Shows / StateImpact Oklahoma
StateImpact Oklahoma
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
- StateImpact Oklahoma
A ‘super’ El Niño is here. But like much of Oklahoma’s weather, its effects are hard to predict
Scientists expect this winter to be influenced by what could become the strongest El Niño on record as ocean temperatures soar. Mentioned in this episode…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
‘We need someone with experience’: Republican superintendent candidate Robert Franklin talks change
Tuesday, voters will have the opportunity to choose Oklahoma’s next state superintendent. StateImpact’s Beth Wallis talked with Republican candidate Robert…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
‘That goes beyond party’: Democrat superintendent candidate Jennettie Marshall talks priorities, politics
The Oklahoma general election is days away, and education issues are at the top of voters’ minds. StateImpact’s Beth Wallis sat down with the Democratic…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma rolled out a competitive funding formula for higher ed. Who wins, and who loses?
A new formula from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education positions the state’s colleges and universities to compete for a percentage of their state…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma volunteers restore wildlife habitat amid peak fall bird migration
Millions of birds have flown over the state’s night skies in recent months. But finding food can be difficult in urban areas and vast agricultural land. To…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
A rural Northwest Oklahoma hospital is bringing back maternity care. Can it survive healthcare cuts?
A hospital in Northwest Oklahoma is reopening its labor-and-delivery unit more than a decade after it closed, amid a new federal investment focused on rural…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
‘Very friendly territory:’ The politics behind President Trump’s Oklahoma rally
With President Donald Trump stumping in our state this evening, StateImpact’s Logan Layden talked with OU political science professor Allyson Shortle about the…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
‘What happened to me wasn't right’: Magon Hoffman speaks out about Oklahoma abortion lawsuit
Two Oklahoma mothers are challenging state abortion bans in a new lawsuit filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights last week. The women are seeking to…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma is ending a school meal program. Districts are left to figure out how to feed kids.
Oklahoma schools are scrambling to find ways to continue serving students after the State Department of Education recently ended a federally funded school meal…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma City high school students get hands-on healthcare experience through new partnership
Oklahoma City Public Schools and Metro Technology Centers are teaming up to help students explore healthcare careers without leaving their high schools. The…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
The Trump administration is shifting funding for HIV prevention. Vulnerable Oklahomans could suffer
For decades, community-based organizations have been on the front lines of providing HIV prevention, receiving funding directly from the federal government…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Superintendent candidate Robert Franklin wants ‘political rancor’ out of Oklahoma education
The Republican runoff election for the state superintendent is Aug. 25. StateImpact’s Beth Wallis sat down with candidate Robert Franklin to talk Oklahoma…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Broken Arrow nature center trains citizen scientists to preserve firefly magic
Nostalgic Oklahomans may reminisce about running through their backyards on hot summer evenings, cupping their hands to catch the flying, glowing insects…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Some data centers are building their own power plants. In Oklahoma, most want to plug into the grid
Oklahoma passed a law last year allowing energy-hungry facilities to build their own power. But as data center announcements sprout up across Oklahoma, most…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Ascension St. John plans to end inpatient care at Nowata hospital. Residents are fighting back.
Ascension St. John is seeking federal approval to turn its Nowata hospital into a rural emergency facility, which would mean ending acute inpatient and…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
What is ONE Transit's role in adapting to the Oklahoma City metro's rapid growth?
The Oklahoma City metro is growing at a rapid pace. But public transportation is lacking. ONE Transit aims to transform how residents move around the city…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Rejected for Oklahoma funding, an anti-abortion group helped rewrite state law
An out-of-state anti-abortion group successfully lobbied to change Oklahoma law after it was rejected for public funding from a program to encourage women to…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
‘Playing with my heart’: Student musicians celebrate America’s 250th alongside Army Band
As the country celebrates its 250th anniversary, Oklahoma musicians of all ages took to the stage in commemoration. Inside a performing arts center at scenic…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
As data centers eye Oklahoma, tribes weigh the costs
Tribal nations in Oklahoma are navigating an influx of corporate interest in Indian Country. Thomas Pablo reports on their leaders’ responses to an A-I data…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
New Oklahoma law disrupts gender-affirming care for transgender adults
A new law is restricting gender-affirming care for Oklahoma adults if those services were covered by Medicaid and public funds, or provided on state property…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma author celebrates state's thousands of plant and animal species in new book
Oklahoma's natural world is the subject of a new book from author Priscilla Crawford. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
- StateImpact Oklahoma
The cost of childcare is too high for many Oklahoma families. How are lawmakers responding?
