© 2026 KCCU Public Radio
Toll Free: 888-454-7800 | 580-581-2472
KCCU Public Radio is a service of Cameron University
Your Public Radio Station
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
StateImpact Oklahoma
Fridays at 6:45 a.m., repeated throughout the morning at 7:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.

StateImpact Oklahoma reports on education, health, environment, and the intersection of government and everyday Oklahomans. It's a reporting project and collaboration of KCCU, KOSU, KWGS and KGOU, with broadcasts heard on these NPR Member stations.

Subscribe to the podcast:
Spotify | Amazon Music

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 navigating the consequences of this expiration with limited choices.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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.
  • 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 session.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags
  • 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
  • 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 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