StateImpact Oklahoma

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 talks to state climatologist Gary McManus about what to expect. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Traditional Medicare rarely requires providers to seek approval before delivering care. That is changing this month in six states, including Oklahoma. A federal pilot is using private companies with AI tools to process prior authorizations and reduce spending on certain treatments. Oklahoma providers and patients are concerned about how the program could impact access to care for the nation’s grow...

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 are living in or visiting the state during early winter. StateImpact’s Chloe Bennett-Steele joined some of them earlier this week. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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 year and how they’ll evolve in 2026. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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 Zhao, an assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health, said she learned about this issue in conversation with leadership at an IHS clinic in the state. They shared how limited financial resources resu...

Oklahoma ranks high nationally for its pricey home insurance premiums. As climate change brings more extreme weather and inflation affects purchasing power, some look to policy changes to settle escalating insurance costs.  Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

StateImpact’s Logan Layden sat down with Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, who also serves as chairman of the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission, to discuss the significance of America’s Main Street and  plans to celebrate its 100 year anniversary in 2026 . Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

America’s opioid epidemic has been a prolonged public health crisis, resulting in  countless overdose deaths and  billions in settlement funds  from opioid manufacturers, distributors and retailers. But another crisis is afoot. That’s what investigative reporter Shoshana Walter from The Marshall Project presents in her first book, “ Rehab: An American Scandal. ” StateImpact’s Jillia...

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 states to fund sustainable rural health care initiatives. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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 finding positive results. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

The ground-dwelling bird’s preferred grassland habitat overlaps with agricultural and energy-rich regions, putting the species’ future in the hands of private landowners. In the second installment of a two-part series, StateImpact’s Chloe Bennett-Steele reports on continued conservation efforts for the species. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Inflation compounds an already tough situation for Oklahoma’s highway infrastructure. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Intergenerational programs are working throughout the state in small numbers to bring different age groups together through ongoing, mutually beneficial activities. As Oklahoma’s aging population grows, officials are looking to expand the model to accomodate them. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

The beloved orange butterfly is imperiled due to habitat loss, insecticides and climate change. Growing certain plants along their route can help. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Elected state officials voted to require the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to investigate whether the Sooner State could generate nuclear energy or hold off on welcoming the industry. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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 change that and serve an entire community with a resource hub. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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 in this episode: Social Media tags

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 and spending law. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

More Oklahoma children are entering kindergarten with exemptions from vaccines. This data comes as preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough have seen record spreads nationally. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

As schools across the state are starting classes, students and parents may notice some changes this year, thanks to the legislature . StateImpact’s Logan Layden and Beth Wallis discuss what’s new for Oklahoma students this school year. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

The Threatt Filling Station along Route 66 near Luther was an oasis for people of color traveling through Oklahoma during the Jim Crow era. A monument dedicated to preserving that history was unveiled last week. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

This summer saw immense river flooding that resulted in more than 130 deaths in Texas and heavy rainfall that blocked roadways in Oklahoma. Disaster preparedness and hazard mitigation are  becoming more important  as climate change causes more severe and unpredictable weather,  scientists say . Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Pending federal approval, Oklahoma schools could recoup more Medicaid dollars from providing school-based services to eligible students, like occupational and physical therapy, and behavioral health supports. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Every state saw a decline in its fertility rate in 2023, according to a new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts. Oklahoma saw a nearly 12% drop from just a decade prior. StateImpact’s Jillian Taylor spoke with Dave Hamby, the Oklahoma Policy Institute's communications director, about what Oklahomans can learn from the report. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

Foresters are using parasitoids to reduce the spread of the emerald ash borer beetle, following the lead of many states to the east. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags