Good morning, Norman.

Juneteenth is on Friday, June 19, and as a federal holiday banks and government offices will close.

Oklahoma City and Tulsa are hosting community events with parades, runs, and concerts (featuring Lupe Fiasco in OKC and Lakeside in Tulsa) from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 21.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved a framework that lets public colleges assess accelerated bachelor’s degree programs requiring 90 to 119 credit hours.

The new rule may offer a faster route through higher education for qualifying students.

Heavy rains are forecast this week and the National Weather Service warns local drivers to avoid driving through water deeper than 6 inches to prevent flash flooding on busy roads.

The advisory notes that 12 inches of fast-moving water can carry away a small car.

Oklahomans will soon consider State Question 832 to raise the minimum wage, which would remove the agricultural exemption and gradually increase wages to $12 in 2027 and $15 in 2029 (local farm groups worry this will raise input costs and hurt rural communities).

State Question 832 on the June 16 ballot has prompted debate over a proposed minimum wage increase.

Lt. Gov. Pinnell argued that raising wages could slow growth + Labor Commissioner Osborn said low wages leave workers struggling, and residents are invited to share their views via a local survey.

The Sooners will face the Kansas Jayhawks in Game 1 of the NCAA baseball Super Regional at Hoglund Ballpark today at 5 p.m.—viewers can catch the contest on ESPN2 as OU advances after its win over Georgia Tech and the Jayhawks swept their regional.

Texas secured a repeat national title by beating Texas Tech 4-1 at Devon Park on Thursday night, while OU wrapped up its fourpeat from 2021 to 2024 — the intense Red River rivalry continues to elevate college softball in our area.

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.

Summer Solstice Celebration at Magic Forest

4-10:30 p.m. — Magic Forest Retreat Center — $100 — Celebrate the longest day with yoga, swimming, sauna, and music around the fire.

Nike Softball Camp at Oklahoma Christian University

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Oklahoma Christian University — $409 — Enhance softball skills in a fun and supportive environment with experienced coaching.

OU Corrosion Control Course

June 23-25 — Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center — Registration fee required — Enhance your corrosion prevention knowledge at this annual training event.

NFourth Fest 250 Celebration

4-10 p.m. — Reaves Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with food trucks, yard games, contests, and live music by prominent artists.