Nation – Ponca City Now

Cherokee Nation Chief Raises Concerns Over Federal Job Cuts

Monday, February 10 by News 6

A federal judge has temporarily paused the deadline for federal employees to decide whether to accept President Donald Trump’s offer to resign, as his administration pushes to reduce the federal workforce.The White House offered more than 2 million federal workers a "deferred resignation" program, allowing them to resign while retaining full benefits until Sept.... Read More.

US Carries Out 25 Executions This Year as Death Penalty Trends in Nation Held Steady

Thursday, December 26 by Ponca City Now

HOUSTON (AP) — The number of executions in the U.S. remained near historic lows in 2024 and was mostly carried out in a small group of states, including Alabama, which became the first state to use nitrogen gas as an execution method, according to an annual report on capital punishment.The report by the Read More.

State’s Pre-K Program Second Best in Nation

Wednesday, April 27 by Lyman James

Oklahoma moved up three places to rank second in the country for Pre-K access for 4-year-olds, according to a report released today by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). While overall enrollment was down due to the pandemic, Oklahoma served 74% of eligible 4-year-old children and 16% of eligible 3-year-old children through public... Read More.

Cherokee Nation reaches 400,000 tribal citizens

Monday, October 4 by Lyman James

According to USNews.com, the Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation said Wednesday that it has reached 400,000 tribal citizens and expects to become the most populous indigenous tribe in the United States again.“In the coming months, Cherokee Nation Registration will be adding thousands more tribal citizens whose applications are already pending and awaiting verification, making the... Read More.

Union Elementary Selected as 2020-2021 Imagine Nation Beacon School

Friday, May 7 by Lyman James

Union Elementary was notified they have been selected as a 2020-2021 Imagine Nation Beacon School. Imagine Learning is an adaptive learning computer program that accelerates reading proficiency through targeted personalized learning paths. Union was nominated for their above-and- beyond enthusiasm and innovative use of Imagine Learning with the staff and student body. To commemorate... Read More.

Osage Nation makes decision to cut the Osage Nation Head Start Program

Wednesday, June 10 by Lyman James

The Osage News is reporting that after 41 years, parents in Osage County will no longer have the choice to enroll their child in an Osage Nation Head Start.Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear says that after the Osage Casinos closed for two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget for the Nation is... Read More.

Osage Nation decides to modify operations after employees test positive for COVID-19

Thursday, June 4 by Lyman James

The Osage Nation has made the decision to use modified operations of its campuses, departments and programs following its reopening on May 15.The goal is to contain the spread of COVID-19 after six employees tested positive on Tuesday. Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear says that they're working to test all 500 employees and anyone... Read More.

Osage Nation campus and all departments and programs temporarily closed

Wednesday, June 3 by Lyman James

Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear of the Osage Nation has given an executive order to close the Osage Nation campus and all departments and programs Wednesday, June 3, to contain the possible spread of the COVID-19 virus.According to Osage News, Standing Bear said he is meeting with his top staff in the morning to... Read More.

Osage Nation receiving $5.1 million in Coronavirus relief money

Tuesday, April 21 by Lyman James

The Osage News is reporting that the Osage Nation has been awarded $5.1 million in Coronavirus relief money.The relief money comes from the Paycheck Protection Program, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. According to the Paycheck Protection Program application, IF the Osage Nation decides to use the money for... Read More.

NOC Livestock Judging finishes 2nd in the nation

Monday, April 6 by Lyman James

The Northern Oklahoma College Livestock Judging Team finished the season ranked 2nd in the country. The final rankings were released in late March. NOC team members Paige Dupin and Ty Taylor were named 2019-20 Academic All-Americans. Dupin is from Irvington, Kentucky while Taylor is from Vinita. There are 15 students named to the All-American list. ... Read More.