Today
in Tulsa
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Tulsa. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ PartnerTulsa is seeking developers to transform three empty lots in the Crutchfield and Pearl District areas into multifamily or mixed-use projects that address Tulsa’s housing shortage. A meeting for interested developers is scheduled for Jan. 14 (registration due by Jan. 12). 2 News
- ➤ Residents near Candlestick Beach fear a September permit for sand mining by Candlestick Sand LLC may change their long-standing riverfront traditions like fishing and Fourth of July celebrations. Neighbors warn that heavy trucks could disrupt narrow streets and cause erosion, while officials have not yet responded. News On 6
- ➤ Pop star Billie Eilish’s Changemaker Program donated funds via REVERB to Tulsa-based Global Gardens to expand its gardening and healthy cooking programs for over 4,000 students and families. The donation will boost the nonprofit’s efforts to teach science and nutrition (supporting more student gardens). News On 6
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Tulsa Air & Space Museum will soon add an A-10 Warthog to its display after fundraising secures the $60,000 transportation cost — the aircraft is currently in Texas and will serve as a gateway piece for visitors including children and veterans. News On 6
- ➤ Rapper and actor Johnny Polygon will perform his one-man show 'Everything's Fine!' at Tulsa Spotlight Theater on Jan. 30 and 31. The event will feature a local comedian & a chef-crafted three-course dinner with some Saturday tickets still available. FOX 23
- ➤ Starting Monday, Jan. 12, Tulsa libraries will offer free Dolly Parton’s Birthday Storytimes with songs, stories and crafts to mark her 80th birthday — the events will culminate with a bash at Gathering Place on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. FOX 23
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Senator Adam Pugh filed Senate Bill 1437 to require the Presidential Fitness Test as a statewide standard to assess student fitness in Oklahoma schools. If passed, districts will begin testing in 2026-27 with guidelines based on recommendations from the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. FOX 23
- ➤ Oklahoma lawmakers are outlining education priorities for the 2026 session with plans for early literacy, school security, and clear guidelines on books. Tulsa Rep. Rob Hall (who filed the Oklahoma Reads Act) introduced a bill to add literacy coaches in every district while others proposed criteria for obscene materials. FOX 23
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city is seeking proposals from developers to redevelop three vacant lots near downtown, located near Archer & Peoria and 11th & Utica, as part of its plan to create affordable housing and add 6,000 new units by 2028. Final submissions are due in March. News On 6
- ➤ Rep. Chris Banning from Bixby filed a bill on Wed, Jan. 7 to ban obscene materials in public school libraries + the legislation seeks to update state law using established legal definitions. KTUL
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FC Tulsa vs Loudoun United Pro Soccer Match
FC Tulsa sits in first place in the USL Western Conference, and Friday’s home match is sure to be a thriller—just as $1 Beer Section Night returns to ONEOK Field. Today in Tulsa readers can enjoy up to 50% off day of game prices with this special offer.
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Frozen The Musical
Jan 9-25 — Tulsa Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the captivating magic of Frozen in a dazzling stage adaptation for all ages.
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Liz Carr Training Winter Musical Theater Concert
7-9 p.m. — Tulsa Performing Arts Center — Dine at Juniper before enjoying an enchanting winter musical theater concert.
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Hadestown Musical Performance
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Tulsa Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Tony Award-winning musical that reimagines the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice through captivating music.
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Tulsa Speed Dating for Singles in Their 40s and 50s
6-8 p.m. — American Solera — Ticket required — Meet local singles for a fast-paced evening of potential romance and connection.
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71st Annual Tulsa Nationals – Open / Girls
All Day — The Pavilion — Registration Closed — Experience the excitement of youth wrestling at one of the premier tournaments in Tulsa.
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Tulsa Oilers vs. Allen Americans
7:05-9:05 p.m. — BOK Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience fast-paced action at High School Night as the Tulsa Oilers take on the Allen Americans.
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Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
8:45-10 p.m. — German American Society-Tulsa — Get your tickets now — Experience the magic of live music in a stunning setting with tributes to Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.
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Bigfoot Classic Tulsa
Unleash your inner adventurer — Scenic race day — Tulsa, Oklahoma — Registration fees apply — Experience running in the beautiful Oklahoma parks with fun activities for all ages, including a costume contest.
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Wine & Food Pairing Experience
6-7 p.m. — Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano Downtown — $40 per person — Savor exquisite wines paired with delightful small plates in a cozy atmosphere.
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Clay Walker Concert at Osage Casino
8-11 p.m. — Osage Casino Hotel — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening with country star Clay Walker, known for his hit 'What’s It to You'.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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