Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of April.
Good morning, Norman.
Today, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is searching for 18-year-old Dacota Cunningham—who has autism, ADHD, PTSD, needs his medication and may be confrontational—after he was last seen on foot near Northwest 60th and Meridian wearing blue gym shorts; he is about five foot six tall, weighs around 190 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes.
OU's Senior Vice President announced that Paul Gilmore was named the new dean of the Honors College in a campus-wide email sent Wednesday morning—he replaces interim dean Michael Markham.
Gilmore earned a doctorate in English from the University of Chicago and will officially join OU on June 23 pending final Board of Regents approval.
Former Norman High School English teacher Summer Boismier released a now-deleted statement on X after her defamation lawsuit against State Superintendent Ryan Walters was dismissed on April 10; she called the ruling a setback for public education.
Walters later said the decision was a win for protecting academic values — reinforcing his commitment to keeping schools free of political indoctrination.
CDC data showed the U.S. has surpassed 700 measles cases, including 2 deaths and 1 case under investigation, while Oklahoma reported 12 cases—all among unvaccinated individuals—as of April 15.
The state health department issued exposure notices for visitors at Northwest Pediatrics of Oklahoma City's Mercy Plaza Building on April 4, between 10:45 a.m. and 2 p.m., and at Aldi Grocery Store on April 6, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
OU football has added transfer running back Jaydn Ott and offensive lineman Jake Maikkula as part of the active spring portal window open until April 25—moves that are set to bolster the team’s roster.
In addition, running back Sam Franklin, defensive back Mykel Patterson-McDonald and tight end Davon Mitchell have chosen to transfer after limited playing time last season—decisions that will affect team depth.
FIFA listed 63 base camp sites for the 2026 World Cup and OKC for Soccer approved two metro locations—a former training facility on NE 63rd in the Adventure District and an athletic complex in Norman—for teams to use.
Officials said a national team will choose one of the sites next summer when formal plans are finalized later this year.
Spring Egg Hunt
5-7 p.m. — Andrews Park — Family-friendly fun — Enjoy an egg hunt, Spring bunny photos, and games under the sun.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
1-5 p.m. — Love’s Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling college football matchup supporting your favorite team and a good cause.
Norman Music Festival 2025
Various times — Rotary Park, Norman, OK — Free entry — Experience a vibrant celebration of music, art, and community in the heart of Oklahoma.
FREE Norman Music Festival
April 24-26 — First Fidelity Bank - Downtown Norman — Free entry — Experience a vibrant celebration of independent music and arts in downtown Norman.
A Taste of Ireland
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Reynolds Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the Irish music and dance sensation that entertains thousands with humor and history.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns
11 AM – 1 PM — Love's Field — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrilling rivalry between the Sooners and Longhorns live at Love's Field.
Comedy Night with Dan Alten
7 p.m. — Legally Brewed — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of hilarious stand-up comedy from a touring comic known for his unique charm.
Patti LaBelle Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Riverwind Casino — Tickets starting at $66 — Experience the legendary vocals of Patti LaBelle live in Norman.
Free Electronic Recycling Event
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Reaves Park — Free entry — Safely dispose of your e-waste with community-friendly recycling standards.
May the Course Be with You 5k
10-11 a.m. — Legacy Park — Registration required — Experience a thrilling Star Wars-themed 5K and Fun Run in a scenic park setting.
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