Listen Frontier

On this week's episode of Listen Frontier we take a closer look at a state question before voters next month that would expand Medicaid in a state that had long resisted that provision of the Affordable Care Act.

Kassie and Ben discuss what infectious disease experts are saying about the move to reopen businesses, the continued push to test more Oklahomans and the role of contract tracing in the coming weeks.

Joe Dorman of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) and Sherry Fair of Prevent Child Abuse Oklahoma about the impact the coronavirus pandemic and related school and business closings are having on Oklahoma children. 

Kassie and Ben discuss the responses by the mayors of Tulsa and Oklahoma City to Gov. Stitt's plan to reopen businesses, what a phased is approach to reopening may look like and why some businesses may not go along with it.

On this week's episode of Listen Frontier we explore Gov. Kevin Stitt's suggestion that some COVID-19 emergency education funds be used for program that offers private school tuition through tax credits.

In this emergency episode of COVID-19 in Oklahoma Kassie and Ben discuss Gov. Stitt's plan to reopen the state during the coronavirus pandemic.

Kassie and Ben talk about the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes and whether the curve is flattening in Oklahoma.

Kassie and Ben discuss an update from Gov. Kevin Stitt that he is working to reopen businesses, restarting elective surgeries and believes the curve is flattening in Oklahoma.

Kassie and Ben talk about a court decision ion Gov. Stitt's declaration that abortions are not essential medical procedures during the coronavirus pandemic. We also talk about trends we might be seeing when it comes to hospitalizations and deaths in Oklahoma.

Ben speaks with Susan Agel of Positive Tomorrows, an Oklahoma City school that serves homeless students. She talks about the work of her schools during this time of distance learning.

Kassie, Ben and Clifton discuss rising unemployment, the state’s forecast of a possible coronavirus peak and what else to watch for this week.

Kassie and Ben discuss new modeling data from the state that shows a possible peak in COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma. We also discuss the continued issue of Oklahomans accessing coronavirus tests.

Kassie and Ben discuss the importance of demographic data from coronavirus tests, the process of getting a test at one of the state’s mobile drive through sites and the impact school closures are having on homeless students.

Kassie and Ben speak with Mike Brose, the chief empowerment officer of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, about the impact the coronavirus is having on mental health.

Ben talks with Rep. Kendra Horn about her work in ensuring federal funds are making their way to Oklahomans and local businesses.

Kassie and Ben discuss new testing data from private labs that give a better picture of how many Oklahomans have been tested.

Ben speaks with House Floor Leader Jon Echols about the Legislature's return this week with the state facing a budget shortfall of more than $400 million.

Oklahoma City Councilwoman JoBeth Hammon talks about a proposed care site for those experiencing homelessness and the risk the coronavirus has for the city's must vulnerable residents.

Kassie and Ben discuss new information on the coronavirus impact in nursing homes, what the difference is between state and city shelter at home orders and whether the state increase testing.

Ben speaks with The Frontier's Clifton Adcock about his stories on the governor's non essential business order and the dramatic rise in unemployment claims.

Kassie and Ben talk about Gov. Stitt's expanded order to close non essential businesses statewide and his focus on personal responsibility in the fight against COVID-19 .

NonDoc editor in chief Tres Savage talks with Ben about what is and isn't happening in the state Legislature during the coronavirus pandemic, and the budget shortfall waiting lawmakers when they return.

Kassie and Ben talk about the new coronavirus modeling expected soon from the state, plus the reality that hospitals are likely to be stretched beyond capacity.

Ban and Kassie speak with Dr. Kasey Shrum, the Secretary of Science and Innovation and Elizabeth Pollard, Deputy State Secretary of Science and Innovation, about their work on the governor’s coronavirus taskforce.

Oklahoma City mayor David Holt talks about his city's "shelter in place" order, how he is tracking the spread of the coronavirus and his strategy in communicating with residents.