StateImpact Oklahoma
News & Politics
About
StateImpact Oklahoma reports on education, health, environment, and the intersection of government and everyday Oklahomans. StateImpact Oklahoma is a collaboration of KGOU, KOSU, KWGS and KCCU.
Episodes
- Another battle is brewing over public funds for religious schools. Oklahoma Jewish leaders are uneasy
Oklahoma is again at the center of a debate regarding public funds for religious education, as a proposed Jewish charter school pursues legal action. This has caused unease among some Oklahoma Jewish leaders who express concerns about the…
- ‘We are dismayed:’ Oklahoma doctors, patients respond to potential changes to Medicaid expansion
Oklahoma Republicans are looking to return Medicaid expansion to voters, aiming for more legislative control over spending. This move has generated concern among medical and policy experts, as well as dismay from doctors and patients withi…
- Some Oklahoma prisons are becoming biodiversity hubs for pollinators
This episode discusses how incarcerated individuals at four Oklahoma correctional facilities are planting native gardens. This initiative is supported by a nonprofit conservation organization and aims to create biodiversity hubs for pollin…
- Divorcing from usual process, Oklahoma Board of Education rewrites dozens of social studies standards
Oklahoma's Board of Education has rewritten dozens of social studies standards for 2026, a move raising concerns among some educators regarding the content and the revision process itself.
- What a super El Niño could mean for Oklahoma's weather
A potential super El Niño could impact Oklahoma's weather later this year. State Climatologist Gary McManus spoke with StateImpact's Logan Layden about the possibilities.
- ‘Like a gym membership:’ An Oklahoma provider explains a growing primary care model
Dr. Kyle Rickner explains the growing direct primary care model, where patients purchase a membership for unlimited access to primary care services, differentiating it from insurance. Primary Health Partners is highlighted as Oklahoma's la…
- An Oklahoma family says oil is polluting their home. The state says its hands are tied
An Oklahoma family is in a months-long dispute with state regulators over alleged oil pollution in their home. The family claims oil is seeping into their house, while state officials state they are unable to intervene.
- Minutes matter in stroke cases. In rural Oklahoma, a telemedicine program is saving critical time
Oklahoma is investing in telemedicine to improve stroke care in rural areas, where access to specialized treatment is limited. This initiative aims to reduce the nearly 2,000 annual stroke-related deaths in the state.
- Some of Oklahoma’s thousands of orphaned wells could find a new purpose under this state bill
Proposed Oklahoma legislation aims to allow companies to repurpose abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal energy storage. This bill could give a new function to thousands of orphaned wells across the state.
- The great tech debate: Should Oklahoma students use screens in the classroom?
Oklahoma legislators are discussing potential actions against the increasing use of educational technology in schools. This episode explores the debate surrounding screen usage for students in the classroom.
- Finding Tiny Tim: How Oklahoma's citizen scientists contribute to conservation
Oklahoma's citizen scientists have played a role in the discovery and conservation of the federally threatened plant known as Tiny Tim. This effort may lead to its removal from the endangered species list.
- Oklahomans seek cheaper ways to pay for health care after ACA enhanced premium tax credits expire
Enhanced ACA premium tax credits expired, increasing health care costs for Oklahomans. Nearly 50,000 fewer residents chose a plan this year due to higher prices, with more expected to drop coverage.
- As electricity demand and investments grow, what’s being done to shield Oklahomans from higher monthly bills?
Oklahoma is experiencing increased electricity demand, partly due to large customers like data centers. Initiatives are underway to address concerns about rising residential electricity rates.
