Good morning, Oklahoma! Are we fully sprung forward? 🕒

Oh, and I survived the cold rain on Saturday and even had that bowl of chili.

See below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Here is the Oklahoma journalism I’ve hand-picked for you this Monday:

• 3 federal offices in Oklahoma to be spared from closure, Rep. Cole says 

• Oklahoma scientists and advocates rally for science funding and federal workers (KOSU)

• Ryan Walters warns religious group that red states will turn against Trump (Public Radio Tulsa)

• Thunder’s big fourth, SGA’s 40 lands OKC a 127-103 win over Nuggets

Weather Update ☀️

It seems as if spring is starting to settle in. Hello, warmth!

🌡️ Monday high in OKC 72°
🌡️ Monday high in Tulsa 74°

If you have weather photos you’d like to share with ‘Oklahoma Memo,’ email them to [email protected]!

1️⃣ 3 federal offices in Oklahoma to be spared from closure, Rep. Cole says

We got the good news late Friday: U.S. Rep. Tom Cole announced that a lease for the Radar Operations Center in Norman would not be terminated.

But also, neither would closures happen for the Social Security Administration Office in Lawton and the Indian Health Services Office in Oklahoma City.

More Coverage 👀

• Rep. Tom Cole announces National Weather Center, other Oklahoma federal offices safe from termination (OU Daily)

• Leases for three federal facilities in Oklahoma spared from DOGE cuts, Congressman Cole says (KFOR)

• Gov. Stitt Wants More Say in What Federal Funding Gets Cut (Oklahoma Watch)

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2️⃣ Oklahoma scientists, advocates rally for science funding and federal workers

By Anna Pope, Jillian Taylor, and Chloe Bennett-Steele
Click here to read the story.

More than 150 people combined gathered simultaneously outside of the Oklahoma State Capitol and the National Weather Center in Norman. The rallies were part of the nationwide Stand Up For Science walkouts and rallies that took place March 7.

Thousands of people showed up across the U.S. in response to deep budget cuts to federal science research and layoffs.

(Click the link to find out the impact cuts are having to medical research in Oklahoma.)

More Coverage 👀

• Oklahoma representatives, advocates protest to support science funding, research amid federal cuts (OU Daily)

3️⃣ Ryan Walters warns religious group that red states will turn against Trump

By Elizabeth Caldwell, Public Radio Tulsa
Click here to read the story.

Speaking at a dinner event hosted by a group seeking to install a Christian government, State Superintendent Ryan Walters warned the road ahead may be rocky for Republicans.

Walters told a gathering hosted by the City Elders in Glenpool that the country is in the midst of a spiritual war and that Satan is working through “the enemy.”

“You’re gonna see these federal judges come in and slap President Trump down. You’re gonna see bureaucrats fight back. You’re gonna see states that aren’t gonna back up what President Trump does. Unfortunately you’re gonna see that with red states. I hate to say it but you know it’s coming. We’re already seeing it, aren’t we? Red states are not backing up Trump,” said Walters.

(Click the link to find out why attendees believed protestors to be “so angry.”)

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Oklahoma News Headlines 📰

• Homicide suspect shot by officers following pursuit in Muskogee (2 News Oklahoma)

• NEW DETAILS: Osage County Sheriff's Office releases names from deadly shooting at Bluestem Lake (2 News Oklahoma)

• 3 additional suspects in custody connected to Osage County homicide (News On 6)

• 'The system worked': OSU/A&M Board of Regents reacts to millions mismanaged (The O’Colly)

• Terri Cornett, the wife of former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, dies (KOCO)

• Oklahoma City landmarks to be featured in city edition of Monopoly (KOCO)

• Cherokee Nation citizen, 98, is still providing tax services (Cherokee Phoenix)

• Legionella found in Osage Agency water; Lead still a concern in Pawhuska (Osage News)

• Kiamichi River project hits roadblock after recent ruling (KXII)

• Pauls Valley police seek dirt bike thief (KXII)

• The clean-up continues in Ada after Tuesday tornado (The Ada News)

• Bartlesville Council member suggests letting voters decide on Flock cameras (Fox 23)

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Sports Headlines 🏀⚾

Huge 4th quarter, SGA’s 40 leads Thunder past Nuggets 127-103

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s momentum toward an eventual MVP trophy took no hits on Sunday, as he scored 40 in leading Oklahoma City to a 127-103 win over Denver in a midday national broadcast.

The game was tight until the fourth quarter, when the Thunder outscored Denver, 41-20.

(Check out the recap, box score and more from the Oklahoma City Thunder.)

Oh, and check out the standing ovation Russell Westbrook got when he came into the game. Oklahoma City will always love Russ.

• No. 1 Sooners softball sweeps series against No. 10 South Carolina (SoonerSports)

• Sooners baseball sweeps Sam Houston (SoonerSports)

• Cowboys sweep doubleheader over Illinois State (OKState)

• Cowboy wrestling first with one session to go at Big 12 championships (OKState)

• OU men might be going dancing after all, beat Texas 76-72 (SoonerSports)

• Sooners women headed to tourney, too, but fall in SEC semis to Gamecocks (SoonerSports)

And, finally, let’s hear it for the University of Central Oklahoma men who lost the MIAA basketball championship on a buzzer beater, 72-71, to Fort Hays State.

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🗣️ Story Tips, Ideas, Feedback

My inbox is always open. If you have a link I should add to the newsletter, a story that isn’t getting enough attention, a press release, a press event you’d like to invite me to—or you just want to offer some good old-fashioned feedback, I’m available to you.

My mission is to amplify quality journalism, rekindling the daily news habit!

Best way to reach me is via email at [email protected].