Local Archives - Ponca City Now

What to watch for as Oklahoma lawmakers head into 2026 session

Friday, January 2

OKLAHOMA CITY -Oklahoma lawmakers are preparing to return to the Capitol for the 2026 legislative session, with thousands of bills expected to be filed ahead of the February start. Political analyst Scott Mitchell said only a small fraction of proposals are likely to reach the governor’s desk, noting many measures are filed... Read More.

From dinosaur bones to flight simulators, Oklahoma has amazing museums designed just for families

Friday, January 2

Oklahoma is home to a wide variety of family-friendly museums that make learning feel like play. From prehistoric discoveries to hands-on science experiments and inspiring art collections, these destinations offer something for every age and interest. To build this list, we looked at popular review sources, museum websites and... Read More.

Health subsidies expire, launching millions of Americans into 2026 with steep insurance hikes

Friday, January 2

NEW YORK (AP) — Enhanced tax credits that have helped reduce the cost of health insurance for the vast majority of Affordable Care Act enrollees expired overnight, cementing higher health costs for millions of Americans at the start of the new year.Democrats forced a Read More.

Worried about 2026 finances? Here are 5 money resolutions for the new year

Friday, January 2

Many Americans are heading into 2026 with serious money worries as an affordability crisis collides with stagnant wages, making it more important to take steps to shore up their finances.On top of that, a major tax overhaul is taking effect under Republicans‘ “big,... Read More.

Hit-and-run kills pedestrian in Coweta, driver arrested

Thursday, January 1

COWETA, Okla. -A jogger was killed in a hit-and-run Thursday morning on East 141st Street near 257th East Avenue.Investigators believe a white car found a few miles from the scene was involved. Troopers have been photographing and collecting evidence from the vehicle, which has been towed.Authorities said they have one... Read More.

Happy New Year

Thursday, January 1

Partnership Offers Visitors More to Enjoy at Kaw Lake

Thursday, January 1

Tulsa-Corp of EngineersDid you know USACE recreation is more than just water-related activities?Thanks to a partnership between the Tulsa District Corps of Engineers, Kaw Lake, Phillips 66 Ponca City Refinery and the City of Kaw City, visitors to Kaw Lake now have a new fitness trail.The project included adding... Read More.

New Oklahoma laws bring changes for drivers, medical marijuana patients

Thursday, January 1

Oklahoma drivers and medical marijuana patients will see stricter rules under new state laws aimed at public safety. The changes affect how doctors recommend medical marijuana and what is allowed inside vehicles.Here are five key things to know:Doctors must meet new requirements to recommend medical marijuanaBeginning Jan. 1,... Read More.

Drummond granted intervention in State Farm ‘Hail Focus Initiative’ lawsuit

Thursday, January 1

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Gentner Drummond said he appreciates the court’s decision to allow his office to intervene in a case against State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, alleging that the company operated a coordinated program to limit roof-related insurance payouts by denying or reducing valid hail and... Read More.

Oklahoma Lands Historic Funding to Reimagine Rural Health Care

Thursday, January 1

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma has officially secured approximately $223.5 million for the first year of a five-year grant through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, part of an historic $50 billion federal investment authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This award marks a new era for the... Read More.

Trump issues veto for bipartisan bills supporting water, Tribal land projects

Thursday, January 1

WASHINGTON -President Trump used his veto power this week for the first time since returning to the White House, rejecting a pair of bipartisan bills designed to make it easier to build a water pipeline in Colorado and give a Native American tribe more control over... Read More.

Oklahoma to restrict soft drinks and candy from SNAP purchases starting Feb 2026

Wednesday, December 31

TULSA, OKLA (KTUL) — Oklahoma will implement new restrictions on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, prohibiting the purchase of items such as soda and candy starting Feb. 15, 2026. Implementations were originally going to take place on January 1, 2026, but were adjusted to allow additional time for retailers... Read More.