🌱 The Oklahoma City Zoo New Expedition + New DHS Border Services Bill

Morning, Oklahoma City! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Oklahoma City Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Warmer with a stray t-storm. High: 91 Low: 71.

Here are the top three stories today in Oklahoma City:

1. The Oklahoma City Zoo has announced that they will start to open parts of their new Expedition Africa project over the next upcoming weeks after being under construction for almost two years. CEO Dwight Lawson, has expressed the excitement that the zoo has to invite visitors to the new and improved changes. This huge project is in total about $34 million in design due to the 13 acres it holds. (KOCO Oklahoma City)
2. Oklahoma Congressman Josh Brecheen has introduced a new bill called the DHS Border Services Contract Review Act which he states will protect and ensure that tax dollars are spent properly by the federal government when it comes to government contracts at the Southern border. The Under Secretary of Management will supposedly create a strategy that will “improve” the delivery and service of contracts which will help the DHS along the border. This bill is supposedly going to give more power to the Border Patrol Agents to “better defend the homeland” as well. (KOKH FOX25)
3. 21-year-old Johnathon Thomas is now charged with murder for a shooting that happened last month at a southeast Oklahoma City bar near 29th Street and Bryant Avenue. According to a female witness that was with the suspect, Justin Smith, the victim, was shot in the chest by Thomas after an apparent altercation. When the detectives questioned the suspect, he admitted to being at the bar, but he did not admit to shooting the victim and he asked for an attorney. (KOCO Oklahoma City)

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Today in Oklahoma City:

• Track Event-Drag Races Oklahoma Mustang Club At Thunder Valley Raceway Park (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Oklahoma City Public Schools want you to register today to volunteer and support local public schools near you! You can be a reading buddy, help with school projects or be a mentor to a student! (Oklahoma City Public Schools via Facebook)
• The Oklahoma City Museum of Art has a new museum blog piece titled: "Who Was Auguste Rodin and Why You Should Care" by Curatorial Assistant Kristen Pignuolo. Today you can read it online here! (Oklahoma City Museum of Art via Facebook)
• Celine Keddissi, a docent at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, shares her experience as a tour guide/docent and why she loves it. Learn more online if you are interested in becoming a museum tour guide here! (Oklahoma City Museum of Art via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— 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.