StateImpact Oklahoma

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 keep their unplanned pregnancies. The Texas-based nonprofit Human Coalition lobbies for anti-abortion programs and gets millions of dollars in funding from other states. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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 Quartz Mountain State Park in late June, the 145th Army Band warmed up before a concert. Outside, students with the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute played frisbee, caught up with friends or awaited their turn to hit the stage later that night....

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 center development boom. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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. Transgender Oklahomans and the already-limited providers offering gender-affirming care in the state are now being forced to adapt to the new policy with little time to prepare. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Oklahoma's natural world is the subject of a new book from author Priscilla Crawford. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Childcare costs are soaring. Infant care at childcare centers rose 27% from 2023 to 2025, according to the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness. As daycare prices skyrocket to all-time highs, state lawmakers are deploying a patchwork of measures to change the industry. But some Oklahomans say the state should do more to prioritize affordability for families. Mentioned in this episode: Social...

Scientists use long-term monitoring of natural areas to help them understand environmental changes. Oklahoma surveyors are keeping track of local species, including a rare salamander that could offer clues into the well-being of its environment. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

The 2026 legislative session has come to end. Logan Layden talked with StateImpact Oklahoma reporters about their takeaways on legislation impacting education, health, science and the environment. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Three years ago, a new federal designation for rural hospitals went into effect, allowing facilities to receive enhanced support for outpatient and emergency services if they gave up their more expensive inpatient care. The rural emergency hospital provider type is meant to support small rural facilities amid challenges like lower volume, aging populations and rising costs. As the designation gain...

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. That’s despite members of the state’s Jewish community saying they weren’t consulted and are “deeply concerned” about the threat to the separation of church and state. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Oklahoma Republicans want to send Medicaid expansion back to voters so lawmakers can have more control in addressing spending. But medical and policy experts worry the effort is shortsighted. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Incarcerated people at four correctional facilities are planting native gardens with the help of a nonprofit conservation organization. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Some educators are raising concerns about content in the newly approved, proposed 2026 academic standards for social studies — and the process by which the standards were revised. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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’s Logan Layden talks with State Climatologist Gary McManus about what that could mean for the state. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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 purchase a membership, allowing them unlimited access to certain primary care services. Dr. Kyle Rickner is the co-founder of Primary Health Partners, which is Oklahoma’s largest direct primary care provider. StateImpact’s Jillian Taylor spoke...

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 their home. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Nearly 2,000 Oklahomans die from stroke-related complications annually. That burden is felt more in rural communities, where access to specialized care is limited. Oklahoma officials are working to change that by investing in telemedicine for stroke care. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Proposed Oklahoma legislation would authorize companies to convert abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal and energy storage use. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

The Oklahoma legislature is considering measures to push back against the rising tide of ed tech. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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 federal list of endangered species. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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. This year, nearly 50,000 fewer Oklahomans selected a plan, and even more are expected to drop out amid higher costs. Consumers are now navigating the consequences of this expiration with limited choices. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media...

Electricity demand is up nationwide and in Oklahoma, partly because of large load customers like data centers. Several initiatives are addressing concerns of rising residential rates. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

The Oklahoma Legislature is back in session for 2026, with thousands of bills up for consideration. StateImpact Oklahoma focuses on health, education, science and the environment. Logan Layden talked with the team about what they’ll be watching. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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 accomplishments over the past seven years, the governor laid out his policy priorities for the session. Those include bolstering school choice by removing the cap on the Parental Choice Tax Credit, as well as eliminating the Oklahoma Seconda...

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,” but those involved say it was more of a marathon. State lawmakers are now hoping to perform that same miracle in Oklahoma this legislative session. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags