Alex Milan Tracy for Underscore
Explore the Archive
The dozens of independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news organizations that make up the Rural News Network are developing the broadest news alliance reporting on rural America. These newsrooms are pursuing coverage that provides a more complete picture of what it means to live and work in these communities.
Filter by Topic
Filter by Outlet
Search by keywords
Filter by State
LATEST NEWS FROM THE NETWORK
-
Is Oklahoma considering a law that would ban lab-grown meat?
April 10, 2025
Three states have passed laws banning cultivated meat so far; Florida and Alabama were the first two in May of 2024, and Mississippi followed suit this past March.
-
Rep. Tom Cole Says DOGE Is ‘Pretty Responsive’ to His Concerns
March 25, 2025
On a telephone town hall with constituents, the senior appropriator said lawmakers can get results by flagging issues with the Department of Government Efficiency.
-
Court Blocks Superintendent Walters’ Bible Purchase, For Now
March 11, 2025
A group of parents, students, teachers and faith leaders sued Oct. 17, challenging the Bible mandate under the state constitution, which prohibits public money from being spent for religious purposes.
-
Long Story Short: Bill to Boost Rural Mental Health and Diversion Programs Advances
March 11, 2025
In its podcast series, Long Story Short, Oklahoma Watch journalists discuss effort to boost rural participation in a statewide county mental health program.
-
Traffic Scheme Nets Texas County DA’s Office Millions
February 12, 2025
Two days after Oklahoma Watch visited Guymon to interview officials, the district attorney chose to end the public safety emphasis program.
-
Lesson Learned: Warner Student Phone Ban Could Be a Statewide Model
November 26, 2024
Warner’s cell phone policy can’t claim all the credit, but educators in the 800-student district described many benefits. Students had fewer distractions and less drama.
-
Despite Registration Gains, Oklahoma Voter Turnout Dips
November 11, 2024
According to estimates from the University of Florida’s Election Lab, just 53.8% of Oklahoma’s voting-eligible population cast a ballot, which ranks last in the nation.
-
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Oklahoma’s Attempt to Restore Federal Family Planning Funds
September 04, 2024
The family planning grants cover pregnancy testing, cancer screenings, contraceptives, reproductive health counseling and other services. The program helps 25,000 Oklahomans per year and is especially important at county health departments in rural areas.
-
Dozens of Counties Don’t Apply for Mental Health and Diversion Grants
July 24, 2024
Several rural counties are using the money to hire an on-site part-time mental health professional through Turn Key Health Services, according to an Oklahoma Watch review of grant applications obtained through the Oklahoma Open Records Act.
-
Oklahoma Evicted: Thousands of Civil Filings Linger in Records Forever
February 27, 2024
Judges in some rural Oklahoma counties use their discretion more liberally in sealing evictions than judges in Oklahoma and Tulsa Counties.
-
State Seeks Repayment of Errant Teacher Bonuses
January 25, 2024
Oklahoma’s Education Department awarded teachers life-changing bonuses — and created a nightmare for some by demanding it back. Teachers working in rural or high-poverty schools qualified for bigger stipends.
-
Homeless Youth Walk a Hidden Path in Rural Oklahoma
August 03, 2023
Homeless youth have less access to shelters and services in rural Oklahoma. Because of challenges identifying and tracking rural homeless youth, the population is often severely underreported.
-
Long Story Short: 60% of Oklahoma Jails Failed 2022 Inspections – Oklahoma Watch
July 12, 2023
The violations include moldy cells and broken fire alarms, but only one formal complaint was filed by the health department.
-
Another Relief Program’s End Returns Some Oklahomans to Food Insecurity
May 08, 2023
Many are turning to food banks. One pantry in Muskogee reports the number of customers served last month nearly doubled over pandemic averages.
-
Oklahoma Takes Steps To Address Childcare Scarcity
May 05, 2023
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law this week aimed at streamlining local rules for in-home daycares. It requires local governments to follow Department of Human Services capacity limits instead of creating their own. Studies show 55% of Oklahomans live in areas where childcare is scarce.
RURAL NEWS SPOTLIGHT
Sign up to receive our occasional newsletter, Rural News Spotlight. Read a recent issue here.