PODCAST · news
StateImpact Oklahoma
by OPMX
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
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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 help Oklahoma’s wildlife, some are spending their free time repairing natural habitat. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 healthcare. It hopes the model it’s building can sustain access despite looming reductions to federal Medicaid spending signed into law last...
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‘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 politics of the visit. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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‘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 prevent the laws from applying to pregnant Oklahomans who receive fatal fetal diagnoses, which means a pregnancy is likely to end in…
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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 program. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 partnership will support students in meeting new graduation requirements. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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. Now, the Trump administration is changing course. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 education. Candidate James Taylor’s campaign canceled his interview with StateImpact and did not respond to requests to reschedule. Mentioned…
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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 twinkling in the air. On a muggy evening in late July, supervisor Miranda Adams led a small group of citizen scientists through the dense…
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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 include plans to work with local utilities. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 swing-bed services. The model provides enhanced support to hospitals to maintain local access to emergency and outpatient services. The nonprofit...
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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. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 keep their unplanned pregnancies. The Texas-based nonprofit Human Coalition lobbies for anti-abortion programs and gets millions of dollars...
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‘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 Quartz Mountain State Park in late June, the 145th Army Band warmed up before a concert. Outside, students with the Oklahoma Summer Arts...
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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 center development boom. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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. Transgender Oklahomans and the already-limited providers offering gender-affirming care in the state are now being forced to adapt to the...
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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
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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 daycare prices skyrocket to all-time highs, state lawmakers are deploying a patchwork of measures to change the industry. But some Oklahomans…
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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, including a rare salamander that could offer clues into the well-being of its environment. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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, health, science and the environment. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 services if they gave up their more expensive inpatient care. The rural emergency hospital provider type is meant to support small rural...
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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. That’s despite members of the state’s Jewish community saying they weren’t consulted and are “deeply concerned” about the threat to the...
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‘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 worry the effort is shortsighted. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 episode: Social Media tags
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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 standards were revised. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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’s Logan Layden talks with State Climatologist Gary McManus about what that could mean for the state. Mentioned in this episode: Social...
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‘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 purchase a membership, allowing them unlimited access to certain primary care services. Dr. Kyle Rickner is the co-founder of Primary Health...
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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 their home. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 limited. Oklahoma officials are working to change that by investing in telemedicine for stroke care. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 episode: Social Media tags
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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
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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 federal list of endangered species. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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. This year, nearly 50,000 fewer Oklahomans selected a plan, and even more are expected to drop out amid higher costs. Consumers are now...
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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 rising residential rates. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 and the environment. Logan Layden talked with the team about what they’ll be watching. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 accomplishments over the past seven years, the governor laid out his policy priorities for the session. Those include bolstering school...
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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,” but those involved say it was more of a marathon. State lawmakers are now hoping to perform that same miracle in Oklahoma this legislative...
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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 talks to state climatologist Gary McManus about what to expect. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 federal pilot is using private companies with AI tools to process prior authorizations and reduce spending on certain treatments. Oklahoma...
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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 are living in or visiting the state during early winter. StateImpact’s Chloe Bennett-Steele joined some of them earlier this week. Mentioned...
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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 year and how they’ll evolve in 2026. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 Zhao, an assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health, said she learned about this issue in conversation...
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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, some look to policy changes to settle escalating insurance costs. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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, to discuss the significance of America’s Main Street and plans to celebrate its 100 year anniversary in 2026. Mentioned in this episode:...
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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 manufacturers, distributors and retailers. But another crisis is afoot. That’s what investigative reporter Shoshana Walter from The Marshall...
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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 states to fund sustainable rural health care initiatives. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 finding positive results. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags
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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 landowners. In the second installment of a two-part series, StateImpact’s Chloe Bennett-Steele reports on continued conservation efforts…
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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
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‘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 activities. As Oklahoma’s aging population grows, officials are looking to expand the model to accomodate them. Mentioned in this episode…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does StateImpact Oklahoma have?
StateImpact Oklahoma currently has 200 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is StateImpact Oklahoma 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.
How often does StateImpact Oklahoma release new episodes?
StateImpact Oklahoma publishes regularly with 200 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to StateImpact Oklahoma?
You can listen to StateImpact Oklahoma on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts StateImpact Oklahoma?
StateImpact Oklahoma is created and hosted by OPMX.
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