Good morning, Norman.

More than 20 organizations gathered at The Well on Wednesday, connecting Norman residents with free resources for basic needs, legal help+workforce support from agencies spanning several counties.

Former OU Daily editor Peggy Dodd placed fourth nationally in the Hearst Awards for her feature reporting on Daily alums covering the Oklahoma City bombing and its impact this week and now leads as news reporter at The Norman Transcript while earning a $1,000 award (with OU receiving matching funds).

Education committee leaders announced new literacy laws after 26% of public school students scored proficient on reading tests last year.

Sen. Adam Pugh (R-Edmond) and Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber) will propose legislation this week to improve childhood reading.

Senate Education Committee leaders previewed education policies for the session beginning in February.

They will expand the literacy coach program (currently in 132 districts) and add summer academies and teacher retention measures such as a $2,500 pay raise and new leave benefits to help improve reading scores and keep teachers.

Gov. Kevin Stitt joined officials Tuesday to mark the opening of Oklahoma's first independently owned EV charging station at Crest Shopping Center in Norman.

Francis Energy, a division of Francis Tuttle, opened the station in partnership with GoodFinch + it is the first of 27 planned locations statewide.

On Wednesday, TSET announced millions in grants to boost doctor residencies and cancer treatment access; OU Health Sciences received ($25 million) to build a new cancer facility in Tulsa and OSU Medical Center got ($30 million) to create 100 residency slots across Oklahoma.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, the OKC Thunder played the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center at 6:30 p.m. CST; the matchup featured key injury updates — including Isaiah Hartenstein out—as both teams adjusted their lineups in a closely watched game.

OU wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III announced he will return to Norman for the 2026 season, boosting the Sooners’ receiving corps.

He led the team in 2025 with 67 receptions, 965 yards, and eight touchdowns and may switch his jersey number from 5 to 1.

Oklahoma football hired former Dallas Cowboys star Jason Witten as the new tight ends coach, replacing Joe Jon Finley (fired Jan.

1). He led Liberty Christian School to two state titles in ’23 and ’24.

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.

AnthroExpo 2026

Feb 5-8 — Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center — Check website for ticket info — Celebrate furry fandom with community, art, and entertainment in central Oklahoma.

Marriage Weekend Getaway at Whispering Pines

6 PM – 12 PM — Whispering Pines Inn — Cost included — Reconnect with your spouse in a spiritually enriching getaway filled with learning and reflection.

Parent Café: Café Con Amor

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Center For Children and Families, Inc. — Free entry — Engage in heartfelt discussions about parenting joys and challenges in a supportive environment.