Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Council passes new Thunder arena agreements, fails another
On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council passed a series of new agreements related to its $900 million new arena project, and the future home of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Mayor David Holt celebrated a 115-page arena use license agreement, or lease, as the principal accomplishment. Council also passed a food and beverage agreement and a preferential rights agreement for the site of the current Paycom Center.
Under the preferential rights agreement, the Thunder would have first rights to redevelop the site after the new arena for up to five years after the new arena opens. There is no limitation for what the Thunder can build on the site, although a spokesperson confirmed demolition would be part of its plans.
“We’re excited at the opportunity to purchase and develop the current arena site,” the spokesperson said. “It will enable the Thunder to provide the vision for a sustainable and vibrant concept to enhance the area and seamlessly complement the new Paycom Center.”
Another developer could make an offer to the city, although the Thunder would be granted a chance to match.
Separately, the City Council voted down a facilities management agreement. Opposed council members cited a lack of assurances about employment for those working at the new arena, including the absence of a labor peace agreement previously endorsed by the council in 2023.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Contemporary to host free ‘Polar Party’ event with winter activities
Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center is inviting families, children and community members to participate in its monthly Second Saturday program.
Organizers say Second Saturday is a free afternoon of hands-on art-making and gallery exploration held on the second Saturday of each month.
Families can enjoy guided activities, family-friendly gallery chats and take-home art experiences designed for all ages. Materials are provided at no cost, and no advance registration is required.
Periodically, the center expands the event into Second Saturday XL, which is a larger celebration featuring multiple art stations, performances and seasonal programming across the Oklahoma Contemporary campus.
The upcoming Second Saturday XL: Polar Party is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 p.m. 5 p.m.
Guests can take part in winter-themed projects, including wreath making, cookie decorating and snow-globe crafting, along with music, treats and additional family activities throughout the center.
See the full lineup of activities here.
All programming is free and open to the public.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair resigns due to personal reasons
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA (KOKH) — The Oklahoma Democratic Party has announced a new Chair following Representative John Waldron’s resignation due to personal reasons.
Waldron serves as the Representative for Oklahoma House District 77 and announced his resignation on Monday.
“It is with sincere consideration that I announce my resignation as Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party for personal reasons,” Waldron said. “With the legislative session coming up and pressing family commitments, I am handing over the reins to my capable partners on the executive committee. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in revitalizing our party statewide over the past six months and I’m confident that work will continue under Erin Brewer’s leadership. Put simply, I’ve been pushing myself too hard, working four jobs very intensively this year. I lost my mother in October and my son is a junior in high school. I need to focus on my family and my own health. Thanks for understanding.”
The Oklahoma Democratic Party Vice Chair Erin Brewer has assumed the role of Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. According to the Oklahoma Democrats, Brewer is hitting the ground running and continuing to bring her strong track record of relentless organizing, policy expertise, and ability to mobilize resources and voters to the table.
Brewer said she is ready to continue Waldron’s work and keep up the momentum.
“Over the last six months, Oklahoma Democrats have knocked thousands of doors, cheered as 100 candidates have stepped up to run for office, rebuilt our county party operations, earned the trust of donors large and small, and elevated our visibility and brand statewide,” Chair Erin Brewer said. “We are ready to maintain and expand this momentum into 2026. I am beyond grateful to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters.”
The Oklahoma Democratic Party said it is confident in the ongoing partnership of its elected officials, staff, local Democratic organizations, and State Central Committee, stating:
“We will continue to make progress toward our goal of flipping seats in 2026. It is as important as ever that we remain singularly focused on our mission to engage, connect, and organize in order to elect more Democrats across Oklahoma.”
The party said it is thankful for Waldron and what he did for the party during his time as chair:
“We are beyond grateful for his service to our state and party, particularly his commitment to building a strong slate of candidates for 2026.
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Oklahoma
Idaho Falls pilot killed in Oklahoma helicopter crash – East Idaho News
MAYES COUNTY, Oklahoma — An Idaho Falls man died in a helicopter crash Friday in Oklahoma.
Emanuele Tsikoudakis, 56, was piloting the helicopter when it crashed nose-first into the ground near County Road East 550 and County Road 4355 in Mayes County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
According to an OHP report, two people were working on pulling lines around 9 a.m. with the helicopter overhead guiding them so they would not catch a wire. The people told investigators the helicopter was hovering overhead when it suddenly flipped over backwards and dove straight to the ground, Fox 23 News reports.
Tsikoudakis was the only person in the helicopter. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The FAA and NTSB is investigating the crash.
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