News

George Bogaski is trying to walk the entire perimeter of Oklahoma, about 1,450 miles. Bogaski estimates he’s hiked about 25 percent of the total distance, and he has a tradition of smoking a cigar at each of the state’s corners. He’s lit up at all of the others--but could not find the state’s southwest corner. He asked How Curious: Where is the corner? Is there a marker?

This is the Manager’s Minute.

Public service is a top priority for KGOU. We’ve recently added an extra time for listeners to hear National Native News. That popular feature now airs twice each weekday – at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

As part of our outreach strategy, we also try to get out into the communities we serve as much as we can. We have an event coming up in Seminole in May, and several days ago I did a presentation on understanding the news media at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford.

In this episode of Capitol Insider, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley catch up on the 2019 legislative session. Two notable bills authored by legislative leaders are now dead, indicating possible tensions between House and Senate leadership. 

The sheriff of a Northeastern Oklahoma county and her staff quit after being ordered to bring inmates back to a jail they called unsafe. StateImpact's Quinton Chandler reports the source of the problem is money and it's a headache shared by other county jails around the state. 

Norman voters rejected two propositions to improve stormwater drainage and water quality. Journal Record Editor Russell Ray discusses a direct tie between water quality and the success of businesses and how the lack of investment in drainage systems and infrastructure could lead to serious public health problems. 

This is the Manager’s Minute.

We’re proud to announce that again this year, KGOU has won the Arkansas-Oklahoma Associated Press Broadcasters Award for Outstanding Radio News Operation.

It’s the top award for radio stations in the two-state area, and KGOU has now won it ten of the last eleven years. Originally the AP Sweepstakes Award, it was renamed the Outstanding Radio News Operation Award last year. 

Also, news director Jacob McCleland won three firsts, host Claire Donnelly scored two wins, and reporter/producer Caroline Halter took a second place award.

In this episode of Capitol Insider, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss an ongoing effort in Oklahoma to reform occupational licensing. Right now lawmakers are considering making it easier for military spouses and for people with felony convictions to work.

Oklahoma may soon see more money to help fight the AIDS epidemic. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently visited health care facilities that offer treatment in Oklahoma, one of seven states where the rural transmission of HIV is exceptionally high.

A recent market report ranked Oklahoma as having the sixth-highest potential for developing solar power, but among the nation’s worst in adding new solar capacity. Journal Record Editor Russell Ray discusses why solar energy in Oklahoma currently falls short of neighboring states and how the cost and benefits of the technology are starting to align.

Western author Louis L’Amour is said to have lived in Choctaw, Oklahoma during the 1930s and 1940s. One listener wanted to know if the rumor is true, and, if so, where exactly was his home?

This is the Manager’s Minute.

KGOU’s Spring Fundraiser has been a resounding success!

Thank you for donating and supporting this public media service.

One of the benefits of membership is staying up-to-date on KGOU news through our two regular email newsletters.

We give donors a sneak peek at what’s going on behind the scenes at KGOU, provide details about upcoming events and supply updates on top news stories and programs.

And, KGOU donors can monitor and manage their giving through a new online portal, available after hours and on-demand.

In this episode of Capitol Insider, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss why lawmakers have once again failed to meet the legal deadline to fund public education and the Stitt administration's plan for more state agency audits.