hosting free dance classes for kids aged 9 to 16 on July 20 and July 27 at OK Contemporary. From now through July 27, OIDF offers world-class training with a top-notch faculty including Austin Hartel and Robert Battle. The festival also features performances by Bruce Wood Dance Company and others on July 26-27. Scholarships are available, ensuring inclusivity for all young dancers.
Source: Oklahoma International Dance Festival unveils Summer Intensive program Arts & Entertainment
Oklahomans Say Emmy Nominations Will Help Indigenous Representation
Sterlin Harjo, a Tulsa-based writer, director, and producer, received an outpouring of texts after his show “Reservation Dogs” earned major Emmy nominations for its third and final season. The series was previously overlooked but now has nods for Outstanding Comedy Series and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Filmed in Oklahoma and co-created by Taika Waititi, the groundbreaking comedy highlights Indigenous communities’ stories authentically.
Source: Emmy nominations to aid Indigenous representation, Oklahomans say
Oklahoma Commerce to Invest $39.5 Million in Sunset at Broken Arrow Amphitheater
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is partnering with Broken Arrow and Wagoner County to invest $39.5 million in the Sunset at Broken Arrow Amphitheater. This state-of-the-art venue will host live music near Events Park, drawing 600,000 visitors annually. Mayor Debra Wimpee highlights its potential to create 600 jobs and boost local economy by $211 million yearly. Construction begins later this year for a late-2025 or early-2026 completion.
Source: Oklahoma Commerce to invest $39.5 million in Sunset at Broken Arrow Amphitheater
Oklahoma City Hospital Groups Not Affected by Global Technology Outage
Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City faced cancellations and delays Friday morning due to an IT outage. The disruption was caused by a worldwide technology issue from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which assured it wasn’t a cyberattack. Although banks, airports, hospitals, and media outlets were affected globally, major Oklahoma City hospital groups reported no impact. Long TSA lines formed as travelers tried reaching their gates amidst the chaos.
Source: OKC hospital groups not impacted by worldwide technology outage
High-Tech Ammo Vending Machines Debut in Oklahoma Stores – Guthrie News Page
Did you know that ammunition vending machines are now in grocery stores in Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma? American Rounds uses AI and facial recognition to verify buyers’ identities. Each machine sells ammo for different firearms like rifles and shotguns. Local stores requested these machines last year. The ATF approved them since they meet state laws. More states may get these machines soon as the company expands its reach.
Source: High-tech ammo vending machines debut in Oklahoma stores – Guthrie News Page
American Airlines and Tulsa Tech Team Up To Create Aviation Maintenance Talent Pipeline
On July 17, 2024, American Airlines announced a partnership with Tulsa Tech’s aviation maintenance technology program. This collaboration provides students access to over 3,000 industry mentors and guarantees interviews for top-performing students. American had previously donated an aircraft for training in 2011 and continues to support student teams in competitions. The airline also contributed various aircraft parts during the event at Tulsa Tech’s Riverside campus to aid hands-on learning.
Source: American Airlines and Tulsa Tech Partner To Develop Aviation Maintenance Talent Pipeline
The Oklahoman’s Best Workplaces: Nomination Deadline Extended to August 9
Are you looking to nominate a Top Workplace in Oklahoma? The Oklahoman is celebrating quality workplace culture for the 12th year. Any organization with at least 35 employees can be nominated, whether it’s public, private, non-profit, or even a government agency. Nominate by August 9 at oklahoman.com/nominate or call (405) 708-6151. Employees will complete a short survey to qualify their workplace for recognition in December.
Source: The Oklahoman’s Top Workplaces: Deadline to nominate extended to Aug. 9
Wakita Museum’s Director Attends ‘Twisters’ OKC Premiere
The director of the Twister The Movie Museum is thrilled about the “Twisters” sequel after attending its Oklahoma City premiere. Fans in Oklahoma are also excited, and business at the museum has surged with more visitors, including storm chasers and movie fans from around the world. Linda Wade says she’s met many enthusiastic fans, and a car show featuring storm-chasing vehicles is planned for September 23rd.
Source: Wakita museum’s director attends ‘Twisters’ OKC premiere
