Good morning, Norman.

Norman Public Schools now partners with OU to offer real classroom practicum experiences for education majors.

Students work at elementary and middle schools to gain hands-on tutoring and teaching internships that prepare them for certification.

OU's College of Fine Arts offers varied internship opportunities across its five schools — including local roles at the Sooner Theatre — to help students build hands-on experience and connections, with dean Mary Margaret Holt saying these programs guide future creative careers.

OU colleges offer tailored career support through internships, research and study abroad to boost students' career prospects.

The Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences + the Honors College are expanding programs with direct alumni connections to help prepare students for professional success.

The National Weather Service in Norman has issued red flag warnings for parts of the state — wildfire risks peak today due to dry, windy conditions.

Residents should avoid open flames and follow local safety guidance.

Norman City Council approved plans for Rock Creek Entertainment District in University North Park, featuring an arena for OU athletics and nearby retail and residential zones along 24th Avenue NW.

The $622 million project (funded by two TIF districts) will start in November 2025 and finish by 2032.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department announced it will create a state-based health insurance exchange for 2028 open enrollment, shifting enrollment away from HealthCare.gov.

Oklahomans will use the federal site through 2027, with the exchange launching on May 1 & opening for new coverage in November 2027.

Oklahoma now requires Medicaid and private insurers to cover non-opioid pain medications after lawmakers and advocates push for equal treatment with opioids.

The policy will prevent higher copayments and extra approval rules—making non-opioids a cost-effective alternative.

College baseball opened its season over the weekend when Oklahoma won the Shriners Children's College Classic at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas — beating high-level teams like Texas Tech and Oklahoma State — and Michigan won the Surprise College Baseball Series in Arizona.

The Oklahoman’s winter girls athlete poll presented by Landmark Fine Homes ran from Feb.

9-15 on oklahoman.com, and voting closed at noon Sunday. Norman’s Ava Bond, who scored 30 points in a 68-56 upset, was among the nominees competing with players from Stillwater, Carl Albert, Edmond North and McGuinness.

Community Christian football player Jaiden Cox told reporters at a prep spotlight media day yesterday that he prefers 5 chicken strips, fries and a mint chocolate chip shake from Braum’s before games.

He named Morgan Wallen as his pregame choice and dreams of a future in engineering or business.

Wine & Chocolate Pairing at the Winery

12-7 p.m. — Native Spirits Winery — $25 per person, $40 for 2 — Unwind with a delightful combination of wine and chocolate treats this Valentine's Day.

Cirque Italia: Water Circus

7:30 p.m. — Crocs — Ticket required — Experience a mesmerizing water circus show that's fun for all ages.

Severe Weather Awareness Expo

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Penn Square Mall — Free entry — Learn about severe weather safety with local meteorologists and fun family activities.

Cirque Italia: Water Circus

1:30-4:30 p.m. — Sooner Mall — Tickets start at $76 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Cirque Italia with thrilling water acts.

Cirque Italia: Water Circus

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Sooner Mall — Starting at $78 — Experience a mesmerizing evening of aquatic acrobatics and breathtaking performances.

Shamrock Gold Quest 5K and Fun Run

2-4:30 p.m. — Ruby Grant Park — Registration fee — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a timed off-road 5K or an untimed fun mile run through scenic Ruby Grant Park.