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 with him about the growing model, which also benefited from President Donald Trump’s 2025 megabill.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

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 tags

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