Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
Good morning, Norman.
📰 Economy
Oklahoma voters will decide on a measure to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2029 on June 16, 2026 (with over 157,000 signatures verified by Raise the Wage Oklahoma).
Several states and localities are set to boost pay floors this year.
🎓 Education
OU AAUP delivered an online petition with more than 24,000 signatures Friday urging OU leadership to improve transparency and secure academic freedom after dismissing graduate teaching assistant Mel Curth over a Bible essay.
The petition asks for policy details by Jan. 23 as Spring classes begin on Jan. 20.
Billie Jervis began her role as agriculture and 4-H educator on Dec.
31, bringing her entomology background and lifelong agricultural experience to help locals manage pests and improve crop success. She earned a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Oklahoma State University.
🏥 Health
New CDC data shows that Oklahoma’s adult obesity rate dropped from 38.7% to 36.8% between 2023 and 2024 & childhood obesity fell from 21.4% to 16.9% from 2021/2022 to 2023/2024, reflecting overall improvements in health trends.
🏈 Sports
OU football enters transfer portal season as several players announced moves since Jan.
2 (the portal stays open until Jan. 16), and coach Brent Venables braces for major roster changes ahead of next season.
Oklahoma running back Taylor Tatum entered the transfer portal on Friday after struggling with injuries this season, finishing his career with 57 carries and three touchdowns.
Running back Jovantae Barnes also entered the portal while Colorado State’s Lloyd Avant plans to visit OU before the portal closes on Jan. 16.
The OKC Thunder played against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday, Jan.
2 at 9 p.m. CST (injuries sidelined key players for both teams).
Freshman Aaliyah Chavez scored 20 points as the Sooners beat Texas A&M 72-50 in the SEC opener on Thursday night.
The win marks Oklahoma's 12th straight victory as they boost their defense before hosting Mississippi State on Sunday.
🎉 Norman Events
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Winter WONderland Championship Celebration
5:15-7:15 p.m. — Lloyd Noble Center — Ticketed event — Experience the excitement of women's gymnastics with a festive championship theme.
Center for Children and Families Event
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Center For Children and Families, Inc. — Free entry — A community event providing resources and support for children and families.
🏠 Norman Real Estate
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