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kosuradio.bsky.social
KOSU
@kosuradio.bsky.social
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📻 NPR, public radio news, podcasts, and independent music from The Spy. 91.7 FM in OKC & 107.5 FM in Tulsa. 📸 Check out our IG: http://instagram.com/kosuradio
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · Jul 18
Early this morning, Congress voted to strip away $1.1 billion in already approved funding for public broadcasting. This loss creates an immediate hole of $300,000 in KOSU’s budget.

Will you help us fill this funding gap? Donate at the link below.

kosu.secureallegiance.com/kosu/WebModu...
Federal funding for KOSU has been eliminated. Here’s what comes next. In a devastating blow to public media, both chambers of the U.S. Congress voted to approve the President’s rescission request, stripping away $1.1 billion in already approved federal funding that KOSU and hundreds of public radio and TV stations across the country were depending on to continue to serve our community. The measure is now headed to the President’s desk and will be signed into law imminently. This moment cannot be the end of the fight for local public media. This is the beginning of an inflection point. KOSU's essential services must survive and thrive. We must continue serving the interests of Oklahomans, our audience. We must continue to serve you. This loss of federal funding creates an immediate hole of $300,000 in our budget. The future of public media now hinges on the support of our community partners, like you. Your contribution right now is vital — you are the bedrock that will ensure we can continue. Will you help to fill this funding gap by making a donation or increasing your monthly gift to KOSU? Every request for support we make, every dollar we bring in, and every member we mobilize will determine what comes next for the essential news, music, stories and connections our communities rely on. We will navigate this difficult path, but only with your support. You can sign up for alerts and find out more information at kosu.org/cuts. Thank you, Rachel Hubbard KOSU Executive Director
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 1h
Oklahoma lawmakers hosted an interim study Tuesday on the impacts of federal cuts to Medicaid that were signed into law in July.

Providers expressed concern they may have to reduce services to balance their budgets.

www.kosu.org/health/2025-...
Oklahoma lawmakers explore impacts of federal cuts to Medicaid in interim study
The conversation highlighted how the changes will impact Oklahoma's health care landscape, including hospital finances and patient access.
www.kosu.org
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kosuradio.bsky.social
KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 2h
Attorneys for people with severe mental illness in jails across Oklahoma are asking a judge to fine the state's mental health department $1,000 for every day it doesn’t come up with a legitimate plan to speed up wait times for treatment.

@readfrontier.bsky.social

www.kosu.org/local-news/2...
Attorneys ask judge to fine the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health for lack of progress on reforms
Plaintiffs claim the state agency has provided false information about progress on promised reforms, leaving people with severe mental illness languishing in jails for months without treatment.
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 4h
BREAKING: Oklahoma’s new State Superintendent of Public Instruction is ending his predecessor’s plan to distribute Bibles to every classroom.

www.kosu.org/education/20...
Lindel Fields announces end to Ryan Walters’ Oklahoma classroom Bible mandate
Oklahoma’s new State Superintendent of Public Instruction is ending his predecessor’s plan to distribute Bibles to every classroom.
www.kosu.org
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kosuradio.bsky.social
KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 6h
The largest bond in Oklahoma City history was passed by voters Tuesday.

Spanning 11 propositions and $2.7 billion, the bond will tackel a variety of infrastructure projects.

www.kosu.org/oklahoma-ele...
Oklahoma City passes $2.7 billion bond package, Little Axe voters reject new high school and more
Oklahoma voters in 27 counties cast ballots in an array of elections Tuesday, including the largest bond package in state history in Oklahoma City, which passed easily.
www.kosu.org
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kosuradio.bsky.social
KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 23h
Does Bigfoot roam Anadarko? It’s possible.

Storytellers looking to spin a yarn about Bigfoot gathered in the southwest Oklahoma city on Friday, sharing lore of the creature at a festival hosted by the Delaware Nation.

www.kosu.org/arts-culture...
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 1d
A recent interim study in the Oklahoma House discussed the dangers and possible solutions to a growing concern of "dark money" donations.

The term refers to anonymous political contributions with limited campaign finance reporting regulations.

www.kosu.org/politics/202...
Oklahoma lawmakers compare 'dark money' to laundering in interim study, discuss red tape
Some Oklahoma lawmakers are keen on regulating independent political expenditures — also known as ‘dark money’ donations — used to influence state and local elections. An interim study of the subject ...
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 1d
Storytellers looking to spin a yarn about Bigfoot gathered in Anadarko on Friday, sharing lore of the creature at a festival hosted by the Delaware Nation.

KOSU's @smliese.bsky.social checked it out to hear about sightings, traditions and more.

www.kosu.org/arts-culture...
Bigfoot believers, those intrigued by mystery, share stories at Delaware Nation's Anadarko festival
Storytellers looking to spin a yarn about Bigfoot gathered in Anadarko on Friday, sharing lore of the creature at a festival hosted by the Delaware Nation.
www.kosu.org
kosuradio.bsky.social
KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 1d
Senate Bill 139 prohibited student use of personal electronic devices, including cellphones and smart watches, for the entire school day, starting this year. So far, teachers say it's been a success.

@oklahomavoice.com
www.kosu.org/education/20...
Educators say Oklahoma's school cellphone ban has been a 'game changer'
Senate Bill 139 banned students from using personal devices for the entire school day.
www.kosu.org
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kosuradio.bsky.social
KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 1d
More than a million low-income mothers and children in the Midwest and Great Plains rely on a national food assistance program. The Trump administration says it will help fund program during the federal shutdown, but advocates say it’s a short-term fix.

www.kosu.org/2025-10-13/w...
Moms and kids could lose federal food aid if the shutdown drags on, food advocates say
More than a million low-income mothers and children in the Midwest and Great Plains rely on a national food assistance program. The Trump administration says it will help provide temporary funding to ...
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 2d
Farmers rely on the Mississippi River to ship grain and bring them imported fertilizer and other critical inputs. But another year of low river levels means barge travel will be more expensive.

www.kosu.org/2025-10-13/l...
Drought is shrinking Mississippi River levels — again. That's a big problem for farmers
Farmers rely on the Mississippi River to ship grain and bring them imported fertilizer and other critical inputs. But another year of low river levels means barge travel will be more expensive.
www.kosu.org
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kosuradio.bsky.social
KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 2d
Oklahoma voters in 27 counties will cast ballots on a variety of proposals Tuesday.

Residents are tasked with deciding on funding questions, from sales tax changes to school bonds. Here are some of the races KOSU is watching.

www.kosu.org/oklahoma-ele...
Oklahoma election preview: Cities, schools decide on funding
Residents are tasked with deciding on funding questions, from sales tax changes to school bonds.
www.kosu.org
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kosuradio.bsky.social
KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 2d
This week, KOSU's Oklahoma Music Minutes feature songs in Sterlin Harjo's new Tulsa show, "The Lowdown." Check them out for tracks from Leon Russell, JD McPherson, The Gap Band, Travis Linville and JJ Cale.

www.kosu.org/music/2025-1...
Oklahoma Music Minutes for October 13-17: Music you should hear this week
KOSU's Oklahoma Music Minute features musicians and bands from across the state. This week, KOSU's Oklahoma Music Minute is playing songs featured in Sterlin Harjo's Tulsa-focused TV show, The Lowdown...
www.kosu.org
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kosuradio.bsky.social
KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 2d
A law passed this year requires the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to explore a future with nuclear energy generation in Oklahoma. But the measure doesn't provide funding to secure a firm to complete the study.

www.kosu.org/energy-envir...
Oklahoma utility regulators to request state funds for nuclear energy study
A law passed this year requires the regulatory agency to explore a future with nuclear energy generation in Oklahoma. But the measure doesn't provide funding to secure a firm to complete the study.
www.kosu.org
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kosuradio.bsky.social
KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 4d
As food production and farming become increasingly computerized, cyberattacks are on the rise. Lawmakers and universities are encouraging more research into how to protect the industry from cyber threats.

www.kosu.org/2025-10-09/h...
Hackers are targeting U.S. farms and food companies. Lawmakers say it’s time to act
As food production and farming become increasingly computerized, cyberattacks are on the rise. Lawmakers and universities are encouraging more research into how to protect the industry from cyber thre...
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 5d
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation shared a press release on Wednesday highlighting a gray area of where tribal citizens can hunt and fish with tribally issued licenses. It drew disapproval from several tribal leaders.

www.kosu.org/news/2025-10...
Do tribal citizens need state-issued hunting, fishing licenses off trust lands? Oklahoma officials say yes
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation shared a press release on Wednesday, drawing disapproval from several tribal leaders of the five largest tribes in Oklahoma and tribal lawyers. It highligh...
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 5d
A downtown Oklahoma City Battle of the Bands will take place tomorrow in an unexpected venue. The Metropolitan Library System is celebrating underground alternative culture with an entire day of punk activities, including a Battle of the Bands.

