🌱 Murder Suspect In Custody + Schools Set To Reopen Monday

Morning, everybody! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Tulsa Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right, with a quick review of the most important things happening these days in town. Today's issue includes updates on:

• Murder suspect in custody.
• Storm damage costs.
• Schools set to open Monday.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny; breezy, hot. High: 100 Low: 75.

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Here are the top stories in Tulsa today:

1. A murder suspect from Dallas is reportedly in custody and being held at the Tulsa County Jail. On Friday, the Tulsa Police Department was notified that Tyrese Simmons was at the Sky Hotel near I-244 and Garnett. He reportedly was charged in a 2019 murder of a 9-year-old girl and his trial was set to begin this month. He cut off his ankle monitor and fled Texas. When TPD officers attempted to get Simmons to come out of his hotel room on Friday he refused, forcing officers to deploy pepper balls. (Tulsa Police Department via Facebook)
2. It has been estimated by Tulsa city leaders that the recent storm last weekend caused about $100 million of damage in the area. A complete storm damage total is still being tallied. (News On 6)
3. Tulsa Public Schools are scheduled to reopen next week on Monday, June 26. The schools have remained closed due to power outages and storm damage. Once they open their doors the Summer Cafe,' which allows for students 18 and under to get free meals all summer long, will once again be up and running. (2 News Oklahoma KJRH Tulsa)

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Today in Tulsa:

Saturday, June 24

• "Greenwood Joy" series by Dawn Tree at Vast Bank (7:30 AM)
• Rose District Farmers Market — City of Broken Arrow (8:00 AM)
• Sound Bath Meditation at Fly Loft — Tulsa Arts District (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Tulsa Zoo: "Happy 21st birthday, Shatari! Join us in celebrating Shatari, the Tulsa Zoo's lioness, as she reaches a remarkable milestone today. Shatari is one of the oldest lionesses in the country." (Tulsa Zoo via Instagram)
• Tulsa Police Department: "The Financial Crimes Unit is requesting your help in identifying these people of interest in a case where the subjects used a stolen credit card at multiple businesses within the city of Tulsa." (Tulsa Police Department via Facebook)
• Philbrook Museum of Art: "FUN FACT: Have you ever wondered when Philbrook was first air conditioned? In 1953 (the same year Josef Stalin died, and Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain was crowned), two main galleries were remodeled with air conditioning." (Philbrook Museum of Art via Instagram)
• Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma: "Look at those trucks come in! We received over 30 pallets of water and so much shelf stable food. Thank you, Walmart, for this support!" (Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma via Facebook)
• Tulsa Botanic Garden: "Starting tomorrow, June 23-June 30, we're offering half price admission at the door with non-perishable food items. ⁠ ⁠ Ribbon cutting and grand opening rescheduled for July 21-23." (Tulsa Botanic Garden via Instagram)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tulsa Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com