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@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

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 2h

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...

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 20h

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.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 21h

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 ...

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 1d

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.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 1d

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.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 1d

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.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 1d

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.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 1d

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...

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 2d

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...

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 2d

Stonecloud Brewing Co. brought the Stillwater community together over the weekend for a Bavarian-style celebration that also provided furry friends with new homes.

www.kosu.org/local-news/2...

Stillwater community comes together for Barktoberfest celebration at Stonecloud

Barktoberfest is a community-filled event including local music, vendors and a dog adoption.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 2d

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved an updated highway plan during its monthly meeting on Monday. But funding questions throw in a layer of uncertainty during the federal shutdown.

www.kosu.org/local-news/2...

Oklahoma DOT eyes $8 billion in improvements amid federal funding uncertainty

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved an updated highway plan during its monthly meeting on Monday. But funding questions throw in a layer of uncertainty during the federal shutdown.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 3d

A foundation holding more than $200 million in assets from a 2019 opioid abatement settlement has officially severed ties with Oklahoma State University.

It is unclear whether future work done by the foundation will occur in the state.

www.kosu.org/health/2025-...

Oklahoma State University separates from $200 milllion foundation created by opioid settlement

A foundation holding more than $200 million in assets from a 2019 opioid abatement settlement between Oklahoma and Purdue Pharmaceuticals has officially severed ties with Oklahoma State University.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 3d

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case involving Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s brother, a Cherokee Nation citizen. The case questioned a state’s criminal jurisdictional authority over tribal citizens on tribal land absent Congressional authorization.

www.kosu.org/news/2025-10...

SCOTUS declines to hear case involving Gov. Stitt's brother, tribal jurisdiction in Oklahoma

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case involving Gov. Kevin Stitt’s brother, Marvin Keith Stitt, who is also a Cherokee Nation citizen. The case questioned a state’s criminal jurisdictional au...

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 3d

A collaboration between the Student Union Activities Board and the German Club, Poketoberfest gives @okstate.edu students a break from the mid-semester grind with a traditional Bavarian celebration.

www.kosu.org/local-news/2...

Oklahoma State University holds Poketoberfest event for students

Poketoberfest gives students at Oklahoma State University a piece of Germany with some Cowboy flair.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 3d

Tony Mann’s siblings want to get their brother out of prison as his health declines. Mann’s attorneys claim he played only a minor role in the Oklahoma murder he was convicted of and argue his sentence is excessive.

@readfrontier.bsky.social

www.kosu.org/local-news/2...

Running out of time, Oklahoma man's family hopes for a chance at freedom

After serving more than four decades for first-degree murder, Tony Mann is applying for commutation. His younger brother, convicted for the same crime, is getting out of prison later this month.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 3d

A new book by Cherokee author Eliana Ramage invites readers to explore the nuances of family, vulnerability and Indigeneity through the journey of an aspiring astronaut.

KOSU’s @smliese.bsky.social sat down with Ramage to chat about her debut novel.

www.kosu.org/arts-culture...

New coming-of-age novel explores Indigenous, queer identities in quest for spaceflight, true belonging

KOSU’s Sarah Liese sat down with Cherokee author Eliana Ramage to chat about her writing process, her Cherokee identity as it relates to characters in the book, and the overall impact the novel has ha...

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 3d

Invasive cedar trees are a problem in Oklahoma, but there’s a new program to help get rid of them. Applications are open to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's Invasive Woody Species Cost Share program to manage the pesky plants.

www.kosu.org/local-news/2...

Invasive cedar removal is expensive. A new Oklahoma program covers some costs

Invasive cedar trees are a problem in Oklahoma, but there’s a new program to help get rid of them. Applications are open to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission’s Invasive Woody Species Cost Share pro...

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 4d

The long-shuttered Diamondback Correctional Facility in Watonga is reopening to house detained migrants.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections signed a $100 million contract with private prison company CoreCivic for the project.

www.kosu.org/local-news/2...

Oklahoma signs $100 million contract to house detained migrants in Watonga correctional facility

The long-shuttered Diamondback Correctional Facility in Watonga is coming back to life. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections, along with federal immigration authorities, recently signed a $100 milli...

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 4d

Oklahoma is one step closer to retrying a man whose murder case was once thrown out for constitutional violations at trial.

The man, Karl Allen Fontenot, is one of the subjects of the Netflix series "The Innoncent Man."

www.kosu.org/local-news/2...

Oklahoma appeals court clears way for new trial in Karl Fontenot case

Oklahoma is one step closer to retrying a man whose murder case was once thrown out for constitutional violations at trial.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 7d

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board voted to table the approval of an emergency rule that requires all Oklahoma Medicaid providers to disclose whether they or any related entities engage in abortion-related activities.

www.kosu.org/health/2025-...

Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board tables approval of abortion-related emergency rule

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board voted to table the approval of an emergency rule related to Gov. Kevin Stitt's recent anti-abortion executive order, which asked the agency to take certain act...

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 7d

Another member of the Keating family could be Oklahoma’s next governor.

Chip Keating, the son of former Gov. Frank Keating, announced his candidacy for the position on Wednesday.

www.kosu.org/politics/202...

Chip Keating announces bid to be Oklahoma governor

Chip Keating, the son of former Gov. Frank Keating, announced his candidacy for the position on Wednesday.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 7d

Union Starbucks workers across the country are preparing to strike in response to what they say is the coffee company's refusal to negotiate in good faith.

Oklahoma City workers picketed Wednesday.

www.kosu.org/business/202...

Oklahoma Starbucks workers, supporters join national picket for union contract

Union Starbucks workers across the country are preparing to strike in response to what they say is the coffee company's refusal to negotiate in good faith.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 7d

Banned Book Week begins on Sunday, and Full Circle Bookstore and the Belle Isle Library are celebrating in advance with a day of events, culminating in a marathon reading of the Oklahoma classic "The Outsiders."

www.kosu.org/arts-culture...

Oklahoma City bookstore to host 'The Outsiders' reading marathon

Banned Book Week begins on Sunday, and Full Circle Bookstore and the Belle Isle Library are celebrating in advance with a day of events, culminating in a marathon reading of The Outsiders.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 7d

Two new shows are coming to KOSU!

This weekend, KOSU listeners will get their first taste of "This Old House Radio Hour," a home improvement show, and "The Sam Sanders Show," covering all things pop culture.

www.kosu.org/new-schedule...

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 4, KOSU will bring listeners a revised on-air weekend schedule. This includes the addition of two new shows.

“This Old House Radio Hour” is a radio spinoff of the long-running public television series “This Old House.” Hosted by Jenn Largesse, the show covers all things home improvement, DIY, and restoration. Each week, the show tackles your home repair questions, shares expert advice, and brings you stories of historic restorations and practical fixes. It will air twice each weekend — Saturdays from 5-6 a.m. and Sundays from 9-10 a.m.

Sam Sanders is a familiar name and voice to many public radio listeners. He was a political reporter for NPR and hosted “The NPR Politics Podcast” and “It’s Been a Minute.” His new radio show — “The Sam Sanders Show” — focuses on TV and movies, music and celebrities, internet and memes, and the people who make it. It’s your weekly destination for all things fun, and will air Saturdays from 2-3 p.m.

KOSU @kosuradio.bsky.social · 8d

The monarch butterfly is imperiled due to habitat loss, insecticides and climate change. Growing certain plants along their route can help.

www.kosu.org/show/stateim...

Migrating monarchs return to Oklahoma amid concerns over population decline

The beloved orange butterfly is imperiled due to habitat loss, insecticides and climate change. Growing certain plants along their route can help.