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 prepares for 2028 Olympics, volunteers needed

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Summary:– Oklahoma City will host LA28 softball and canoe slalom events. – An estimated 1,000–1,200 volunteers will be needed daily at Devon Park. – Athlete housing and a community-wide Olympic experience are in development. OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City will host 200 Olympians from more than 30 countries three years from now and will require tens of thousands of volunteers to pull it off, Team OKC President Michael Byrnes said Wednesday.
OKC advances $1B arena, securing Thunder for 40-year commitment, with options

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Summary:– City Council approved four agreements tied to the $1B arena plan. – Thunder commit to stay in Oklahoma City for at least 25 years. – Facility plan includes naming rights, local vendor support and wage requirements. OKLAHOMA CITY — The City Council approved four agreements Tuesday that advance the $1 billion downtown arena that will be the future home of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Oklahoma sees one of biggest health care cost spikes

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Summary:– Health care costs in Oklahoma rose 26.6% between 2019 and 2023. – Out-of-pocket costs eat up 16% of median income. – Local policy, provider access impact rising expenses. Health care costs have risen dramatically across the U.S. this decade, and Oklahoma has shouldered one of the biggest increases, a new study reveals.
Chickasha lands historic $3.5B investment that promises thousands of jobs

2 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Kathryn McNutt

Key Summary:Chickasha announces $3.5B industrial park near municipal airportDevelopment to add 3,000–4,500 jobs over the next decadeGov. Stitt, local leaders praise new energy and growth partnershipCity anticipates hitting 20,000 population within 5 yearsCHICKASHA – The biggest private investment in the city’s history is expected to bring thousands of new jobs to Chickasha and inject approximately $3.5 billion into the local economy.
OKC Budget Approved: Capital Projects Up, Staffing Down

3 weeks 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

4 weeks 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 month 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 month 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 month 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 month 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.