Oklahoma Tribes Pay $202 Million in Gaming Exclusivity Fees
Did you know Oklahoma tribes paid the state over $200 million in gaming exclusivity fees for fiscal year 2023? This amount, detailed in the Oklahoma Gaming Compliance Unit Annual Report, came from monthly payments based on their Class III game revenues. The total earnings from these games reached $3.34 billion. Remarkably, this payment represents a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year’s figures.
Source: Oklahoma tribes pay $202 million in gaming exclusivity fees
Ryan Walters’ Agency Updates Federal Funding Announcements
Have you ever had to wait a long time for something, only to have it change at the last minute? Oklahoma school districts recently experienced this when federal funding notices were revised just days after being released. Many Tulsa-area schools saw their expected funds drop significantly. For instance, Tulsa Public Schools initially thought they would get $23.7 million in Title I funds but later found out it was reduced by $3.65 million to $20.046 million
Source: Ryan Walters’ agency revises federal funding notices
COVID-19 Cases Surge in Tulsa, but Health Officials Aren’t Surprised
Have you noticed the rise in COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma this summer? Data shows over 22% positivity, which health experts expected. Ashley Bailey from the Tulsa Health Department says it’s due to factors like kids being out of school and more travel. Though infections are up, hospitalizations remain low because many people are vaccinated or previously infected. The CDC recommends updated shots, and locals can get vaccines at various Tulsa locations.
Source: COVID-19 cases surge in Tulsa but health officials aren’t surprised
Results of Water Quality Testing for Zink Lake in Tulsa Are Online
Do you wonder why Vernon Seaman still goes on the water despite knowing its condition? He often gets asked, “Knowing what you know, do you still get on the water?” His reply is always, “Yes.” This exchange was part of a discussion last week. It’s from an article titled: Tulsa’s Zink Lake Water Quality Testing Results are Online.
Source: Tulsa’s Zink Lake water quality testing results are online
REI Plans November Grand Opening of Tulsa Store
Vernon Seaman often hears, “Knowing what you know, do you still get on the water?” His answer is always “Yes.” After managing environmental and energy programs at the Indian Nations Council of Governments for 15 years, he retired two years ago but continues as a water quality specialist. He advises Tulsa and other governments while enjoying paddling Oklahoma’s waterways. Zink Lake will open over Labor Day with new features like a reconstructed dam and pedestrian bridge.
Source: REI sets November grand opening of Tulsa store
Jamil’s Steakhouse in Tulsa Will Close on Saturday
Jamil’s Steakhouse, a beloved Tulsa spot known for hickory-grilled steaks and Lebanese hors d’oeuvres since 1945, will close its current location on Saturday, Aug. 24. However, it’s not closing permanently. Jennifer Alcott, one of the owners, announced plans to relocate nearby but did not disclose the exact new site as details are still being finalized.
Source: Jamil’s Steakhouse in Tulsa to close Saturday
Federal Government Questions Compliance in Ryan Walters’ Education Spending
Did you hear about the recent investigation into Oklahoma’s education finances? Just days after state legislators began probing the issue, a new federal report emerged highlighting serious compliance and quality problems within the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). A U.S. Department of Education team reviewed $2.72 billion in funding and found that 32 out of 52 indicators were so problematic they demand urgent attention, mostly within 30 to 60 days.
Source: Feds question compliance in Ryan Walters’ education spending
How the New Tulsa Premium Outlet Mall is Expected to Revitalize the Local Economy
The Tulsa Premium Outlet Mall, recently opened in Jenks, has already drawn thousands of shoppers. It’s expected to significantly boost the local economy with a $100 million investment from Simon Property Group. Mark Silvestri and Kent Clark believe the mall will increase tax revenue and benefit businesses. The development promises more restaurants, hotels, and recreational activities while creating numerous jobs in construction, maintenance, landscaping, and retail stores.
Source: How The New Tulsa Premium Outlet Mall Is Expected To Revitalize Local Economy
Tulsa Remote Members Stay Here to Work Together and Grow Their Businesses
Tulsa Remote, a program offering $10,000 grants to remote workers who move to Tulsa for a year, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Mandi Ford-Argo and Stephanie Cheney relocated from Texas while Claire Tomm moved from Wisconsin during the pandemic. They found Tulsa inviting and collaborated on business ventures. Director Dominique Clarke highlighted that 80-90% of members stay long-term due to community benefits like wellness funds. The initiative has boosted Tulsa’s economy significantly.
Source: Tulsa Remote participants stay here to collaborate, expand business
Tulsa Health Department’s Regional Prevention Coordinator Program to Address Substance Use – Tulsa Health Department
How does the Tulsa Health Department (THD) aim to improve community well-being? They do this through a variety of programs focusing on education, prevention, and accessible healthcare services. The Regional Prevention Coordinator (RPC) program tackles substance misuse by using Community Based Prevention Services grants and collaborating with CAPSAT. THD also supports events like Prescription Drug Take-Back Days to safely dispose of medications. Their combined efforts have shown positive results in reducing overdoses and improving public health.
Opinion Piece: Dr. Lael Alexander—Tulsa’s Leader in Science, Technology, and City Renewal – Culture, Education, Energy, Highlights, HBCU, Local News, Tech Trends, Tulsa – The Black Chronicle
How did Dr. Lael Alexander become a name known around the world? His insatiable curiosity for science took him from Tulsa to becoming an influential innovator in technology and urban development. He revolutionized communication with his screen-sharing invention and founded GIST to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, nurturing future tech leaders. Through Noitavonne, he reshaped manufacturing, while SiloCloud addressed data management needs. AIDA focuses on smart city infrastructure, proving his forward-thinking vision remains unparalleled.
