A new study estimates that the proposed Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture in downtown Tulsa would have a nearly $18 million impact in its first year of operation.

The study by the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce also estimates the museum would provide additional benefits, such as creating nearly 400 permanent jobs, a 650-space parking garage in downtown Tulsa and boost tourism.

Gov. Mary Fallin is expected to sign a bill heading her way that would provide $7.1 billion to fund state government.

The state Senate gave final legislative approval to the general appropriations bill Tuesday that increases spending by nearly $270 million over the current year’s budget.

Eight Republicans joined the dozen Senate Democrats in opposing the legislation.

“Tonight I’ll run five miles through my neighborhood, a task that at one time seemed Herculean and has almost begun to feel downright routine. I’ve been intentional about weaving running into my life, it has become almost irreplaceable as a source of sanity for me.”

Nathan Gunter wrote these words in his blog just last month. Starting in late January, Gunter planned out a three-and-a-half month training program for first-time runners.

“Ever since I could walk I’ve never been a home run hitter, I let the other guys do that and grab the glory.” says Craig Aikin, Centerfielder at the University of Oklahoma.

Craig Aikin is a freshman Centerfielder for the University of Oklahoma’s baseball team. He’s generously listed at 5’ 10” on the Sooners roster. He’s known for his speed, but he showed at a young age he has some power.

Earlier this year an independent review by veteran diplomat Thomas Pickering and retired Adm. Mike Mullen slammed the U.S. State Department for inadequate security at the U.S. consulate in Benghazi before the September 11, 2012 attacks that killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador.

“The styles of public diplomacy are now constrained by our fear,” says Richard Arndt, a veteran U.S. diplomat and the author of The First Resort of Kings: American Cultural Diplomacy in the  Twentieth Century. ”Which after all is what terrorists try to produce, and which they've amply succeeded in.”

Arndt says as the United States reestablished diplomatic relations with European countries after World War II, the goal was to build the most beautiful embassies possible.