Latest news with #Oklahoma-based
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Oklahoma company seeks to buoy U.S. production of critical rare earth magnets
Stillwater, Oklahoma — Buried on Round Top Mountain in a remote part of West Texas are rare earth minerals, the metals that could power America's future. Rare earths are a group of 17 elements used in many of the world's most advanced technologies, including semiconductors, electric cars and guided missiles used by the military. Before they can be used, the minerals must be turned into magnets, and China produces as much as 95% of the world's rare earth magnets, according to energy research company Wood Mackenzie. But USA Rare Earth, a Stillwater, Oklahoma-based company, is trying to change that by bringing this critical supply chain back to the United States. "I'd say we're a good 10, 15 years behind," USA Rare Earth CEO Joshua Ballard told CBS News of where he thinks U.S. production of rare earth magnets should be. Inside its warehouse in Stillwater, USA Rare Earth is rushing to assemble massive machines that will eventually produce up to 5,000 tons of magnets per year. According to Ballard, that will equal about 10% of U.S. demand. "Right now, we have to ask permission from China in order to get the magnets and minerals we need for our defense technologies," Ballard said. "...This is an incredible choke point for this country." In April, the Trump administration announced an economic investment deal with Ukraine designed to give the U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earths, a move that comes amid the White House's trade disputes with China. Ballard showed CBS News a small-scale laboratory that is showcasing what could be possible. Inside, engineers are refining the volatile rare earth metals, cooking and compressing them into tiny but powerful magnets. "When you think about all these new technologies, whether it's in your phone, there's probably 12 magnets if you have an iPhone," Ballard said. "A car, there's up to 40 magnets in a car. And the strength of them allows you to create smaller technologies with the power of the magnet." And while companies like USA Rare Earth will eventually help lessen U.S. dependence on China, Ballard said that's still a long way off. "It's a long term proposition," Ballard said. "We've got a lot of work to do here. There's a few sites here in America that are working out today. It's not nearly enough. We've got a lot of work to do." Musk alleges Trump's name appeared in Epstein files as feud escalates What to know about President Trump's travel ban on nationals from 12 countries Trump says he's disappointed by Musk criticism of budget bill, Musk says he got Trump elected
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Manhattan Construction opens new Atlanta office
This story was originally published on Construction Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Construction Dive newsletter. Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Manhattan Construction opened a new Atlanta office, the builder announced on May 27. The new office, located at 2100 Powers Ferry Road SE, will focus on aviation, government, healthcare, laboratory and mission-critical projects, according to the news release. It's designed to foster collaboration, innovation and operational efficiency as Manhattan continues to grow its presence in the region. The company has maintained a presence in Atlanta since 2001, when it acquired The Flagler Co., according to the release. The area office also serves as the home of the company's president, executive vice president and business systems leadership, the firm confirmed to Construction Dive. The firm's flagship office remains in Tulsa. 'This office will serve as a hub for growth, innovation, and client-focused service,' said Jason McFadden, Manhattan Construction vice president, in the release. The contractor is ranked No. 71 on Engineering News-Record's 2025 Top 400 Commercial Contractors list, and reported $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024. The company also reported $2.4 billion in new contracts last year. Founded in 1896, Manhattan Construction Co. became the first business to be incorporated when the Oklahoma Territory achieved statehood in 1907, according to its website. Today, its current operations span the Southwest and Eastern parts of the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Recommended Reading Sandherr to retire after 27 years as AGC head Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How a 50-year-old nurse's laid-back Friday mornings turned into a six-figure-a-month business?
