Good morning, Norman.

The inaugural Norman Arts Festival will be held at Andrews Park this weekend.

The nonprofit event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and will feature live music, art showcases, dance and activities.

Madisson Cameron, culture editor at OU Daily, recounted her journey from covering a local college day story to merging culture and news desks in the newsroom.

Lessons from events like Norman Music Festival and planning Best of Norman have strengthened her team's approach to community storytelling.

Walker Center—a 12-story dorm that has housed OU students since 1966—is scheduled for demolition over winter break to make room for updated first-year housing while pre-demolition work begins this summer as alumni recall its lasting charm.

Oklahoma lawmakers have passed education reforms that will affect public schools statewide.

Coyle Public Schools (located north of Norman) will have 173 in person days next year while new reading tests for third graders and a permanent cellphone ban during school hours are set to boost learning and classroom safety.

Oklahomans will vote on State Question 832 on June 16 to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 and tie future increases to a national cost-of-living index.

Supporters say the measure will help lift families while critics warn it could pressure small businesses & local government budgets.

Norman High School and Norman North track athletes competed at Chickasha High School on May 9 in the 6A Track Regionals, and state qualifiers will compete on May 15-16 at Western Heights High School in the 5A-6A Championship.

The NCAA announced the 2026 softball tournament bracket will feature regionals from around the country including Norman’s contest between Oklahoma and Binghamton scheduled for tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. on SEC Network—teams will later advance to super regionals before the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City starting May 28.

USA TODAY Network experts have released their picks for the NCAA softball tournament regionals (including Norman’s host region), with strong support for Oklahoma from local reporters.

The 64-team competition begins Friday with experts expecting teams like Alabama and Oklahoma to advance for a strong Women’s College World Series run.

Graduation Weekend Celebration

12:05 PM – 10:05 PM — NOUN Hotel, Norman — Cost varies — Celebrate accomplishments with pop-up shops, dining, live music, and handcrafted cocktails.

Safety Town 2026

9 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. — Sooner Mall — Free entry — Learn essential safety skills in a fun, hands-on environment for children aged 5-6.

Uncanny Garage Sale

Uncanny Garage Sale — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Uncanny Art House — Free entry — Explore a treasure trove of art supplies, furniture, and unique finds while supporting the local art community.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

June 9-11 — Premier Sportsplex — Registration required — Enhance your basketball skills with high-intensity drills focused on scoring and ball handling.

Lettering Basics Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — Firehouse Art Center, 444 S Flood Ave, Norman, OK — Cost info not specified — Discover the art of lettering with designs from a local expert.