Turnpike tolls increase an average of 1-cent per mile in 2025

On Jan. 1, 2025, a systemwide toll increase goes into effect on Oklahoma turnpikes. For the typical turnpike user and PIKEPASS customer, the increase will amount to about 1-cent per mile. Across Oklahoma, turnpike users will now pay an average of about 7 cents per mile.

News, Tribal

Indigenous Oklahomans’ life expectancy is 63.6 years, which is among the worst in the country

Race and place contributes to shorter lives, research suggests

By TIM HENDERSON | OKLAHOMA VOICE

February 3, 2025

There’s growing evidence that some American demographic groups need more help than others to live longer, healthier lives. American Indians in Western and Midwestern states have the shortest life expe...

News

Oklahomans push back on transmission projects even as the state’s energy needs continue to grow

By GRAYCEN WHEELER | KOSU and ANNA POPE, KOSU

February 3, 2025

Across the country and around the world, demand for electricity is growing faster than ever. In Oklahoma, energy companies and the regional grid are racing to build infrastructure that can meet the st...

Agriculture, Business, News

A trip down the Illinois River as a court weighs the poultry industry’s responsibility for pollution

By CLIFTON ADCOCK | THE FRONTIER

February 3, 2025

A group of 11 kayakers gathered on the shore of the Illinois River in late December, their brightly colored vessels lined in a row, ready to launch for the 8-and-a-half mile trip down stream. Ed Fite,...

News

Despite growing homelessness, Oklahoma lawmakers look to punitive measures

By HEATHER WARLICK OKLAHOMA WATCH

February 3, 2025

In the wee hours of Jan. 23, volunteers took to the frigid streets to find, count and survey people sleeping unsheltered in Norman. These volunteers not only count the homeless, but also register them...

News, School News

Stitt calls for education reforms, smaller government in annual address

By EMMA MURPHY OKLAHOMA VOICE

February 3, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt’s annual State of the State remarks offered few surprises as he called on lawmakers to pass education and prison reforms, reduce government spending and make Oklahoma ...

News, School News

Governor’s Oklahoma budget calls for $1.4 billion less spending, removal of education funding cap

By BARBARA HOBEROCK OKLAHOMA VOICE

February 3, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday called on Oklahoma lawmakers to spend nearly $1.4 billion less in the upcoming budget while cutting two key funding streams. The Republican governor’s execut...