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Good morning, Tulsa! In today’s edition: Oklahoma restricts SNAP sweets, entertainment boom with The Lowdown and a new film studio, an MLK parade, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Grocery benefits shift ahead: Oklahoma will remove candy and soft drinks from SNAP on February 15 as stores and customers prepare, with a Tulsa grocer touting double up and produce matches amid lingering questions — learn about options and changes.
From setlists to soundstages: In 2025, Tulsa’s entertainment surge drew attention as Sterlin Harjo’s The Lowdown showcased local locations and music, created jobs, and Collinsville opened Oklahoma’s first city-owned film studio, boosting the economy — see the impact and growth.
Seasonal illness trend intensifies: Flu cases are surging in Tulsa County and across Oklahoma. Officials reported just over 20% positivity for the week ending Dec. 27, affecting people with pre-existing conditions most — get all the details.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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This is the year you finally stop stressing about your taxes
In partnership with TenSixtySix Tax Advisory Group
January is when we all begin thinking about fresh starts. New calendars. New plans. A quiet promise that this will be the year you get things back on track.
If taxes are one of those things, especially if you’ve got unfiled returns sitting in the back of your mind…you’re not alone. At TenSixtySix Tax Advisory Group, Michael and Ellen Cotter have been helping Tulsa and Broken Arrow families with their taxes for over 15 years. Some come in perfectly organized. Others haven’t filed in a while and aren’t sure where to begin.
All are welcome at the table.
They’ll sit down with you, listen to your situation, and help you get compliant. No lectures. No shame. Just a real plan to move forward and put the stress behind you.
If this is the year you want peace of mind, now’s the time to start.
Schedule an appointment online or give ’em a call at (918) 770-9600 to get started. Mention BaseLocal Tulsa for a 10.66% discount!
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🫶 We got your back
Community history brought to light: Tulsa has renamed the Midland Valley Trail to honor historic Creek figure Tuckabache, following a unanimous Parks Board vote on December 9. The three-mile path runs from 3rd Street to the North Maple Ridge neighborhood. Retired lawyer Jim Tilley led the effort through local history research. See what changed and why.
Refresh your space: Whether you’re swapping a few accents or rethinking a corner, Jenkins & Co. curates handmade, ethically minded goods and an ever-changing mix of home pieces from makers near and far, ideal for a quick upgrade you can enjoy this week.
Cider without the fuss: Tulsa’s cider bars are rare, and Bar 46 keeps it easy with a wide cider lineup, a deep craft beer list, seasonal cocktails, and laid-back patio vibes. Ideal for a low-key post-work sip that scratches the apple itch.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🌙 Family Night @ Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers | Tuesday (1/6) at 5:00 PM – Whether your crew thinks chicken nuggets are a food group or just likes a good raffle, Family Night at Tulsa Hills has you covered. First Tuesday, 5 to 8, kids eat free with an adult combo, plus games, giveaways, and your evening planned for you.
🎨 Paint Night @ Critical Hit Table-Top Gaming | Tuesday (1/6) at 6:00 PM – Paint Night means tiny brushes, big bragging rights. Join beginners and experts to paint-and-take your own mini for $10, or bring your own for $5 and use their paints. They prime with purchase, Vallejo paints are on deck, plus locally-made and mass-produced minis for sale.
👽 Okie Film Nights: “E.T.” @ Circle Cinema | Tuesday (1/6) at 7:00 PM – Phone home, then relive 1982 with E.T., edited by OKC’s own Oscar-nominated Carol Littleton, and get a little local lore while you’re at it. Experience Tulsa subscribers score a pre-film reception, free admission, and popcorn, everyone else coughs up five bucks, still a steal.
This weekend
🧶 Handknitting: Learn to Make a Hat @ Community Craft | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Already cast on, knit, and purl? Level up with a Purl Soho Box Hat in the round, a beanie that preps you for socks and keeps your ears warm. Learn ribbing, paired decreases, and Kitchener stitch, bring bulky yarn, size 8s, and stitch markers.
🌿 Guided Teaching Garden Tour @ Tulsa Garden Center at Woodward Park | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Swap the lawn chores for a volunteer-led stroll through Tulsa’s Teaching Garden, 1.55 acres of intentional beauty and plant gossip. Space is tight, so preregister; members are free, guests chip in a suggested $5, and your ticket nabs the Guided Mansion Tour if available.
🐾 Community Adoption Event @ Fetch Social Club | Saturday (1/10) at 12:00 PM – An easygoing adoption afternoon at Fetch Social Club, featuring Animal Aid of Tulsa, the since-1961 pros at daily miracles. Grab a drink, pet some overachievers, and chat fostering, volunteering, or adding a four-legged coworker who will never schedule a Zoom.
📚 Local Author Book Fair! @ Tulsa Spotlight Theater | Sunday (1/11) at 12:00 PM – Think your to-be-read pile is under control? Come prove it at a local author book fair, free admission, with about 20 hometown writers to browse, chat with, and buy from. Support the neighbors, pad the nightstand, maybe even get something signed.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Tulsa report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 70°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny. High near 70, with temperatures falling to around 65 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Southwest wind around 0 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 50°F – Precip: 1%
Partly sunny, with a high near 69. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
This house is wild
On the National Register of Historic Places, this sixth floor Sophian Plaza residence was beautifully remodeled and designed by Doug Campbell. A thoughtful palette complements southwestern views, and newer windows invite abundant natural light. Central heat and air and an in unit washer and dryer add everyday ease.
A library sitting area features custom built cabinets and shelves, ideal for books, art, and quiet moments. Large closets and large scale rooms create a warm, comfortable atmosphere that honors the building’s provenance. The Sophian Plaza stands as a community landmark with classic architecture and a storied past, pairing historic stature with refined, modern design.
Take a peek inside →
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Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
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