OKLAHOMA CITY –
From burn bans across the state to the groundbreaking of a new Thunder arena and a charter school lawsuit, here is your “News to Know” for Thursday, March 26, 2026:
Oklahoma counties under burn ban as lawmakers consider changes
Metro residents urged to stay cautious amid dry, windy conditions.
March 25, 2026 11:21 PM
1 min read
• First burn ban issued since 2022
• Dry, windy weather driving fire risk
• Ban set to last 14 days.
Oklahoma County is now under a burn ban as dangerous fire conditions increase across the area.
Officials say ongoing dry and windy weather has created a heightened risk for wildfires, prompting the first burn ban in nearly four years.
The ban will remain in effect for 14 days. Residents are urged to review what is allowed and prohibited during the restriction to avoid violations and reduce fire danger.
Medical Marijuana tax bill for jail funding fails in House
House Bill 3314 would allow Oklahoma counties to impose up to a 15% tax on retail marijuana sales if approved by local voters, with revenue dedicated to county services such as law enforcement and fire protection.
February 27, 2026 10:03 AM
1 min read
• Proposal would give counties ability to add up to 15% tax on medical marijuana sales
• Measure failed 45-50 overnight
• Similar bill waiting to be heard in the Senate
A bill aimed at helping fund a new Oklahoma County jail failed on the House floor early Thursday morning.
House Bill 3314 would have allowed counties to impose a 15% sales tax on medical marijuana, with revenue going toward first responders and dilapidated properties.
Lawmakers voted it down 45-50 early Thursday morning. A separate Senate proposal would allow counties to add a smaller, 10% tax for public safety and infrastructure projects. That bill must be heard on the Senate floor Thursday to move forward this session.
New Thunder arena groundbreaking set for Thursday morning
New downtown arena set to open in 2028 as construction begins on voter-approved project
March 24, 2026 06:24 AM
3 min read
• Continental Coliseum groundbreaking this morning
• Nearly $1 billion project planned downtown
• Construction expected to finish in 2028
Construction begins Thursday on the future home of the Oklahoma City Thunder. It will be known as Continental Coliseum.
The arena will be built across from the Paycom Center, where the team will continue playing until the new venue is complete.
Team officials say the design will bring a unique fan experience downtown.
The groundbreaking is set for 10 a.m. Thursday. The nearly $1 billion project was approved by voters in 2023. Construction is set to be completed in summer 2028.
OU women head to Sweet 16 matchup
Sooners’ Zya Vann, Aaliyah Chavez talk team chemistry and mindset ahead of Saturday’s Sweet 16 matchup
• Team traveling to Sacramento
• Facing South Carolina on Saturday
• Second consecutive Sweet 16 trip
Fans gathered on campus Wednesday to send off the Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball as they head to the Sweet 16.
The Sooners will face South Carolina in Sacramento, California, on Saturday afternoon. This marks the team’s second consecutive trip to the Sweet 16, continuing a strong postseason run.
Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon sells out
The Memorial Marathon is a sellout for 2026, but there is a chance you could still be a backup.
Because of this year’s sellout, marathon officials are opening a waitlist at noon today for those who have not signed up and still want to run the full.
If spots open, officials say the system will automatically add waitlisted runners and send them an email.
Officials say there are still spots in other races, but they will sell out — so you are encouraged to sign up now.
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Editor’s note: we used AI tools to help with editing and formatting this story. A human journalist reviewed everything before publication.