Childcare costs are soaring. Infant care at childcare centers rose 27% from 2023 to 2025, according to the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness. As…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
What a small forest animal can tell us about Oklahoma’s environment
Scientists use long-term monitoring of natural areas to help them understand environmental changes. Oklahoma surveyors are keeping track of local species…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
StateImpact Oklahoma reporters sum up the 2026 legislative session
The 2026 legislative session has come to end. Logan Layden talked with StateImpact Oklahoma reporters about their takeaways on legislation impacting education…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Federal rural hospital program offers a lifeline in Oklahoma, but hurdles remain
Three years ago, a new federal designation for rural hospitals went into effect, allowing facilities to receive enhanced support for outpatient and emergency…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Another battle is brewing over public funds for religious schools. Oklahoma Jewish leaders are uneasy
Oklahoma is again ground zero for a battle over publicly funded religious education as a proposed Jewish charter school looks to the courts for vindication…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
‘We are dismayed:’ Oklahoma doctors, patients respond to potential changes to Medicaid expansion
Oklahoma Republicans want to send Medicaid expansion back to voters so lawmakers can have more control in addressing spending. But medical and policy experts…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Some Oklahoma prisons are becoming biodiversity hubs for pollinators
Incarcerated people at four correctional facilities are planting native gardens with the help of a nonprofit conservation organization. Mentioned in this…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Divorcing from usual process, Oklahoma Board of Education rewrites dozens of social studies standards
Some educators are raising concerns about content in the newly approved, proposed 2026 academic standards for social studies — and the process by which the…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
What a super El Niño could mean for Oklahoma's weather
Following a much dryer and warmer than normal winter in Oklahoma, the possibility of a so-called super El Niño is in the forecast for later this year…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
‘Like a gym membership:’ An Oklahoma provider explains a growing primary care model
An increasing number of providers and patients are participating in direct primary care. It’s not insurance, but rather a business model where patients can…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
An Oklahoma family says oil is polluting their home. The state says its hands are tied
A fluid leak has created a months-long dispute between a family and regulators over what the state can do to remediate what the family says is oil seeping into…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Minutes matter in stroke cases. In rural Oklahoma, a telemedicine program is saving critical time
Nearly 2,000 Oklahomans die from stroke-related complications annually. That burden is felt more in rural communities, where access to specialized care is…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Some of Oklahoma’s thousands of orphaned wells could find a new purpose under this state bill
Proposed Oklahoma legislation would authorize companies to convert abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal and energy storage use. Mentioned in this…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
The great tech debate: Should Oklahoma students use screens in the classroom?
The Oklahoma legislature is considering measures to push back against the rising tide of ed tech. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Finding Tiny Tim: How Oklahoma's citizen scientists contribute to conservation
The federally threatened plant commonly known as Tiny Tim was discovered in Oklahoma within the past few years. Now it’s on the road to being removed from a…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahomans seek cheaper ways to pay for health care after ACA enhanced premium tax credits expire
Enhanced premium tax credits for the ACA Marketplace expired last year, leaving people to pay a larger share of — or full price for — their health coverage…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
As electricity demand and investments grow, what’s being done to shield Oklahomans from higher monthly bills?
Electricity demand is up nationwide and in Oklahoma, partly because of large load customers like data centers. Several initiatives are addressing concerns of…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
StateImpact Oklahoma previews the 2026 legislative session
The Oklahoma Legislature is back in session for 2026, with thousands of bills up for consideration. StateImpact Oklahoma focuses on health, education, science…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt's 2026 State of the State address
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt kicked off the 2026 legislative session with his eighth and final State of the State address on Monday. After boasting about his…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Lawmakers eye bringing a literacy ‘miracle’ to Oklahoma
After overhauling literacy policy in 2013, Mississippi went from 49th to a top 10 state in fourth-grade reading. It’s been dubbed the “Mississippi Miracle,”…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma climatologist Gary McManus on what to expect in 2026
2026 starts with drought across much of southern Oklahoma and La Niña still in place. What does that mean for the rest of the year? StateImpact’s Logan Layden…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
As AI becomes part of traditional Medicare reviews, some Oklahomans worry they’ll lose out on care
Traditional Medicare rarely requires providers to seek approval before delivering care. That is changing this month in six states, including Oklahoma. A…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahomans continue generational tradition of Christmas Bird Count
One of the longest-running citizen science projects wrapped its annual event Monday. Birders across Oklahoma had eyes to the skies to find out which species…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
StateImpact Oklahoma discusses what’s to come in the new year
2025 is coming to a close, and StateImpact Oklahoma’s Logan Layden sat down with StateImpact’s reporters to talk about some of the issues they’ve covered this…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
OU researchers propose solution to Indian Health Service underfunding
The federal government has a trust responsibility to fund Indigenous health care. But the Indian Health Service (IHS) has long been underfunded by it. June…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
What’s being done to bring down Oklahoma’s costly home insurance rates?
Oklahoma ranks high nationally for its pricey home insurance premiums. As climate change brings more extreme weather and inflation affects purchasing power…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell previews Route 66 centennial celebrations
StateImpact’s Logan Layden sat down with Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, who also serves as chairman of the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
New book details impacts of drug rehabilitation industry on patients, inspired by story in Oklahoma
America’s opioid epidemic has been a prolonged public health crisis, resulting in countless overdose deaths and billions in settlement funds from opioid…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma is seeking part of a $50 billion rural health fund. Could it transform care amid other cuts?
Alongside the passage of billions of dollars in Medicaid spending reductions over a decade, Oklahoma is also vying for an opportunity available to all 50…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
As a deadly disease imperils North American bats, researchers say Oklahoma’s population is hanging on
Flying mammals of the night have been under threat of white-nose syndrome in the U.S. for years. Oklahoma researchers are tracking their populations and…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Despite loss of federal protections, lesser prairie chicken conservation persists on private land
The ground-dwelling bird’s preferred grassland habitat overlaps with agricultural and energy-rich regions, putting the species’ future in the hands of private…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
What's next as Oklahoma's highway system strains against growth?
Inflation compounds an already tough situation for Oklahoma’s highway infrastructure. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
- StateImpact Oklahoma
‘Isn’t that wonderful?’ Intergenerational programs combat loneliness, create purpose for seniors
Intergenerational programs are working throughout the state in small numbers to bring different age groups together through ongoing, mutually beneficial…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
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. Mentioned in…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma regulators to balance costly nuclear potential with projected wave of energy demand
Elected state officials voted to require the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to investigate whether the Sooner State could generate nuclear energy or hold off…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Crossroads Mall has sat largely empty for years. A new nonprofit wants to turn it into a community hub
Crossroads Mall – a once dominant shopping destination in South Oklahoma City – has sat relatively empty for years. A new faith-based nonprofit is hoping to…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
4-H students await judgment as Oklahoma State Fair starts
The Oklahoma State Fair officially starts Thursday. But for young 4-H members from across Oklahoma, Wednesday was the most important day of the year. Mentioned…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
The sun is setting on federal solar tax credits. Here’s how one Oklahoma tribal nation used them
Federal incentives to lessen the financial burden of solar panel installations are ending earlier than originally planned after the July 4 passage of the tax…
- StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma students navigate a declining vaccination landscape this back-to-school season
More Oklahoma children are entering kindergarten with exemptions from vaccines. This data comes as preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough have…