Heide Brandes

Oklahoma City, United States

Freelance Writer and Editor at Freelance

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Articles

Oklahoma events attract thousands, millions in spending

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Heide Brandes

On the weekend of April 26 to 28, an anticipated 19,000 runners will converge in Oklahoma City for the 2024 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, “A Run to Remember.”In 2023, all 50 states and 17 countries were represented by 18,804 runners who registered to take part in six Oklahoma City Memorial Marathons that year, while thousands more were on hand to support or take part in the weekend’s activities, including more than 2,500 race-day volunteers.
Early monarch arrival in Oklahoma signals start of migration season

4 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Heide Brandes

The first monarch butterfly of 2025 has been spotted in Oklahoma about 10 days earlier than usual, signaling the start of the annual migration and raising questions about changing patterns in butterfly travel. Donna Griffin Mays, while pursuing black swallowtail butterflies near Marlow in southern Oklahoma, spotted the season’s first monarch on March 18.
The Treatment: Spa Ssakwa'q'n in Idaho

4 weeks ago | azureroad.io | Heide Brandes

“The tribe hired someone to capture that place in all four seasons, and we have artwork throughout the spa showing the lake in every season “Deep in northern Idaho’s Palouse region, where Pacific Northwest peaks meet pine forests, the Coeur d’Alene tribe has created a wellness sanctuary that bridges ancient traditions with modern spa treatments. At 15,000 square feet, Spa Ssakwa’q’n (pronounced SOCK-wah-kin) stands as one of the largest spa facilities in the Inland Northwest.
Skip the Texas Hill Country and visit this area for wildflowers

1 month ago | chron.com | Heide Brandes

The bluebonnets are out in a big way in Alvin, Texas, just south of Houston, and particularly at HarBet Lodge. HarBet LodgeJust 30 minutes south of Houston, the charming city of Alvin is quickly becoming Southeast Texas’ secret for experiencing Texas wildflowers without the Hill Country crowds. Part of the reason is HarBet Lodge, a 200-acre family ranch that opened to guests just two years ago.
Financial stress weighs heavy on Oklahomans health The Journal Record

1 month ago | journalrecord.com | Heide Brandes

For Emily Brashier of Edmond, debt became more than just a financial burden. It was literally keeping her up at night. “I was experiencing a lot of anxiety over debt,” she said. “I’d wake up at night thinking about it, and lack of sleep started making it harder to focus on tasks during my days. It was a downward spiral.”. As the sole income earner for her family, Brashier’s concerns extend beyond her current debt.
Into the Wild Heart of British Columbia's Cariboo

1 month ago | worldfootprints.com | Heide Brandes |Terri Marshall

Fresh lynx tracks weave through deep powder near Quesnel Lake in British Columbia’s Cariboo Mountains. At minus 18 degrees Celsius, the morning air crystallizes our breath as Ryan, our EcoTours BC guide, motions us to pause. Though the elusive lynx remains hidden, its story is written in the snow. Here, it stalked a snowshoe hare. There, it rested beneath a sheltering spruce. Its tracks trace a single line across the surface of a frozen river.
Excellence in Finance 8211 Ann Munroe 8211 Capital Matrix, Inc.

1 month ago | idahobusinessreview.com | Heide Brandes

Under the leadership of President Ann Monroe, Capital Matrix has grown from serving Idaho to operating across four states. The company has reported record loan volumes and increased its loan portfolio to an all-time high of $200 million, which significantly broadened the scope of financial support available to small businesses in the region. “I don’t believe I ‘stand out’ from my peers as it takes a village to make this world go around,” Munroe said.
The Journal Record announces 2025 Health Care Heroes The Journal Record

2 months ago | journalrecord.com | Heide Brandes

The Journal Record will recognize 22 health care professionals for their outstanding contributions to Oklahoma’s health and well-being during its annual Health Care Heroes awards ceremony on March 27 at the Oklahoma History Center. The 2025 honorees represent a diverse cross-section of health care providers, from frontline workers to administrators and educators, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving health care outcomes across the state.
Is Google making search worse to sell more ads The Journal Record

2 months ago | journalrecord.com | Heide Brandes

As Google faces the prospect of a court-ordered breakup following a recent monopoly ruling, new research suggests the tech giant’s declining search quality may be a deliberate strategy to boost advertising revenue at the expense of consumer experience. A comprehensive study released today by personal finance website WalletHub reveals troubling trends in Google’s search functionality, with 63% of Americans believing Google’s search results were better in previous years.
In Texas, worldwide, these spaces give wolfdogs a chance at life

2 months ago | chron.com | Heide Brandes

A wolfdog at sunrise. Wolfdog sanctuaries take in these animals, typically more wolf than dog, and have faced multiple challenges over the years. Sandra Schmid/Getty ImagesDawn at Twin Rivers Wolf and Wolfdog Sanctuary north of Houston begins with the howls of dozens of wolfdogs greeting the day. The sound is eerie and untamed, a song that belongs in the far reaches of the wilderness instead of the rural lands around Iola.