- StateImpact Oklahoma previews the 2026 legislative session
StateImpact Oklahoma previews the 2026 legislative session, where thousands of bills will be considered. The episode focuses on the show's coverage areas: health, education, science, and the environment, with Logan Layden discussing key po…
- Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt's 2026 State of the State address
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt delivered his eighth and final State of the State address, focusing on school choice expansion, eliminating the OSSAA, and changing the election of the superintendent of public education. He also proposed stat…
- Lawmakers eye bringing a literacy ‘miracle’ to Oklahoma
Oklahoma lawmakers are considering adopting literacy policies similar to those enacted in Mississippi in 2013. This initiative, inspired by the so-called 'Mississippi Miracle' that significantly improved fourth-grade reading scores, aims t…
- Oklahoma climatologist Gary McManus on what to expect in 2026
State climatologist Gary McManus discusses the 2026 weather outlook, noting drought in southern Oklahoma and the continued presence of La Niña.
- As AI becomes part of traditional Medicare reviews, some Oklahomans worry they’ll lose out on care
A new federal pilot program in Oklahoma is introducing AI-powered prior authorizations for traditional Medicare, prompting concerns from local providers and patients about potential impacts on access to care for the elderly.
- Oklahomans continue generational tradition of Christmas Bird Count
The Christmas Bird Count, a citizen science project, recently concluded its annual event in Oklahoma. Participants observed bird species present in the state during early winter, with StateImpact's Chloe Bennett-Steele joining some of them.
- StateImpact Oklahoma discusses what’s to come in the new year
StateImpact Oklahoma's Logan Layden and reporters review key issues covered in 2025 and anticipate their evolution into 2026.
- OU researchers propose solution to Indian Health Service underfunding
University of Oklahoma researchers are exploring a solution to address the chronic underfunding of the Indian Health Service (IHS). The research focuses on the challenges faced by IHS clinics due to limited financial resources, impacting s…
- What’s being done to bring down Oklahoma’s costly home insurance rates?
Oklahoma's home insurance rates are among the nation's highest. This episode discusses policy changes being considered to address rising costs, particularly in the context of climate change and inflation.
- Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell previews Route 66 centennial celebrations
Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, chairman of the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission, previews the upcoming 100-year anniversary celebrations for America's Main Street in 2026.
- New book details impacts of drug rehabilitation industry on patients, inspired by story in Oklahoma
Investigative reporter Shoshana Walter joins StateImpact's Jillian Taylor to discuss Walter's book, 'Rehab: An American Scandal,' which examines the drug rehabilitation industry's practices and their impact on patients.
- Oklahoma is seeking part of a $50 billion rural health fund. Could it transform care amid other cuts?
Oklahoma is applying for a share of a $50 billion national fund for rural health care initiatives. This comes as the state has enacted significant Medicaid spending reductions over the past decade, raising questions about how these new fun…
- As a deadly disease imperils North American bats, researchers say Oklahoma’s population is hanging on
White-nose syndrome is a deadly disease threatening bats in North America. Researchers in Oklahoma are tracking local bat populations and have found that they are currently hanging on.
- Despite loss of federal protections, lesser prairie chicken conservation persists on private land
The lesser prairie chicken
- What's next as Oklahoma's highway system strains against growth?
Oklahoma's highway system is facing significant strain due to rapid growth and compounding inflation, creating challenges for the state's infrastructure.
- ‘Isn’t that wonderful?’ Intergenerational programs combat loneliness, create purpose for seniors
Intergenerational programs across Oklahoma are uniting different age groups through mutually beneficial activities, helping to combat loneliness and provide purpose for seniors. As the state's elderly population increases, officials are ex…
- Migrating monarchs return to Oklahoma amid concerns over population decline
Monarch butterflies migrating through Oklahoma are declining due to habitat loss, insecticides, and climate change. Planting specific plants along their migration route is suggested as a way to help.
- Oklahoma regulators to balance costly nuclear potential with projected wave of energy demand
Oklahoma regulators have voted to have the Oklahoma Corporation Commission investigate the state's potential for nuclear energy generation amidst projected increases in energy demand.
- Crossroads Mall has sat largely empty for years. A new nonprofit wants to turn it into a community hub
Crossroads Mall, once a major shopping center in South Oklahoma City, has been mostly empty for years. A faith-based nonprofit plans to redevelop it into a community resource hub.
- 4-H students await judgment as Oklahoma State Fair starts
Oklahoma 4-H students participated in judging on Wednesday, the most important day of the year for them, as the Oklahoma State Fair officially began on Thursday.