Oklahoma-based nurse Mike O'Dell transformed his hobby into a high-earning side hustle, raking in over $1.25 million in 2024 from his quilting kit business, Legit Kits. Despite working only one day a week on it, the venture thrives, offering him flexibility and fulfillment. With a full-time job for security, O'Dell continues growing his creative venture while navigating tariff threats. Mike O'Dell, a 50-year-old nurse anesthetist, earns $117,000 a month from his side hustle, Legit Kits, by working just one day a week. What began as a Star Wars quilt project for his kids became a million-dollar quilting business. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads From Star Wars Quilts to Startup Success Running the Business While Staying Employed Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tariff Threats and Market Expansion Stitching a Path Forward Every Friday morning in Oklahoma City, Mike O'Dell sips coffee on his patio, drives his kids to school, and heads to his warehouse—not to clock into another job, but to enjoy the day he built for himself. That single day of work each week now earns him an eye-popping $117,000 a month. By contrast, the rest of O'Dell's week is spent in the high-pressure environment of a hospital operating room. As a nurse anesthetist, he works 10-hour shifts with little time for meals or breaks. But his side hustle, Legit Kits, offers a creative escape—and a profitable to a report from CNBC Make It , O'Dell launched Legit Kits in 2020 after sewing Star Wars-themed quilts for his sons using a method known as foundation paper piecing. Impressed by how approachable and artistic the process was, he realized there was a business opportunity in selling pre-designed quilting hired two graphic designers to create artwork and patterns, and brought on staff to handle production and shipping. The company now has seven full-time employees and four freelance designers. In 2024 alone, it brought in $1.25 million through online sales, with an additional $150,000 generated through in-store sales at Joann Fabrics before the chain closed all its outlets earlier this his booming business, O'Dell has no plans to leave his job at the hospital, which pays him $240,000 annually. That stability gives him freedom to reinvest in Legit Kits without worrying about personal describes his role at the company as creative director and CEO, overseeing product design and marketing during his weekly workday. For his efforts, he plans to pay himself a modest $50,000 salary this year, focusing instead on growing the business and managing Legit Kits grows, O'Dell faces new challenges—most notably, proposed tariff hikes under U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies. The company's fabrics are sourced from Indonesia and Vietnam, where tariffs could rise to as much as 46%. For now, a temporary 10% rate is in effect until July 9.'The uncertainty is stressful,' O'Dell admits. He says the company is delaying hiring decisions until there's clarity on pricing. At the same time, he's introducing more affordable 'mini kits' at $99 each to attract casual crafters and protect his customer base from economic pressure.'I don't want to price people out of a hobby,' he says.O'Dell's quilting venture operates in a $5 billion industry, and while it still holds a small market share, he's optimistic about scaling. His advertising efforts now focus on hobbyists beyond the traditional quilting community, hoping to bring fresh interest to the art its success, O'Dell doesn't plan to make Legit Kits his full-time job unless the company reaches eight-figure annual revenues.'I'd have to get it up to $10 million a year … and I want my kids to go to college,' he says.O'Dell's story is a striking reminder that with creativity, planning, and purpose, even a side hustle can become a six-figure success—without quitting your day job.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
US judge pauses enforcement of Oklahoma immigration law
By Dietrich Knauth NEW YORK (Reuters) -A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked enforcement of an Oklahoma law that imposes criminal penalties on non-citizens who enter Oklahoma illegally, saying the law likely intrudes on the federal government's authority over immigration. U.S. District Judge Bernard Jones ruled the law, HB 4156, may not be enforced for at least 14 days while a court challenge proceeds. Jones said he will consider a longer-term injunction of the law after a court hearing in early June. The American Civil Liberties Union, which represents Oklahoma-based organization Padres Unidos de Tulsa and several individual plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said the ruling was a "victory for Oklahoma's immigrant community" and a step towards permanently blocking the law. Oklahoma's attorney general Gentner Drummond criticized the decision as "outrageous," saying it would imperil Oklahoma's efforts to stop drug trafficking and other criminal activity in the state. The law empowers state and local law enforcement officers to arrest immigrants suspected of being in the U.S. illegally. A first offense under the law is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of $500, and a second offense is a felony that could result in up to two years in prison. The law also requires a person to leave the state within 72 hours of conviction or release from custody. The Department of Justice, under ex-President Joe Biden, had sued Oklahoma over the law, saying it was an unconstitutional violation of the federal government's immigration authority. But after Republican President Donald Trump was elected, the DOJ dropped its lawsuit. Jones said the change in administration did not impact his finding that Congress intended 'to make immigration regulation exclusively federal,' rather than subject to state-level criminal penalties.
