Category Archives: Business

Fighting the Goose’s Golden Egg

By David Arnett

Analysis: Nothing in the economic history of our state has presented the citizens of Oklahoma with such a divide and a busload of passionate opposing opinions as the proposed Inola Primary Aluminum Plant.  On one side many believe that it is an economic juggernaut to provide financial security for eastern Oklahoma’s children and grandchildren, eliminating the need for so many of them to leave rural Oklahoma just to find a decent job.  On the other side, others believe it’s a first-class ecological disaster.

Proposed Inola Primary Aluminum Plant
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Data Benefits Rural Communities

By John Collison, Oklahoma Rural Association

For many rural communities, attracting investment that provides tangible economic benefits while centering the needs of our residents is a difficult endeavor. As the leading organization dedicated to strengthening our state’s rural communities, the Oklahoma Rural Association (ORA) is focused on ensuring companies choose our state for responsible projects to grow our economy.

Google Facility, Oklahoma, Photo: David Arnett
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Parents Gave $26.6 Billion

By Liza C. Valle, U.S. Census Bureau

About 2.6 million U.S. parents provided $26.6 billion in financial support to 3.7 million children 21 or over who lived outside their households, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2025 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). The SIPP is the only survey on support provided to specific people who live outside the household, the number of people supported, and annual amounts.

This does not take into account money parents spent on adult children living at home. In 2024, 58.3% of men and 56.4% of women ages 18 to 34 lived with their parents.

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Art in the Square @ 30

By David Arnett

Tulsa’s cherished retail and lifestyle center, Utica Square, will celebrate the 30th year of its annual Art in the Square event on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing more than 90 local artists displaying their work across the center for a day of art, music, and family-friendly fun. Art in the Square is free and open to the public.

“Art in the Square is a special tradition for the center, and reaching its 30th year is a milestone we’re excited to celebrate with the Tulsa community,” said Cassandra Montray, property manager of Utica Square. “This event brings together the creativity of local artists with the energy of our shoppers and neighbors, creating a day that feels uniquely Tulsa. We’re proud to continue supporting the artists who make our community so vibrant.”

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EEOC Sues Continental Inn

By David Arnett

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit announced Monday that Continental Inn, a hotel group operating multiple locations in Oklahoma and Texas violated federal law when it harassed, demoted and fired a pregnant employee working at a hotel located at 4545 W. White Avenue, Blackwell, Oklahoma.

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