Kathryn McNutt

Oklahoma

Reporter at The Journal Record

Oklahoma-born journalist covering OKC government & business for The Journal Record. DM me or email [email protected].

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Articles

OKC Budget Approved: Capital Projects Up, Staffing Down

4 days ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Summary:City Council approved a $2.05B FY26 budget in a 7-2 vote. General fund decreased by 0.52% due to lower sales tax revenues. MAPS 4 projects drive a $66M increase in nonoperating funds. Budget cuts reduce workforce by 27 positions across 10 departments. OKLAHOMA CITY – The City Council approved the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 by a 7-2 vote Tuesday after months of budget planning meetings and public hearings.
Of major metros, Oklahoma City is most affordable rental market

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Summary:– Oklahoma City renters spent just 16.7% of income on median rent in April, the lowest among the top 50 metros. – RentCafe report highlights OKC’s downtown development, with adaptive reuse projects driving growth. – Nationally, rent growth has slowed amid record apartment construction and rising vacancy rates.
Oklahoma veterans face care gap despite strong benefits

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Summary:– WalletHub ranks Oklahoma 20th best state for military retirees, citing strong economic factors but poor health care (45th overall). – The state ranks 3rd in VA spending per veteran and 8th for veteran-owned businesses but just 41st in quality of VA hospitals. – Norman ranks 6th out of 344 U.S. cities for average retirement income, driven by high savings and retirement account distributions.
Edmond’s $44M City Center Complex to open in July

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

EDMOND — Work is wrapping up on the $44 million City Center Complex in downtown Edmond. “Landscaping has been held up with the weather but will be installed soon,” Entz said. “We are on track to have public meetings in that building in July, including the July 14 City Council meeting.”The new council chamber is three times larger than the current space with seating that can be reconfigured as needed. Interim City Manager Randy Entz tours the City Center Complex project April 29.
Edmond’s Pelican Bay begins final season before renovation

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

EDMOND — Pelican Bay Aquatic Center opened over the weekend for its final season before a major renovation. “We’re excited to be open for the summer. Sales are off to a great start as far as passes and parties,” general manager Marina Wells said Wednesday. This is the fifth summer for Wells, who is eager for the full-scale renovation of the 23-year-old facility after years of smaller fixes to address aging infrastructure. “It will be a blending of the old with the new,” Wells said.
Summer jobs abound, but Tulsa beats OKC

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Summary:– WalletHub ranks Tulsa 70th and OKC 95th for summer job prospects. – OU student Caleaha Sparks and Casady’s Jonah Landis share their summer work experiences. – City job numbers reflect tightened budgets, with fewer seasonal positions this year. Summer means a break from school for most students, but it isn’t all fun and games. For many young adults, it’s a time to earn money and/or work experience.
The Old Icehouse brings dining, music to Edmond landmark

2 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Summary:– A 1921 creamery in downtown Edmond has been restored as The Old Icehouse, a restaurant, bar and live music venue. – Executive chef Zach Hutton, a James Beard nominee, leads the kitchen with locally sourced Okie cuisine. – The venue features both indoor and outdoor seating and hosts live music weekly, with plans to expand. EDMOND — A century-old creamery that somehow escaped demolition has been reinvented as a restaurant, bar and music venue in the heart of Edmond.
Oklahoma has ‘pandemic-level’ needs; Congress, Ag slay dollars

2 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Summary:– Congress weighs $300B in SNAP cuts as USDA pulls back school and food bank aid. – Regional Food Bank warns of “pandemic-level” need for assistance in Oklahoma. – Experts say kids’ healthiest meals come from schools now facing rising costs and fewer options. Congress is considering cutting $300 billion in funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known as SNAP or food stamps) over the next decade.
OKC reviews early designs for two MAPS 4 projects

2 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Summary:– Bids expected in January for both northeast OKC projects. – Foster Center to house business incubator, podcast studio. – Clara Luper Center will host Freedom Hall, civil rights exhibits. OKLAHOMA CITY — Architects presented preliminary reports on two MAPS 4 projects in northeast Oklahoma City at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Both projects are expected to be bid in January. Jack Joiner, principal at JHBR Architecture, walked the council through the plan for renovation of the Henrietta B.
OKC approves ADU ordinance to boost housing options

2 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Summary:– Ordinance allows ADUs by right in OKC urban core. – Aims to boost affordable housing and density. – Supporters say it empowers homeowners and families. OKLAHOMA CITY — An ordinance that promotes the development of accessory dwelling units to increase affordable housing and density in the urban core won City Council approval Tuesday after more than a year in the making.