For many rural communities, attracting investment that provides tangible economic benefits while centering the needs of our residents is a difficult endeavor. As the leading organization dedicated to strengthening our state’s rural communities, the Oklahoma Rural Association (ORA) is focused on ensuring companies choose our state for responsible projects to grow our economy.
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections proudly announced the graduation of 47 cadets on Thursday, Sept. 24. The graduates will serve at 18 correctional facilities across the state. This follows an 8-week paramilitary academy that emphasizes de-escalation tactics and prepares cadets for the realities of working inside a correctional facility.
ODOC cadets complete at least 200 hours of job-specific training at the agency’s Correctional Officer Academy. The academy combines classroom instruction with hands-on skills training, preparing cadets for the safety, security, custody and rehabilitative responsibilities of an officer.
About 2.6 million U.S. parents provided $26.6 billion in financial support to 3.7 million children 21 or over who lived outside their households, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2025 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). The SIPP is the only survey on support provided to specific people who live outside the household, the number of people supported, and annual amounts.
This does not take into account money parents spent on adult children living at home. In 2024, 58.3% of men and 56.4% of women ages 18 to 34 lived with their parents.
Tulsa’s cherished retail and lifestyle center, Utica Square, will celebrate the 30th year of its annual Art in the Square event on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing more than 90 local artists displaying their work across the center for a day of art, music, and family-friendly fun. Art in the Square is free and open to the public.
“Art in the Square is a special tradition for the center, and reaching its 30th year is a milestone we’re excited to celebrate with the Tulsa community,” said Cassandra Montray, property manager of Utica Square. “This event brings together the creativity of local artists with the energy of our shoppers and neighbors, creating a day that feels uniquely Tulsa. We’re proud to continue supporting the artists who make our community so vibrant.”
TULSA, Okla. – A Collinsville man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for coercing a preteen into sexually explicit acts, and the child’s mother received more than 17 years for knowingly failing to protect her children and allowing the abuser continued access to her home and family, announced U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar.
“These sentences reflect the serious harm these defendants inflicted on vulnerable children and the grave breach of trust involved,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Nassar. “Our office will continue to pursue those who exploit children and those who knowingly allow that exploitation, and we remain grateful to our law enforcement partners for their diligent work in bringing these offenders to justice.”
