StateImpact Oklahoma

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 Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA), which organizes and regulates secondary school athletics and activity competitions in the state. Stitt expressed his desire for the governor to appoint a superintendent of public education rather than the voters electing one, saying it is better for leadership alignment. It’s important to note that Stitt appointed Ryan Walters as his Secretary of Education before endorsing Walters in his race for Superintendent. Then, Stitt found himself at odds with Walters during his brief tenure in office. Stitt also called for the creation of three state questions: one to cap recurring spending growth, specifically making adjustments to Medicaid expansion. Another proposed state question would freeze property tax growth and a third would overturn State Question 788, which made medical marijuana legal in Oklahoma. The governor’s policy priorities are essentially his wish list. He still has to get lawmakers on board to accomplish these, but his priorities and those of state lawmakers don’t always align. Thank you to OETA for providing the audio feed of the speech. We’ll have more coverage and offer context on the radio, on this podcast, and online at KOSU.org.

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

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 growing aging population. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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 result in challenges with hiring staff and maintaining facilities. This has impacted their ability to provide health care. She decided she wanted to help address this fundamental problem. StateImpact’s Jillian Taylor and KOSU’s Sarah Liese spoke with Zhao about her recent research, which explores a solution that could help increase and sustain IHS funding. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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 Jillian Taylor spoke with Walter about her findings on the treatment industry and how it chased profits over patients. Mentioned in this episode: Social Media tags

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