One Test to Rule Them All? No thanks

State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ recently announced that end-of-theyear state testing for math and English in grades three through eight may no longer be required. I’m not always on board with Walters’ ideas, plans, or conspiracies.

Lawmakers Study Critical Children’s Issues

For the Children Interim study season at the Oklahoma State Capitol is kicking off this week, and the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is not only monitoring several, but we are engaging with authors for some of these reviews.

The Purpose of Pollinators in City Settings

Home Grown Pollinators—bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, birds, and even bats—play an essential role in urban environments. While many people think of pollination as something that happens “out in the country,” it’s just as important in cities.Why are pollinators essential in cities?

OSSAA’s broken system must be demolished and rebuilt

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association’s mission, as published on its website reads: “The OSSAA will serve member schools by providing leadership in the development, supervision, and conduct of cocurricular activities, which enrich the educational experiences of high school students.

Back to School Means a New Beginning for Children, Families

For the Children OICA CEOOn Saturday, Aug. 9, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) partnered with the Foster Care Association of Oklahoma (FCAO) to hold a backto- school bash for more than 350 foster youth and caregivers.

Rethinking the S&P 500: The Hidden Risks Behind America’s Favorite Benchmark

Stock Market Insights Joe Shearrer, CPFAVice President and Wealth Advisor at Fervent Wealth Management.For decades, the S&P 500 has been the yardstick by which portfolios, mutual funds, and even entire investment strategies are judged.

Good Guy, Good Governor, Oklahoma Legend!

For the Children OICA CEOI first became acquainted with Governor Nigh not directly because of politics, but through a college program called the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (OIL).

Adventures with Allie

For the past five years, I’ve had the joy of sharing my biggest adventures with you, our faithful readers, and you’ve been gracious enough to read along, laugh at my missteps, and cheer for the wins. But now I get to share a different kind of story. The biggest one yet.

From Tariffs to Tech: What’s Fueling This Earnings Season

Stock Market Insights Dr. Richard Baker, AIFCEO and executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management.One of my favorite county fair rides was the Zero Gravity, which uses centrifugal force to pin you to the wall you were leaning on while it spins crazily.

Farewell, Old Friend: A Eulogy for the American Penny

nkWe gather here today to grieve the slow, jingling demise of a copper-clad coin that was never worth much, yet somehow meant everything.