🌱 THD Calls COVID Contagion "Extreme" + Pride Flag Set On Fire

Welcome back, Tulsa! It's Thursday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Mild with plenty of sunshine. High: 62 Low: 36.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Tulsa:

1. Data compiled by the Tulsa Health Department revealed Wednesday that most Tulsa County zip codes are at "extreme risk" of COVID-19 spread. The Department's Director, Dr. Bruce Dart, called the rate of infection "the worst" that the county has seen "in the entire pandemic." Dart added that community spread is currently so high that it is impossible to narrow down places like schools, churches, or businesses as being the primary place where people are contracting Omicron, and all of those places and other mass and group settings are risky at this time. (KRMG)
2. The Tulsa Fire Department is investigating after a non-binary pride flag was set on fire outside of a home in Tulsa on Monday night. Victim Matthew Gibbons was made aware that his flag had been set on fire around 11 p.m. after a neighbor reported it to the fire department. The fire did not spread or cause further damage, but investigators say they believe the incident was not an accident. (News On 6)
3. Tulsa Public Schools has surpassed Oklahoma City Public Schools as the state's largest district for the first time since 2013. According to the annual Oct. 1 student count, the district has 33,211 students enrolled this year. Overall enrollment in the state was up by 4,583 students, or 0.66%, to 698,696 students total. (Tulsa World)

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Today in Tulsa:

• LTAI Book Club At Broken Arrow Historical Society (6:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Tulsa SPCA is in need of of new or used iPads to assist the staff with clinic services, events and Mobile Adoption Center outings. If you would like to donate or purchase an iPad, please contact giving@tulsaspca.org. (Facebook)
• The Tulsa Botanic Garden has returned to normal daytime hours! Come stroll the Garden during the day from 12-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. (Facebook)
• Tulsa Opera is looking forward to having a float in Tulsa's MLK Parade on Monday, Jan. 17. and to be a part of this Sunday's Interfaith Community Commemorative Service. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.