Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How OKC students and teachers can ride EMBARK for free this year.

And check out Singo on the Oklahoma City Patch calendar

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Tuesday August 18th Patch AM
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Hi there, Oklahoma City! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Oklahoma City PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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In today's newsletter:

  • How OKC students and teachers can ride EMBARK for free this year.
  • How are OKC's longer school days really affecting teachers and kids?
  • Have you seen this missing southwest Oklahoma City teenager?

Also on today's calendar: Singo and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Oklahoma City Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Oklahoma City Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Very hot, with a high of 107 and low of 81 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Very hot, temps: high: 108, low: 77.
  • Thursday: Hot with a stray thunderstorm, with a high of 100 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. EMBARK promotes free Haul Pass and Road Scholars programs as students return to class (okcfox.com) — Oklahoma City students can ride EMBARK buses and RAPID NW for free year-round through the Haul Pass program, easing trips to school, jobs, and activities. Teachers can also use the Road Scholars program for no-cost field-trip transportation to major Oklahoma City destinations like the National Memorial, zoo, and museums. Applications are required, and field trips must be scheduled within weekday daytime hours.
   

2. Oklahoma teachers voice frustration over longer school days (kfor.com) — Teachers in Oklahoma City Public Schools say they feel drained after the district added 20 minutes to every school day this year to meet a new statewide recess mandate. Educators describe lost planning time, hotter outdoor conditions, and fewer discipline options, while union leaders urge lawmakers to include teachers' voices in future decisions. The changes affect elementary, middle, and high schools across OKC.
   

3. Police search for missing 17-year-old last seen at southwest Oklahoma City home Sunday (okcfox.com) — Police are asking Oklahoma City residents to help find 17-year-old Riley Honana, last seen Sunday night near SW 51st Street and S Sara Road in southwest Oklahoma City. He has several medical conditions needing attention, and anyone who spots him or has information is urged to call 911 immediately. Officers say this is an active, developing investigation.
   

4. Oklahoma City weighs renewing Flock plate-reader deal after misuse, amid surveillance fears (thecooldown.com) — Oklahoma City leaders are preparing to vote on a $270,000 renewal of Flock license plate readers that already track vehicles across the city, amid criticism over privacy and a documented misuse by a local officer. The revised contract could limit data sharing and immigration enforcement use, but residents still haven't seen the final language. The decision will shape how police monitor drivers on OKC streets.
   

5. SSM Health St. Anthony redesigns cardiology floor with life-size cardboard mockup (journalrecord.com) — SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City is testing a full-scale cardboard mockup of its future cardiology floor to fine-tune the design before construction. Doctors, nurses, and architects are running emergency simulations to improve response times, patient flow, and collaboration between cardiology and radiology. Final design is expected in spring 2027, with construction lasting 16–18 months.
   

📸 Around Oklahoma City

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Oklahoma City

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Oklahoma City Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I have 2 pits, 2 chihuahuas, and 2 cats.
    I said that I can't take in anymore until I did lol I just want to take a minute to introduce Milo and give a huge shoutout to Classen View… (Nextdoor 50th/Pennsylvania Ave)
  • UPDATE: Rex has been found!
    Thank you everyone, especially whoever posted him on the ring app and my neighbor who brought him home!!! My dog is missing around the NW 115th st… (Nextdoor Highlands)
  • TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Manager in Choctaw. Apply here.
  • Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores posted a job opening for Restaurant Team Member in Choctaw. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Oklahoma City here.

Ok Oklahoma City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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