🌱 OKC Climate Activists Rally + University Of Oklahoma Receives $1M

Hello again, Oklahoma City! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Oklahoma City Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Oklahoma City Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Oklahoma City long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny; breezy, warmer. High: 67 Low: 44.

Here are the top three stories today in Oklahoma City:

1. Climate activists rallied in downtown Oklahoma City to demand more aggressive climate action this Earth Day weekend. The event featured food, music, and a moment of prayer. The rally served as a call to action to stop and reverse global warming. (KTUL)
2. The University of Oklahoma has received a $1 million commitment from The Meinders Foundation to support research projects focused on curing diabetes and complications associated with the disease. The fund will be used to competitively award grants to researchers who concentrate on discovering remedies for diabetes. The Meinders Foundation and its members have donated previously to the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center; they have also supported research centered around cancer and arrhythmia. (Norman Transcript)
3. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic is traveling to Ada for a hometown concert Friday, Apr. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ataloa Theatre. The concert features a bassoon concerto of Chickasaw composer Jerod Tate’s “Ghost of the White Deer,” performed by bassoonist Rod Ackmann. Also on the performance schedule are two works by another Oklahoma composer, the late Jack Kilpatrick. Tickets are on sale now for only $5 at the East Central University Box Office; students and children will be admitted free of charge. (Theadanews)

Today in Oklahoma City:

• High-Performance Driving Event At Motorsports Ranch Cresson (12:00 AM)
• Senior Breakfast At First Baptist Church in Moore (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• On Apr. 22, the Oklahoma City Fire Department responded to a house fire and saved two victims. A smoke alarm installed by OKCFD two months prior alerted one of the occupants who was then able to self evacuate and call 911. (Facebook)
• It's almost time for the Oklahoma Zoological Society's annual Ostrich Egg Breakfast to honor mothers! Head to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden on Saturday, May 7 for a mom-orable morning in a unique setting. (Facebook)
• Don’t miss Jabee, who will be performing at oNE OKC on Saturday, May 7 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Booker T. Washington Park! According to event organizers, oNE OKC is "more than just a block party—this is a chance for you to actively participate in the revitalization of your community." (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.