Washington Post
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Washington Post
How to (wisely! safely!) pick out free furniture off the curb
Erin Shuford was driving home when she spotted a coffee table on the side of the road. The piece was scratched up and poorly painted, and she was about to drive on when she noticed its boomerang-shaped silhouette. It was a Biomorphic Coffee Table by Lane from the 1960s. Shuford, a Florida-based content creator and furniture flipper, knew it would be valuable if restored. She was right. After stripping off the black paint and returning the piece to its original condition, Shuford sold it for $500 to a mid-century modern furniture warehouse. 'A lot of furniture thrown away is there for a reason,' Shuford said. 'But sometimes you can find gems. Sometimes, something might look like trash when it's not trash.' Here's how to tell the difference. 'Timing is everything,' said Jon DePompa, production manager at Schoenbauer Furniture Service in Maryland. 'I know people who've found items worth thousands of dollars from driving around Georgetown University after school had just let out.' On a bulk trash pickup day in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Pixie Windsor, owner of Miss Pixie's Furnishings & Whatnot in D.C., found a metal art deco desk in pristine condition. Several times a day, Shuford checks the Freebie Alerts app and Facebook Marketplace, jumping when she sees compelling finds. 'Always be prepared,' she said. In her car, she keeps a blanket, tape measure, handheld flashlight, tweezers and gloves. Seek out solid wood pieces with sturdy construction, as they tend to refinish well and hold their value, Oklahoma-based content creator, furniture artist and refinisher Deborah Meyers of Vintage Furniture Finds-Refinished by Deborah said in an email. A few dents or scratches shouldn't deter you. 'If you're looking for vintage, don't mind a little bit of character,' Shuford said. 'Dings tell the story of the long life it's lived.' To help you identify a piece and assess its worth, check for labels or signatures inside drawers or on the back. Then conduct a Google image search to view pictures of the furniture in its original condition, which will reveal whether it contains wood, Shuford said. If furniture is made with particle board, pressboard, medium-density-fiberboard or laminate, you'll probably want to leave it behind, DePompa said. These materials swell instantly when exposed to moisture and can't be repaired, he said. Fabric can retain odors, mold and mildew, DePompa said. But the bigger risk with upholstered pieces is bed bugs, said Seun Oladipupo, assistant professor of urban entomology at Ohio State University. These critters are elusive and multiply quickly. 'Fighting an enemy you cannot see, how do you win?' he said. The adults can survive for up to five months without food, remaining still to conserve their energy. That is, until they catch a whiff of carbon dioxide: a sign of their prey. That's when they pounce. 'The only way to make sure bed bugs won't find you is if you don't breathe out,' Oladipupo said. To increase their chances of securing another meal, the bugs congregate where humans spend most of their time: mattresses, sofas, chairs. Because eradicating them can be so difficult, Oladipupo recommends hiring professionals. One treatment costs an average of $2000, and multiple treatments are often needed. In comparison, a new couch can seem like a bargain. Two hours into cleaning a mid-century modern dresser set she'd found, Shuford realized both items were infested with termites. She suddenly noticed one of the drawers was concave and riddled with holes. When she grabbed its side, the wood crumbled, and termite droppings avalanched to the floor. Since then, she's had 'no shame' when inspecting pieces on the curb. 'I'll pull out drawers, look in the body, in the back, inside drawers. I'll shine a flashlight into the small crevices.' To avoid critters of all kinds, check furniture scrupulously, including seams, joints, and cracks and underneath dust covers (on the bottoms of upholstered pieces). Even unupholstered items can contain bugs; it's just easier to spot them on hard surfaces. Shed skin, brown dots and blood spots resembling paint splatters can reveal the presence of bed bugs, said Shuford. With the edge of a credit card, scrape the edges and seams of furniture, said Oladipupo. If you see debris come off, that's another giveaway. For extra caution, take a cue from Meyers and wrap items in plastic before loading them into your car. Once they're in your shed or garage, set them on white paper or fabric. If insects such as termites or woodworms are present and move, they might cause dust and wood to accumulate underneath the item. On a light-colored surface, this buildup will be easier to see, DePompa said. Once you've brought an item home, it's time for some TLC. 'People are surprised what a little bit of lemon oil and elbow grease will do for something that looks cloudy or hazy,' DePompa said. If possible, work outside and wear a mask and gloves. Then wipe down all exterior and interior solid surfaces with dish soap and water. If you encounter mold or stubborn grime, apply Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, first spraying it onto a microfiber cloth or rag. For persistent odors, sprinkle on baking soda, vacuuming after at least 24 hours, Shuford said. Then gild the lily by polishing the surface with lemon, orange, or mineral oil (DePompa's pick) or Mohawk Finishing Products OZ Cream Polish (Shuford's go-to).
