Oklahoma headlines this week include a ribbon cutting at Star Spencer High School in Oklahoma City, the passing of former state representative Richard Moriceet, the groundbreaking for Dollar Tree’s new distribution center in Marietta, and the unveiling of plans for a massive south extension toll road near Lake Thunderbird. Star Spencer High’s remodeled entrance and expanded administration suite were made possible by the district’s 2022 $955 million bond, the largest in history, with significant upgrades including a new gym and campus storm shelter. Superintendent Jamie Polk says these improvements are designed to create safe, welcoming environments for generations. Oklahoma City mourns the loss of Richard Moriceet, who served in the state House from 2004 to 2016 and was remembered as a champion for the underrepresented.In politics, Oklahoma’s 60th regular legislative session begins next week, with lawmakers filing a record number of bills. Only a fraction will become law, and several measures passed are set to take effect this fall. Notably, the Supreme Court put on hold a new law establishing the state’s first business court system, following legal challenges about its constitutionality. Also, the state legislature approved two major education laws expanding teacher retention and offering tuition scholarships to teachers’ children. Various interim studies are scheduled throughout fall, focusing on issues ranging from fiscal transparency to education policy, as reported by the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association and KOSU.Business developments are highlighted by Dollar Tree’s commitment to rebuilding its Marietta distribution center, destroyed by a tornado in April 2024. The new, one-million-square-foot facility, announced at a September 24 groundbreaking attended by Governor Kevin Stitt, is set to open by spring 2027, restoring about 400 jobs and supporting 700 stores across the region. The company will also distribute $50,000 in community grants to local organizations.On the community front, education remains a challenge. Oklahoma ranked second-to-last nationally for public school quality according to WalletHub’s 2025 study, with rural districts especially struggling with teacher recruitment, resources, and facility upgrades, as discussed by the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition. However, new bond-funded infrastructure projects like at Star Spencer High provide a glimmer of progress. Public safety continues to be a concern, with recent support raised for an MLAN County deputy whose home was lost to suspected arson, and a missing man case drawing attention from state troopers.Major infrastructure news comes with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority announcing a revised route for the $1 billion south extension toll road project west of Lake Thunderbird. Construction will begin in 2027, with phased openings through 2034. The new corridor will require the removal of 75 homes but aims to relieve congestion on the busy I-35 corridor. Residents still voice strong opposition at community meetings, while officials stress the need for improved transportation infrastructure.Weather-wise, Oklahoma experienced fluctuating temperatures with a cold front moving in, as KOCO News 5 meteorologist Damon Lane forecasts cooler days ahead and possible storms for Sunday night. The state remains vigilant after last spring’s destructive tornadoes, which influenced rebuilding efforts in Marietta and across Love County.Looking ahead, listeners can expect more debate over ballot access laws, continued fallout and adaptation in mental health funding following state budget cuts, and ongoing updates on major construction projects across education and transportation. Stay tuned for further coverage on these developing stories and more in the coming days. Thank you for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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