Good morning, Norman.

A new service connecting University of Oklahoma students & homeowners in Norman is now available, with first-time clients able to claim a free hour of work this week sponsored by the company.

Community members gathered Monday to prepare 50 Italian dinners for Norman Care-A-Vans at St. Anselm's Church for Red Dirt Collective’s Cook for a Crowd event; the meals featured spaghetti, meat & tomato sauce and garlic bread.

Norman and Oklahoma City host a busy weekend in late February with sports games and art events.

Fans can watch softball, baseball, gymnastics, and soccer while community members join film screenings, choir performances, and museum story time at local venues like Love’s Field and the Nancy O’Brian Center (tickets from $15).

Norman Music Festival will take place April 23‑25 in downtown Norman's historic Walker Arts District.

The free event features national acts like Momma, Cure for Paranoia, and Evening Elephants alongside many local headliners.

The OU African Student Association will host its annual African Royalty Pageant this Saturday at Meacham Auditorium to celebrate African culture with a twist—focusing solely on Nigerian tribes.

Contestants representing Yoruba, Urhobo and Igbo tribes will perform, with cocktail hour at 6 p.m. and the pageant at 7 p.m.

Norman collected over $6.5 million in sales taxes last December + a 13.61% rise from the prior December as officials credit OU’s home College Football Playoff game for the boost.

The extra funds will help pay for parks, roads, and support local businesses.

House lawmakers voted Wednesday to advance a bill that limits accrediting agencies from using DEI policies on colleges & requires officials to report if no agency meets the criteria.

The bill passed the House Education Oversight Committee 7-2 and will be considered on the House floor.

After a loss at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, the OU softball team bounced with a 15-2 win over No. 23 Washington led by Ella Parker, Kendall Wells and Miali Guachino at home in Norman.

The team is set to build on this win for their home opener.

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.

Children and Families Center Event

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Center For Children and Families, Inc. — Free entry — A community gathering designed to support children and families in Norman.