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 forest at the Ray Harral Nature Center to search for the glowing beetles.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

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

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 health system said the move would support the long-term viability of local health care. But many residents oppose the change, arguing that inpatient care is essential for Nowata County.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

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

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. It is OSAI’s 50th anniversary, which also coincides with America’s 250th. Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

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 Media tags