Good morning, Norman.

The Norman Transcript won several awards at the Oklahoma Press Association banquet held Saturday at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel and Conference Center — the paper competes in Division 1 for publications from cities over 40,000 residents.

OKC native Cory Lloyd, a University of Oklahoma alum, celebrated Tony wins on June 8 as his productions Death of a Salesman and Cats: The Jellicle Ball earned multiple honors (including Best Revival Play and Best Direction awards), marking a proud moment for local theater.

On Monday, June 8, the new KIDS Count report ranked Oklahoma 44th in child well being, showing ongoing challenges in education and literacy.

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1778 to raise third-grade reading standards, with changes set for the 2027-28 school year.

Meteorologists reported that Monday's heat index reached 105 (unsafe) in northern Oklahoma and 102 in Oklahoma City.

Forecast models show similar readings with potential thunderstorms later this week, so residents are advised to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities.

Norman’s unannounced May 22 encampment sweep under Operation SAFE displaced homeless people without warning or resources, local advocates said.

In contrast, Oklahoma City worked with service providers and state funding to rehouse displaced individuals, showing a collaborative alternative statewide.

Thunder GM Sam Presti held his end-of-season media conference Monday after the Spurs ended the playoff run in the Western finals & said he remains confident that star forward Chet Holmgren will bounce back soon.

OU softball star Kasidi Pickering entered the transfer portal on Monday after three notable seasons marked by All-American honors and strong hitting.

She entered with a (do not contact) designation and becomes the fourth player to transfer this offseason.

Coach Skip Johnson led the Sooners to sweep Kansas in the Lawrence Super Regional on Monday, earning a spot in the College World Series.

The team will now prepare to compete in the national tournament.

OU coach Patty Gasso said after missing the Women’s College World Series the Sooners will use the transfer portal to add a top pitcher, backup catcher, and possibly an infielder (three players have already left and a strong freshman class is incoming).

The portal remains open for two weeks.

Former OU softball star Kinzie Hansen-McKinzie announced her pregnancy and will miss the OKC Spark season — she remains under contract while former Arizona catcher Grace Jenkins fills her role.

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.