www.kosu.org/arts-culture...
Bands go head-to-head at the Downtown Oklahoma City Library
A downtown Oklahoma City Battle of the Bands will take place tomorrow in an unexpected venue. The library is celebrating underground alternative culture with an entire day of punk activities, includin...
www.kosu.org
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kosuradio.bsky.social
KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 5d
The Oklahoma State Board of Education met with newly appointed State Superintendent Lindel Fields on Thursday. They discussed accreditation warnings before entering an executive session to discuss teacher certifications and suspensions.

www.kosu.org/education/20...
Oklahoma State Board of Education is back in action with new state superintendent
The Oklahoma State Board of Education met for its first special meeting under the newly appointed State Superintendent on Thursday. Board members discussed the accreditation process for schools not me...
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 6d
Gov. Kevin Stitt declared an environmental emergency in Caddo County after saltwater contamination was reported there.

Wildlife and a number of cattle died on private property near Colony and Eakly after the contamination.

www.kosu.org/energy-envir...
Stitt declares environmental emergency in Caddo County after saltwater purge
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is using emergency funds to help remediate the site at Five Mile Creek. A trench and pit were dug to collect the fluid and divert it away from water bodies.
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 6d
As Oklahoma's aging population grows, providers and officials are searching for ways to create meaningful connections for a group that is more likely to be isolated. Programs that bring them together with children could be a solution.

www.kosu.org/show/stateim...
'Isn't that wonderful?': Intergenerational programs combat loneliness, create purpose for seniors
Research shows the model can benefit multiple generations by bringing them together to participate in ongoing, mutually beneficial activities. Oklahoma officials are looking to expand the programs to ...
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 6d
Former Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat is suing Canadian County and the state for how they handled a traffic stop and resulting accident that left Treat’s son traumatized and seriously injured.

www.kosu.org/local-news/2...
Former Oklahoma senate leader sues state for negligence in traffic accident that injured son
Former Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat is suing Canadian County and the state for how they handled a traffic stop and resulting accident that left Treat’s son traumatized and seriously injured.
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 6d
Banjo Fest is taking place from Oct. 9 through 11 at the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City. Staff hope people leave the festival with a newfound appreciation of the banjo.

www.kosu.org/music/2025-1...
Banjo Fest in Oklahoma City celebrates all things banjo
Banjo Fest is taking place from Oct. 9 through 11 at the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City.
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 6d
Oklahoma’s Legislature acted unconstitutionally when it passed a new law creating business courts, the state’s highest court ruled.

@oklahomavoice.com

www.kosu.org/politics/202...
High court strikes down Oklahoma business courts
Oklahoma’s Legislature acted unconstitutionally when it passed a new law creating business courts, the state’s highest court ruled.
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 7d
Mental health service providers are continuing to sound the alarm about budget cuts that impact services across Oklahoma.

Close to 30 people showed up to advocate for increased funding for mental health services at the State Capitol Tuesday evening.

www.kosu.org/health/2025-...
Advocates urge Oklahoma lawmakers to increase funding for mental health services
Mental health service providers are continuing to sound the alarm about budget cuts and their impact on services across Oklahoma.
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 7d
New Oklahoma State Superintendent Lindel Fields is trying to set a new tone for his leadership era of Oklahoma’s education department. It includes assembling a "turnaround team" to review contracts, policies and more from predecessor Ryan Walters.

www.kosu.org/education/20...
State Superintendent Lindel Fields aims to set new tone in Oklahoma education
Newly appointed Oklahoma State Superintendent Lindel Fields is trying to set a new tone for his leadership era of Oklahoma’s education department. It includes a three-step plan Fields laid out for rep...
www.kosu.org
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KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 7d
Statewide test scores for reading and math have dropped significantly in Oklahoma public schools since the state returned to more rigorous scoring, according to results the State Department of Education released publicly on Monday.

@oklahomavoice.com

www.kosu.org/education/20...
Stricter scoring causes major drop in Oklahoma math, reading test results
Statewide test scores for reading and math have dropped significantly in Oklahoma public schools since the state returned to more rigorous scoring, according to results the state Department of Educati...
www.kosu.org
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