The new “Wonder Room” gives north Tulsa students access to 3D printing and space to study, read and play.
Author Archives: Ismael Lele
Ismael Lele is the business reporter at The Oklahoma Eagle. He is a Report for America corps member. Ismael has been reporting since he was in high school, where he channeled his interest for writing into the school newspaper. While at the University of Oklahoma, he wrote for the OU Daily as a sports and city reporter and, finally, as a news editor. Ismael found his passion for community journalism while attending city council meetings in Norman. He went on to spend a summer in Phoenix, Arizona as a Carnegie Knight News 21 fellow and researched the state of American democracy. Before joining The Oklahoma Eagle, he interned at The Tulsa World. Now, his reporting highlights Tulsa’s Black community and the north Tulsa area.
Stitt says he has no interest in running for Senate, touting accomplishments as governor
Gov. Kevin Stitt made a tour stop in Tulsa as he prepares to leave office next year. He’s worried his successor will “blow through” the savings he’s amassed.
Tulsa unveils plans to open $16M low-barrier homeless shelter in December
Tulsa County’s former juvenile detention center will be renovated into The Harbor, a shelter that can sleep 180 people.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane shine in first NIT appearance in a decade
The University of Tulsa is making a deep run into the tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals against Wichita State Tuesday.
‘Just pray about it’: Black Tulsans move to break social stigma surrounding mental health
Black Americans have often turned to churches and faith leaders for mental health support. These Tulsans are encouraging their peers to consider other treatment options, too.
New avenues are opening for Black Tulsans to seek mental health treatment
Tulsa companies and counselors are creating spaces for Black clients to discover a safe space and work through mental health challenges.
Tulsa’s allergy season is getting shorter, but more intense
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2026 report found Tulsa the third-most challenging city to live in for people with a pollen allergy.
Oasis to open Tulsa’s first downtown grocery store in a decade
Folks Urban Market closed in 2014 after only seven months of operation. The downtown area has been without a grocer since.
Tulsa City Council could spend $2.5M on incentives to attract Oklahoma’s first IKEA
Construction on the state’s first IKEA is set to begin in April, with the Tulsa Hills store expected to open in November before the holiday season.
Immigration enforcement, AI and space testing center land on Lankford’s priority list
Speaking to more than 250 Tulsans, the Oklahoma senator shared his concerns about the future of artificial intelligence and reaffirmed his support for ICE agents.
IKEA’s first Oklahoma store is coming to Tulsa. Here’s what it means for the city.
In 2024, Tulsans organized a campaign called “Tulsa Loves IKEA” to attract the retail giant to Oklahoma. They say the results are evident.
‘You can’t hide from it’: Oklahoma small business owners navigate unpredictable future
While Oklahoma small businesses have a widening customer base, labor and materials are getting more expensive. And Tulsa entrepreneurs are feeling it.