The Society of Professional Journalists has honored KGOU, KOSU, and StateImpact Oklahoma with a national Sigma Delta Chi award for collaborative coverage during the immediate aftermath of the May 20, 2013 tornado that devastated Moore.

Reporter Joe Wertz of StateImpact Oklahoma was among the first reporters on the scene -- he was caught on the interstate with the storm on the horizon and had to seek shelter himself. KGOU's Kurt Gwartney and KOSU's Rachel Hubbard arrived soon after, and the three coordinated and collaborated on coverage that was shared on both stations and with NPR's nationwide audience. Listen to their reports from that evening or read more about the award, which will be presented June 20 in Washington, D.C.

 

StateImpact Oklahoma, a journalism collaboration of public media led by KGOU, is hosting an informal panel discussion on the topic, "Is Oklahoma Prepared for a Changing Climate?" The discussion will be led by StateImpact's Joe Wertz and Logan Layden, with panelists Clay Pope, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, and Dr. David Engle, Director of Oklahoma State University's Water Resources Center. Plan to join us Wednesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. at Picasso's Cafe, 3009 Paseo St. in Oklahoma City.

 

Many amateur and professional photographers submitted photos to KGOU's Oklahoma Tornado Project for an exhibit marking the anniversary of tornadoes that struck several Oklahoma communities last May. The photo submissions are currently being curated by the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, and those selected for the exhibit will undoubtedly be a moving representation of Oklahomans dealing with adversity. We thank everyone who shared their photos.

The exhibit, "Not just another day in May," will open May 6 on the ground floor of Leadership Square, 211 N. Robinson Ave. in downtown Oklahoma City. You're invited to an opening reception that evening from 5 to 7 p.m. to view the photos and meet some of the photographers. If you're planning to attend, please RSVP to Development Director Jolly Brown.

 

"High quality preschool" is a phrase repeated often in education circles, among early childhood education advocates and researchers. But what do those words mean? And what separates the best of the nation's preschool programs from the rest?

NPR correspondents Eric Westervelt and Claudio Sanchez have recently been in Tulsa, Okla., a city and state widely regarded as a national leader in early childhood education. Another report from Westervelt is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 on Weekend All Things Considered at 5 p.m., and previous reports are in the Education archives at KGOU.org.

 

Over the next two weekends, KGOU's Weekend Blues with Hardluck Jim will again present performances from the 2014 NOLA Jazz and Heritage Festival. The festival is a week-long celebration of New Orleans' finest jazz, roots and blues artists, running April 25 through May 1.

The Weekend Blues will join the celebration periodically on April 26-27 and May 3-4 with highlights from such greats as Aurora Neeland and Royal Roses, Rene Marie, Lillian Boutte and more. Live streaming and recording of the event is courtesy of WWOZ in New Orleans.

 

Tasmania, a rugged island south of Australia, is known for its "ace tucker" -- Aussie slang for good food. NPR's Kitchen Window reveals the beauty of Tasmania's culinary bounty, which includes nuts, wine, olives, salmon, lamb, and a highly prized honey. Try these recipes reminiscent of Australia's southernmost state.