"Median Safety Ordinance, Homeless Clearances, and Community Celebrations - Tulsa Local Pulse"

Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Thursday, September 18th, 2025. We start with breaking news from City Hall. Mayor Monroe Nichols has just signed a new median safety ordinance that takes effect one month from today. This means it will soon be illegal for anyone over age 16 to stand or sit on narrow medians, especially in areas where the traffic moves faster than 25 miles per hour, unless they’re wearing reflective clothing and it’s close to sunrise or sunset. The city says this is about keeping everyone safe after last year’s tragic accident at 71st and Yale. Tulsa Police Captain Richard Meulenberg says they’ll focus mostly on giving warnings, not writing tickets, aiming to educate rather than penalize. Councilor Phil Lakin insists the new rules are meant to protect everyone, not just target panhandlers or the homeless. Speaking of city safety, Governor Kevin Stitt has announced the completion of Operation SAFE. In just two weeks, state crews cleared 64 sites under bridges and highways around Tulsa, removing almost two million pounds of debris from homeless encampments. Now, keeping these areas clear is up to the city and local agencies, who are also working to offer shelter and support for those displaced. Traffic safety continues to be a big theme. Residents near Mohawk and Troost, especially James Johnson who has been pushing for change for years, have seen improvements like better lighting, new signs, and protective striping following a series of accidents. City officials say they may even remove the remaining medians if that's what neighbors prefer, promising to keep up the momentum until the corridor is as safe as possible. On the roads early this morning, there was a serious three-car crash at 15th and Memorial tied to street racing. Five people are reported injured, and Tulsa Police urge everyone to drive safely as investigations continue. Turning to the weather, we’re looking at partly cloudy skies across Tulsa today with a chance of showers by afternoon. Highs should top out around eighty-one, so it’s a great day for outdoor events but keep an umbrella handy just in case. For those thinking about a move, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission just met yesterday. There are several rezoning requests in neighborhoods like East 81st and South Evanston, East 11th and 145th East Avenue, and new subdivisions are in the pipeline near 171st and Memorial. This spells more choices and some new construction jobs on the horizon. In community events, tonight is the 918 Day Festival down at Chapman Green. From five to nine in the evening, families can join live music, food trucks, and games. Organizers say it’s the perfect chance to come together and celebrate Tulsa’s unique spirit. On the feel-good front, Union High School’s robotics team just brought home top honors from a statewide competition, and there’s a real buzz as local schools gear up for Friday night football, with Booker T. Washington and Jenks both undefeated This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.