- The sun is setting on federal solar tax credits. Here’s how one Oklahoma tribal nation used them
Federal incentives for solar panel installation are ending early due to a recent tax law. The episode explores how an Oklahoma tribal nation took advantage of these credits.
- Oklahoma students navigate a declining vaccination landscape this back-to-school season
StateImpact Oklahoma reports on the declining vaccination rates among Oklahoma students heading into the new school year, coinciding with a national rise in preventable diseases.
- How policies from the 2025 legislative session will impact Oklahoma students’ school days
Policies enacted by the legislature will lead to changes for Oklahoma students this school year. StateImpact reporters Logan Layden and Beth Wallis discuss the updates impacting students and parents.
- Threatt Filling Station takes its place among iconic Oklahoma Route 66 landmarks
A monument has been dedicated to the Threatt Filling Station, a historic site on Oklahoma's Route 66 that served as a crucial stop for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era.
- Oklahoma emergency management head talks disaster preparedness, hazard mitigation
The head of Oklahoma emergency management discusses disaster preparedness and hazard mitigation. This follows recent severe weather events, including flooding in Texas and heavy rainfall in Oklahoma.
- A new proposal could allow Medicaid to fund more services for eligible kids in Oklahoma schools
Oklahoma schools may soon be able to recoup more Medicaid funding for services provided to eligible students. Pending federal approval, these services could include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral health supports.
- Oklahoma fertility rate trends downward amid economic pressures, low child well-being ranking
Oklahoma's fertility rate fell by nearly 12% over the past decade, mirroring a national trend. Dave Hamby of the Oklahoma Policy Institute discusses the implications of this decline, which coincides with economic pressures and low child we…
- ‘We knew it was coming’: Oklahoma deploys tiny wasps to control invasive forest pest
Oklahoma is using parasitoid wasps to control the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer beetle, following methods used in other states. This initiative aims to manage the pest's impact on the state's forests.
- This program was getting more counselors into rural Oklahoma schools. Then Trump pulled funding.
A program aimed at increasing counselors in rural Oklahoma schools is threatened by funding cuts initiated by the Trump Administration. StateImpact Oklahoma discusses the potential impact of these cuts.
- Meet the new group in charge of millions in state money to help pregnant women after Oklahoma banned abortion
A new organization will manage state funds for an expanded program supporting abortion alternatives in Oklahoma. The program aims to help pregnant women through pregnancy resource centers and churches, despite previous difficulties in reac…
- A recap of Oklahoma's 2025 legislative session
StateImpact Oklahoma reporters review the 2025 legislative session, discussing significant developments in education, healthcare, and energy policy with managing editor Logan Layden.
- While Oklahoma foster care payments stay stagnant, foster parents rely on community support
Legislators tried to increase financial support for Oklahoma foster parents during the recent session but were unsuccessful. The episode highlights that other community resources remain available to assist foster parents.
- The grief and relief of rural school annexation in Oklahoma
A rural school in south central Oklahoma is considering annexation because of declining enrollment. This issue has already impacted over a hundred other school districts across the state.
- More than a fifth of Indigenous Oklahomans are uninsured. The price they pay can be steep.
More than 20% of Indigenous Oklahomans are uninsured, even when utilizing the Indian Health Service. This lack of coverage can result in substantial financial burdens for individuals.
- Why some Oklahoma lawmakers want more control over judicial selection
Legislative efforts in Oklahoma aimed at reforming the judicial selection process have been unsuccessful for nearly a decade, including recent attempts supported by the governor.
- Amid Oklahoma tornado season, scientists warn NOAA cuts could impact forecasting, public safety
Potential budget cuts and layoffs at national weather and climate science organizations, including those in Norman, Oklahoma, could impact forecasting and public safety during tornado season.
- Oklahoma’s St. Isidore case will be heard by SCOTUS next week. Here’s what’s at stake.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond case concerning whether the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School can be a state-funded public school. This lawsuit was ini…