As schools across the state are starting classes, students and parents may notice some changes this year, thanks to the legislature. StateImpact’s Logan Layden and Beth Wallis discuss what’s new for Oklahoma students this school year.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

The Threatt Filling Station along Route 66 near Luther was an oasis for people of color traveling through Oklahoma during the Jim Crow era. A monument dedicated to preserving that history was unveiled last week.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

This summer saw immense river flooding that resulted in more than 130 deaths in Texas and heavy rainfall that blocked roadways in Oklahoma. Disaster preparedness and hazard mitigation are becoming more important as climate change causes more severe and unpredictable weather, scientists say.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

Pending federal approval, Oklahoma schools could recoup more Medicaid dollars from providing school-based services to eligible students, like occupational and physical therapy, and behavioral health supports.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

Every state saw a decline in its fertility rate in 2023, according to a new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts. Oklahoma saw a nearly 12% drop from just a decade prior.StateImpact’s Jillian Taylor spoke with Dave Hamby, the Oklahoma Policy Institute's communications director, about what Oklahomans can learn from the report. Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

Foresters are using parasitoids to reduce the spread of the emerald ash borer beetle, following the lead of many states to the east.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

A program promising much-needed mental health professionals for rural Oklahoma schools is on the chopping block of funding cuts from the Trump Administration.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

A program reimbursing nonprofits with state money to support abortion alternatives has expanded, despite past challenges with dollars reaching the women it hopes to serve. Meet the new organization that plans to distribute funds to pregnancy resource centers and churches. Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

The 2025 legislative session is over. Our StateImpact Oklahoma reporters were following several bills and issues related to education, healthcare and energy policy. StateImpact managing editor Logan Layden looks back with them as they discuss the highlights.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

Lawmakers attempted to secure more financial support for Oklahoma foster parents this legislative session. While they weren't successful, other resources are available.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

In south central Oklahoma, a rural school is having to consider what more than a hundred Oklahoma districts have before it when enrollment drops below sustainability: annexation.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

More than a fifth of Indigenous Oklahomans are counted by the U.S. Census Bureau as uninsured – including those who solely use the Indian Health Service as health care coverage. For some, having no insurance can be costly.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags