🌱 Birthday For Grizzlies At OKC Zoo + OBN Discovers 'Zombie Drug'

Hi all. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy and hot with sunshine. High: 103 Low: 76.

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Here are the top three stories today in Oklahoma City:

1. The Oklahoma City Zoo is planning a birthday celebration for two grizzly bears, Will and Wiley, who are turning 20 years old. The bears were orphaned in Alaska before coming to the zoo, and the community is invited to join in the festivities on Jul. 15. Attendees can sign a birthday card and watch as the brothers receive special presents and enrichment activities for their special day. (KFOR Oklahoma City)
2. In a brazen early morning incident, an Oklahoma City gas station was robbed at gunpoint by an unidentified suspect wearing a ski mask, according to police. The suspect demanded money from the 7-Eleven store near Wilshire and Broadway before fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported during the robbery, and authorities are actively searching for the suspect, who remains at large. (KOCO Oklahoma City)
3. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) has discovered a dangerous drug combination known as the "zombie drug" in the state, which involves fentanyl and an animal tranquilizer. This lethal concoction, brought into the country by drug cartels, has led to alarming effects on users, causing sedation and immobilization while still standing. The drug is resistant to Narcan, making it challenging to revive individuals who have overdosed. OBN has been working to identify and intercept major sources of the drug, but the ongoing flow from China and Mexico remains a significant challenge. (KOCO Oklahoma City)

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Today in Oklahoma City:

Thursday, June 29

• Community Coffee & Focus FCU Grand Opening Celebration At Focus Federal Credit Union (8:00 AM)
• Sports Night At Oklahoma History Center (4:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Father's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating rad dads, past and present. Patch partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on exceptional fathers in communities like Oklahoma City. Click here to meet 13 awesome dads and learn more about the legacies they're leaving behind.

From my notebook:

• During a stormy morning in Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Fire Department responded to a total of 68 emergency calls, including nine power line incidents, three structure fires, eight vehicle accidents, and even a fire in a storm drain caused by a lightning strike. Their dedicated response showcases their commitment to public safety in challenging weather conditions. (Oklahoma City Fire Department via Facebook)
• Don't miss out on the last week to support giraffe conservation by purchasing giraffe-themed cookies from Eileen's Colossal Cookies. Until Jun. 30, every box of six giraffe cookies sold at their Edmond and May Avenue locations will contribute $3 directly to the OKC Zoo, helping protect these iconic animals for future generations. (Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Oklahoma Youth Expo's Class XX and sponsors recently embarked on a trip to Scotland, exploring the Scottish Highlands, witnessing local agriculture, and attending the record-breaking opening day of the 181st Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh. This international agriculture learning experience provided valuable insights, and OALE Class XX is looking forward to more adventures in the future! (Oklahoma Youth Expo via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.