Since he won the race to be Oklahoma’s State Superintendent in 2022, Ryan Walters has stoked controversy with social media posts criticizing the schools and teachers he oversees. In a recent video, he compared public schools to “terrorist training camps.”
KOSU’s Lionel Ramos (@lookitslionel) explored how these repeated statements invoking backlash have affected teachers and what experts in political rhetoric have to say about it.
#oklahoma #oklahomanews #oklahomapolitics #oklaed #government #politics
Each January, the OKC Pow Wow Club (@okcpowwow) rings in the new year with its annual dance. Bringing together Indigenous Oklahomans from different tribes, ages and backgrounds, the event features traditional music, food and more.
KOSU’s Sarah Liese stopped by the event and spoke to attendees about the community they found.
How are you connecting with your community in 2025? Let us know in the comments!
#oklahoma #indigenous #powwow #newyear #2025 #civicspark
Otoe-Missouria Tribe: On the front lines of climate change
In Red Rock, Oklahoma — the home of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians — climate change and environmental disasters have put sacred Indigenous sites under threat. But the tribe is working to change that. Watch to learn more about the initiatives it has started.
https://www.kosu.org/otoe-missouria-climate-change
#oklahoma #oklahomanews #indigenous #indigenousnews #otoemissouria #redrock #environment #climate #science
Tulsa Opera harnesses the healing power of music for memory care
Did you know that singing from memory can help combat the negative effects of dementia and other memory loss conditions? Working with the Tulsa Opera, the Songs by Heart Foundation brings music to seniors across Tulsa.
Watch for more on the program from KOSU’s Sierra Pfeifer.
https://www.kosu.org/health/2024-12-17/tulsa-opera-harnesses-the-healing-power-of-music-for-memory-care
#memory #opera #mentalhealth #singing #musictherapy #tulsa #oklahoma #oklahomanews
Listen to Christmas music on The Spy!
Now through December 25, listen to Christmas music on The Spy FM! Santa will put you on his “nice” list if you do :)
You can hear the holiday tunes 24/7 on The Spy or from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on KOSU. Check the link below for how to listen.
https://www.kosu.org/how-to-listen
#christmas #christmasmusic #holidays #santa #presents #radio #npr #publicradio #oklahoma
Grant will provide swim lessons for 100 students at Oklahoma City YMCA
The Government Employees Health Association (GEHA Health) announced on Tuesday its new partnership with the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City to provide swim lessons for 100 students.
The Learn to Swim Program is funded by a $15,000 grant from the G.E.H.A., which will cover the cost of instruction in both swimming and aquatic safety, as well as swimming equipment. By ensuring students have towels, swimsuits and other gear, G.E.H.A. corporate social responsibility manager Gene Willis said he and his team can break down barriers to participation.
“If a student has never swam before, they likely don't have a free swimsuit laying around, or any equipment that's related to that, and that can be something that keeps a student from coming back, or even starting,” Willis said.
Read the full story at https://www.kosu.org/education/2024-12-04/grant-will-provide-swim-lessons-for-100-students-at-oklahoma-city-ymca
#swimming #swim #pool #safety #oklahoma #oklahomanews
Meet Leo
Leo, a mental health dog at the Moore Police Department, is on the front lines of emergency response, offering comfort on scene in high-stress moments.
He’s a four-year-old half-poodle, half-giant schnauzer mix with big brown eyes and dark curly fur. He spends 40 hours a week roaming department halls, dispatching to 911 calls or visiting parks throughout the community.
Leo has been trained to comfort victims on scene. When he’s not on call, Leo spends the rest of his time at the station, running up to officers he knows who store extra treats in their desks.
Read more about Leo at KOSU.org.
#dogs #dog #police #mentalhealth
