Tulsa's Mental Health Crisis, Landmark MMA Event, Clean Energy Progress, and More Local Updates

Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Friday, April 11, 2025. We're starting with some concerning news for our community's mental health services. Three major behavioral health clinics in Tulsa County have received termination notices for their state contracts, effective May 10. This decision affects Grand Mental Health, CREOKS, and Family & Children's Services, potentially impacting tens of thousands of Oklahomans who rely on these services. City leaders are calling for immediate action to address this critical situation. In brighter news, Tulsa's combat sports scene is making history tonight. Xtreme Fight Night, founded by local legend Dale "Apollo" Cook, is celebrating its 400th event at River Spirit Casino Resort. This milestone cements XFN's status as the longest-running MMA and kickboxing promotion in the country. Fights kick off at 6:30 PM, featuring rising stars across various martial arts disciplines. On the economic front, we're seeing progress in renewable energy. A new facility in Sand Springs is set to transform waste into clean energy, boosting our city's green initiatives. This project aims to reduce our carbon footprint while creating new job opportunities in the growing renewable energy sector. In education news, there's uncertainty surrounding Langston University-Tulsa as state lawmakers debate a bill about four-year degree programs. This discussion could significantly impact higher education options in our city. Turning to weather, we're looking at a beautiful spring day with temperatures reaching 70 degrees. It's perfect for outdoor activities, so why not head to Guthrie Green for a picnic or take a stroll along the Arkansas River? In community events, don't forget about the First Friday Art Crawl in the Arts District tonight. It's a great opportunity to support local artists and enjoy the vibrant culture of our city. Sports fans, keep an eye on the University of Tulsa's spring football game tomorrow at H.A. Chapman Stadium. It's a chance to get a sneak peek at the Golden Hurricane's prospects for the upcoming season. On the job front, we're seeing growth in the tech sector, with several startups setting up shop in the Tulsa Arts District. These companies are bringing in new opportunities for software developers and IT professionals. In public safety news, an Endangered Missing Advisory has been issued for an 11-year-old from Lawton. While not in Tulsa, we ask everyone to stay vigilant and report any information to the authorities. Lastly, a heartwarming story from our community: a local Tulsa jewelry brand is shining bright at the 112th First Lady's Luncheon in Washington, D.C., showcasing our city's creativity on a national stage. This has been Tulsa Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.