Tulsa City Council Restricts Median Loitering, Shelves Human Rights Ordinance, OHP Troopers to Remain

Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Thursday, August 28, 2025. We start our morning with news from City Hall. Last night, the Tulsa City Council voted to restrict loitering on medians and sidewalks near high-traffic roads. In a five to three vote, councilors approved new rules making it illegal for anyone to linger on medians less than ten feet wide or be within eighteen inches of traffic, except for the time it takes to cross the road. Fines will be one hundred fifty dollars. Supporters say this will keep everyone safer, especially in busy areas near intersections like 51st and Yale. Others worry it unfairly targets some of Tulsa’s most vulnerable residents, but Councilor Phil Lakin reassures us that normal sidewalk activity like walking, biking, or skating will remain unaffected. At the same time, another major policy debate was pulled from consideration. Councilor Laura Bellis withdrew a proposed human rights ordinance—meant to clarify protections for LGBTQ residents and veterans—after she said political pressure and lack of support made its passage impossible for now. Bellis, along with Councilor Lori Decter-Wright, expressed disappointment, saying the ordinance would help bring city policy in line with the needs of all Tulsans. Public safety in Tulsa made headlines again as the Oklahoma Attorney General issued a formal opinion that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol cannot legally withdraw its troopers from Tulsa and Oklahoma City. This puts a stop to a plan that would have seen OHP shift more resources to rural areas. Mayor Monroe Nichols and Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen welcomed the news, emphasizing that troopers are critical to public safety, especially on our busiest highways. Turning now to overnight news, Tulsa Police are investigating shots fired at Brighton Park Apartments near 51st and Yale. Officers responded just after midnight. Shell casings and ammo were found scattered across the area, and while an apartment and a nearby car were struck, no injuries have been reported. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers. Shifting gears to our local job and real estate market, home prices in Tulsa remain steady compared to last month, with continued interest around the Pearl District and along Riverside as more young professionals look for rental opportunities. Meanwhile, on the job front, several local manufacturers and tech firms are advertising a total of about four hundred open positions this week, with hiring fairs scheduled downtown later this weekend. As for new business, listeners can look forward to the grand opening of Black Cat Café on South Boston Avenue this Friday, promising locally roasted coffee and live music. Just down the street, the long-standing Med-X Pharmacy closed its doors after nearly four decades. On the cultural calendar, the Tulsa Regional Chamber will hold its annual State of the State luncheon today at the Arvest Convention Center, with Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell and three f This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.