Skinnerfest adds a stage for emerging artists, announces lineup
What is Skinnerfest? Named after Tom Skinner, this annual event celebrates Oklahoma music with over fifty local musicians across three stages. The festival, benefiting the Red Dirt Relief Fund, will be held on October 13 at 18th and Boston. This year includes a new outdoor stage for young talent and a tribute to Don Morris by Wednesday Night Science Project. Tickets start at $25, with more details at reddirtrelieffund.org/skinnerfest.
Source: Skinnerfest adds emerging artists stage, announces lineup
Newly Listed Homes for Sale in the Tulsa Area
Are you looking for a new home in Tulsa? Browse recently listed properties, from rustic country homes with split bedroom plans to sleek renovated ranch-style residences. Many homes feature modern updates like new flooring, stylish kitchens, and luxurious bathrooms. Some qualify for special financing options like ZERO DOWN Rural Development loans. Enjoy spacious yards, cozy fireplaces, and easy access to schools, shopping centers, and recreational areas such as Lake Keystone. Check out these diverse listings today!
Source: Newly listed homes for sale in the Tulsa area
Oklahoma Media Center Starts ‘Free Press Isn’t Free’ Local News Literacy Campaign
The Oklahoma Media Center launched a local news literacy campaign called “Free Press Isn’t Free,” featuring an animated video inspired by “Schoolhouse Rock!” and a song by beloved musician Mike Hosty. The campaign, targeting Generation X and Baby Boomers, provides stipends to newsrooms for publishing the video and supporting social media campaigns. This initiative aims to bolster trust in local journalism by educating citizens about its importance with engaging content that recalls vintage educational cartoons.
Source: Oklahoma Media Center launches ‘Free Press Isn’t Free’ local news literacy campaign
OKC Receives $2.2 Million in Federal Funds to Plan Bridge Repairs
Why is bridge planning so important? OKC aims to fix or replace worn-out bridges before they fall apart. This plan might add bike lanes and sidewalks, especially for six west-side bridges over Deep Fork Creek and the North Canadian River. These are vital for big factories, public transport routes like EMBARK buses, and also span Lightning Creek in the south. Grants will help design new features to stop trash from polluting waterways.
Source: OKC gets $2.2 million in federal funds to plan bridge fixes
What Does OKC Look Like From the International Space Station?
Want to see the International Space Station (ISS)? You can track it online using NASA’s “Spot the Station” website. Recently, on Aug. 18, the ISS orbited over Oklahoma City and captured a clear photo from 259 miles away. The space station, which has been in orbit for 25 years and hosts international crews, is the third-brightest object in the sky and serves as a science lab for various nations.
Source: What does OKC look like from the International Space Station?
World Champion FlowRider Aims to Defend Title in OKC
Lexi Barna, the current world champion on the FlowRider, is gearing up to defend her title at this weekend’s OklaFlow Finals at RIVERSPORT OKC. She and dozens of athletes have been competing all year for this big event. Judges will assess style, technicality, amplitude, and wave use. Amateur competitions are on Saturday with pros competing Sunday. Afterward, a “Barbie” screening wraps up the festivities at Floating Films.
Source: World champion FlowRider looking to defend title in OKC
OSU-OKC Providing Degrees for In-Demand Industries in the OKC Area
Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma City focuses on workforce education, developing programs and degrees to prepare individuals for local industries. Evan Burkala, vice provost of Academic Affairs at OSU-OKC, highlights the importance of STEM fields and collaboration with industry leaders to ensure students are ready for current and future jobs. This approach benefits both students and businesses by aligning educational outcomes with market needs.
Source: OSU-OKC offering degrees for industries needed in the OKC area
NFIB Releases New Video Ad Urging Congress to Stop Huge Tax Increase on Small Businesses in Oklahoma
Small business owners are urging Congress to keep the 20 percent Small Business Tax Deduction. Although optimism is rising among small businesses, removing this deduction would be harmful. The NFIB released a video ad in Oklahoma, calling for support of the Main Street Tax Certainty Act to make this tax break permanent. This deduction, created by the 2017 tax law, has helped businesses grow but expires in 2025.
Cities with the Fastest-Growing Home Prices in Oklahoma
The real estate market, ignited by the pandemic, remains active but slower. Buyers compete for limited homes, pushing prices higher. In June, the average U.S. home cost $360,974—3.2% more than last year. Rising mortgage rates have slowed growth and caused price drops in some places; however, some areas still experience increases. Stacker listed Oklahoma cities with fast-growing home prices using Zillow data from 2024 and created charts with Matplotlib showing trends over one and five years.
Source: Cities With the Fastest-growing Home Prices in Oklahoma
After New Homebuying Guidelines Introduced, Oklahoma Realtor Says Rules Safeguard Buyers And Sellers
Starting August 21, 2024, new homebuying guidelines in Oklahoma will require prospective buyers to sign an agreement before viewing a property. This change comes from the National Association of Realtors following a court settlement and aims to protect both parties. Becky Seda, an Oklahoma City real estate agent, explained that while this rule may seem unusual, it enhances transparency and ensures upfront discussions about services and fees.
