COVID-19 has turned Oklahoma’s prisons into human petri dishes. Seven inmates and three staff members have died of possible coronavirus-related causes. More than 2,600 inmates have tested positive, including more than 700 women at Eddie Warrior Correct...

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Oklahoma hard. More than 900 deaths. Nearly 167,000 fewer jobs. State revenues down in five of the last seven months when compared to 2019. Especially hard hit: Small businesses, the backbone of the American economy.

Oklahoma voter participation is historically lackluster. We’re lucky if 65% of those registered turnout for the highest profile election – for president. The coronavirus pandemic has created even more hurdles for those who want to exercise their civic ...

COVID-19 added serious stress to an already difficult season for Oklahoma’s colleges and universities, still scrambling to recover from a decade’s worth of Draconian budget cuts. Chancellor Glen Johnson joins us for today’s Observercast – Episode 33: B...

As she begins her sixth school year as state superintendent, Joy Hofmeister’s challenges are no longer primarily academic standards and funding. She also is guiding Oklahoma’s 700,000 students and 43,000 teachers as they gather in-person or virtually [...

It’s a question often posed to aspiring teachers. Veteran educators, too. Why would you want to teach? In Observercast Episode 31, fourth-generation and National Board Certified Teacher Claudia Swisher and Oklahoma Aspiring Educators Association Presid...

When the State Board of Education punted on statewide school reopening standards, the hot potato was tossed to local superintendents and school boards. In Observercast Episode 30: One Gut-Wrenching Decision After Another, Mid-Del Superintendent Dr.

For teachers, back-to-school typically is about planning lessons and readying classrooms. This year, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can involve life or death decisions. In Observercast Episode 29: Teaching During COVID,

Even with infusions of emergency government aid, many small businesses are struggling to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially hard hit: Oklahoma’s shuttered live music venues – treasures like Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom and Oklahoma City’s Tower Theat...

On Thursday, the State Board of Education is expected to discuss a mask mandate for Oklahoma’s public schools. It isn’t clear what the board has in mind – or even the breadth of its legal authority to require face coverings.