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"Lawmakers Move to Oust Mental Health Head, Cemetery Woes, and Community Heroism in Tulsa"
Published 10 months, 4 weeks ago
Description
Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Friday, May 30th, 2025. We start today with breaking news out of the state legislature as House Democrats have approved a resolution to remove the head of Oklahoma’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Lawmakers say ongoing financial mismanagement has led to months of uncertainty for Tulsa-area mental health providers, but they assure us this move is meant to keep jobs intact and make sure essential services like COPES continue for those who need them.
In other major developments impacting local families, some visitors to Rose Hill Cemetery were disappointed over Memorial Day weekend, finding overgrown grass covering their loved ones’ graves. Cemetery management explained that recent heavy rain and low staffing led to the issue, but they’ve just hired two new groundskeepers and promise the grounds will look much better by the end of June. This story highlights both challenges and the caring community response—many people, like Tom McCarver and his son, took matters into their own hands to ensure the dignity of their family members’ resting places.
Turning to City Hall, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission is reviewing zoning code amendments and neighborhood overlay proposals this month. These decisions could shape how our neighborhoods grow, from Route 66 down to the east side, so now is a good time to get involved if you care about how Tulsa is developing.
On the jobs front, some uncertainty is clouding the future of Tulsa Job Corps as the Department of Labor will pause contractor-run centers by the end of June. Local leaders, meanwhile, are working together on solutions to the ongoing housing crisis, uniting city and housing officials in an effort to create more affordable options for Tulsa residents.
For real estate, housing prices remain steady, though the number of new listings east of Harvard Avenue is up slightly this week, offering more choices for buyers hoping to move before the fall semester starts at local schools.
Our weather today starts off comfortably, with early temps in the low sixties climbing to a high near seventy-nine. Expect a mix of sun and clouds throughout the day, and a pleasant evening, perfect for outdoor events and the upcoming festivities.
Speaking of events, tonight marks the kickoff of the National Eucharistic Revival’s Tulsa pilgrimage. There’s a free Eucharistic Festival with food and music from 8 to 10 p.m. at Holy Family Cathedral downtown, and tomorrow morning at ten there’s a special Mass before the caravan continues to Shawnee. It’s a unique cultural moment for our city, drawing visitors and locals alike.
In sports, our high school baseball teams finished strong this week, with Booker T. Washington’s squad clinching a spot in the regional semifinals. Thunder fans filled Fassler Hall to celebrate Oklahoma City’s big win over Minnesota, clinching their series 4 to 1.
For public safety, Tulsa police arrested a suspect after an armed robbery and car chase that ended in Sapulpa late last night. Officers report no injuries, and the suspect is now in custody. Please be cautious around Memorial Drive this morning as crews are still clearing the scene.
Before we go, a feel-good story: an inmate work crew rescued a family trapped by tornado debris in Pittsburgh County earlier this week. Their quick action is a reminder of the everyday heroes among us.
This has been Tulsa Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
In other major developments impacting local families, some visitors to Rose Hill Cemetery were disappointed over Memorial Day weekend, finding overgrown grass covering their loved ones’ graves. Cemetery management explained that recent heavy rain and low staffing led to the issue, but they’ve just hired two new groundskeepers and promise the grounds will look much better by the end of June. This story highlights both challenges and the caring community response—many people, like Tom McCarver and his son, took matters into their own hands to ensure the dignity of their family members’ resting places.
Turning to City Hall, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission is reviewing zoning code amendments and neighborhood overlay proposals this month. These decisions could shape how our neighborhoods grow, from Route 66 down to the east side, so now is a good time to get involved if you care about how Tulsa is developing.
On the jobs front, some uncertainty is clouding the future of Tulsa Job Corps as the Department of Labor will pause contractor-run centers by the end of June. Local leaders, meanwhile, are working together on solutions to the ongoing housing crisis, uniting city and housing officials in an effort to create more affordable options for Tulsa residents.
For real estate, housing prices remain steady, though the number of new listings east of Harvard Avenue is up slightly this week, offering more choices for buyers hoping to move before the fall semester starts at local schools.
Our weather today starts off comfortably, with early temps in the low sixties climbing to a high near seventy-nine. Expect a mix of sun and clouds throughout the day, and a pleasant evening, perfect for outdoor events and the upcoming festivities.
Speaking of events, tonight marks the kickoff of the National Eucharistic Revival’s Tulsa pilgrimage. There’s a free Eucharistic Festival with food and music from 8 to 10 p.m. at Holy Family Cathedral downtown, and tomorrow morning at ten there’s a special Mass before the caravan continues to Shawnee. It’s a unique cultural moment for our city, drawing visitors and locals alike.
In sports, our high school baseball teams finished strong this week, with Booker T. Washington’s squad clinching a spot in the regional semifinals. Thunder fans filled Fassler Hall to celebrate Oklahoma City’s big win over Minnesota, clinching their series 4 to 1.
For public safety, Tulsa police arrested a suspect after an armed robbery and car chase that ended in Sapulpa late last night. Officers report no injuries, and the suspect is now in custody. Please be cautious around Memorial Drive this morning as crews are still clearing the scene.
Before we go, a feel-good story: an inmate work crew rescued a family trapped by tornado debris in Pittsburgh County earlier this week. Their quick action is a reminder of the everyday heroes among us.
This has been Tulsa Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI