What’s happening, Oklahoma? It is Thursday, July 17, and did you get a look at those renderings?

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt showed what the new downtown arena will look like as part of Wednesday’s “State of the City” event at the convention center.

Wow, just wow.

Now that’s a $1B arena! Architecht David Manica’s firm led the way on this, and they’ve got an impressive body of work: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Chase Center in San Francisco, and Manica himself was lead designer on several arenas in Europe and Asia.

The new arena changes even further the direction Oklahoma City is headed. Looking at these renderings, do you doubt that we’d at least be considered for a future Final Four? Definitely an NBA All-Star Game.

And why couldn’t OKC support a WNBA franchise? The nickname is obvious: Lightning.

Think about the concerts and events the city will attract.

Imagine what will be built around it, too.

Mayor Holt and city leaders have dreamed big dreams, and voters have bought into the vision. It’s like I tell folks about good government: “If we all pitch in, we get much better outcomes than when we don’t.”

I’m not in the business of wishin’ my life away, but I’m already looking forward to 2028.

Just be sure that somebody thinks about more and better parking options ‘cause we’re going to need more of those with this big, beautiful arena.

Message me anytime at [email protected].

Weather Update 🌩️

Slight chance of a summer storm. Otherwise, it’s going to be hot.

🌡️ Thursday's high in OKC 92°
🌡️ Thursday’s high in Tulsa 91°

Oklahoma City mayor reveals new Thunder arena

By Ylleana Berryhill, Oklahoma Voice
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City’s mayor on Wednesday gave the public a first look at the future Oklahoma City Thunder arena.

Speaking to an estimated 1,500 people at the city’s convention center, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt unveiled artist renderings of the slightly under $1 billion project, which is expected to be completed in time for the NBA team’s 2028-29 season. 

The arena will be at least 750,000 square feet, Holt said. Although seating has yet to be determined, it will be similar to the Paycom Center with a smaller capacity. The structure will be a 360-degree arena with glass window walls. The design of the arena aims to bring people together with closer seating, Holt said. 

“It is a statement piece for our city, and I really think it will be one of the most beautiful arenas of its kind, not just in the United States, but in the world,” Holt said. 

Click to finish the story.

Former death row inmate alleges Oklahoma AG entered into agreement to set him free

By Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice
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OKLAHOMA CITY – A man who faced execution nine times and had his conviction vacated by the U.S. Supreme Court is asking a judge to enforce what he says is an agreement between him and the state’s attorney general that could set him free immediately.

But while Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office acknowledges that there were discussions about a plea deal with Richard Glossip, they said no formalized agreement was reached.

Glossip’s attorneys though said Drummond in 2023 agreed to let the then-death row inmate plead guilty to accessory after the fact and receive a 45-year sentence in connection with the 1997 killing of Oklahoma City motel owner Barry Van Treese, according to court documents filed Wednesday. 

With good time credits, Glossip would be eligible for immediate release, his legal team said.

In return, Glossip, who was twice convicted and sentenced to death for paying another man to kill his boss, would not seek damages from the state, the filing said.

The agreement is an enforceable lawful contract, the filing argues.

Click to finish the story.

The Oklahoma Rundown 📰

A hand-curated list of the best journalism from across the state:

• Trump directive could bar some immigrants from accessing education, health services (KOSU)

• Oklahoma has nation’s highest average homeowners insurance premiums (Oklahoma Watch)

• Oklahoma Supreme Court stays new business courts, weighs constitutionality after oral arguments (NonDoc)

• Tinker AFB looking to add 1,000 jobs with purchase of 131 acres for expansion (The Oklahoman)

• State Revenue at an all-time high, Thunder's championship run part of the economic boost (News 9)

• Choctaw County woman, two others sentenced for 2020 murder of her parents (KXII)

• FBI investigates 2021 murder of Okmulgee man found in Boynton (KFOR)

• Couple arrested, accused of operating fraudulent dental practice in Tulsa apartment (News On 6)

• Another youth curfew has been imposed in Green Country. What factors will determine success? (Public Radio Tulsa)

• City of Yukon not moving forward with Sunset Amphitheater project (Fox 25)

• ‘Some of us don’t have no place to go’: Comanche Nation set to close doors to Assisted Living Center (KSWO)

• Route 66 construction puts Tulsa business at standstill, owner says (2 News Oklahoma)

• ‘Labor of love’: Northeastern State University gets $2.3 million to train social work grad students (KOSU)

• OTA to use $72 million to fix "Roller Coaster Bridge" (Fox 23)

• Historic “Springer Home” demolished in Kingfisher (KFOR)

• Trisha Yearwood launching nacho concession at BOK Center (Tulsa World)

• Former teammate says OU got a 'great' QB in John Mateer and he expects Sooners to go far (Tulsa World)

• Kellyville farm camp swaps pool days for pigpens and real-world lessons (News On 6)

• Tulsa Food Not Bombs supplies mutual aid no strings attached (Black Wall Street Times)

• World’s Largest Garage Sale returns to Stephens County this weekend (Duncan Banner)

• Oklahoma community honors business icon Bob Funk Sr. (KOCO)

• Hugh Jackman to headline at Stillwater's McKnight Center this fall (News On 6)

• Stolen Chevy Camaro from 2022 found submerged in Lake Sahoma, recovered by dive teams (KTUL)

• Oklahoma cyclists return from nearly 1,700-mile Wall Street ride (The Oklahoma Eagle)

• County commissioners OK zoning change for data center near Owasso (Tulsa World)

• Tax plan approved for Bryan County battery storage facility (KTEN)

• Integris Health Woodward prepares to debut new Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center (Woodward News)

• Hubbard Road bridge under construction (Kay News Cow)

• Firefighters association criticizes manning, vehicle decision (Lawton Constitution)

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