Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 23rd of April.
Good morning, Tulsa.
Tulsa was named one of 2025’s Top 100 Best Places to Live after earning praise for its low cost of living, affordable housing, and strong community amenities—criteria that show the city’s growing chance for residents to thrive.
The list, released April 22nd, also featured Edmond and Norman and highlights factors that many families value in their local communities.
The Tulsa Zoo is set to receive two Asian elephants—Billy, aged 40, and Tina, aged 59—from the Los Angeles Zoo later this year to join a larger herd and receive specialized care.
The move follows long-standing concerns over Billy's welfare and comes as the zoo unveils a new elephant preserve.
Kyle Jackson Fugate from Owasso was sentenced to 10 years for attempting to coerce and entice a minor after an undercover deputy posed as a 15-year-old online—he was arrested at a meeting where investigators also found he had convinced a minor to send explicit photos.
Tulsa's 1975-built LaFortune Tower near 21st Street and Southwest Boulevard has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, the Oklahoma Historical Society announced.
The designation—meant to add protection and lead to future restoration funding—honors the building's long role in providing affordable housing for seniors and disabled residents.
A report released on April 22nd showed that Tulsa drivers lost nearly $2,500 last year due to rough roads and traffic delays that cost extra time and fuel.
The study found that nearly half of major state roads are in poor condition — causing Oklahoma drivers to lose a total of $6.3 billion annually.
Oklahoma lawmakers are aiming to repeal a 6% tax on groceries, gas, and some medications with Senate Bill 638—meant to ease costs for consumers.
The Senate passed the bill, and it will soon be heard in the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee before reaching the governor.
Audit documents show that former TPS Superintendent Deborah Gist may have known of an embezzlement scheme at Tulsa Public Schools six months before it was reported+ she also secretly coordinated Devon Fletcher's exit and is accused of violating district policies by accepting vendor-paid trips and hiring contractors without board approval.
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols outlined plans to expand mental health support, shelter capacity, and reduce homelessness to functional zero by 2030 during an April 21 meeting with the Human Rights Commission—he noted that over 650 people were diverted to mental health care in March.
He also announced that a new Community Conversation series began on April 22 and that the Office of Children, Youth and Families is studying housing instability’s impact on student performance.
Ashes & Diamonds Wine Dinner with Polo Grill
6:22-9 p.m. — Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano — Reservations required — Enjoy exquisite pairings at two consecutive wine dinners hosted by local favorites Ti Amo and Polo Grill.
Spring Home & Outdoor Living Expo
Apr 25-27 — Expo Square — Cost info not available — Discover great deals for your home and outdoor projects this spring.
Santana Concert
8-11 p.m. — River Spirit Casino Resort — Tickets available from $110 — Experience the legendary Santana live in concert at one of Tulsa's premier venues.
The Cher Show
7:30-9 p.m. — Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the lasting legacy of Cher, the unstoppable pop culture icon of six decades.
Tulsa's April Book Club Meeting
Time TBD — Albert G's Bar-B-Q — Free entry — Engage in a lively discussion about the intriguing novel 'First Lie Wins' by Ashley Elston.
John Calvin Abney Concert
9 PM – 1 AM — The Whittier Bar — $10.00 — Experience an evening of live music with John Calvin Abney and Magic Rockers of Texas.
William Beckmann Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — The Vanguard — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening of live music with the talented William Beckmann.
Airetech Corporation Open House
3-9 p.m. — Airetech's New Tulsa Location — Free refreshments — Explore the latest innovations and connect with industry leaders at Airetech's grand opening.
Carney Fest
10:00 – 11:30 AM — Cain's Ballroom — Ticket required — Celebrate local culture with food, art, and music at the vibrant Carney Fest.
TAT Spring Fever Triathlon
7:45-11:00 a.m. — Jenks Trojan Aquatic Center — Registration fee varies — Kick off the triathlon season with an event suitable for all levels of racers.
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