Good morning, Norman.

The Norman Fourth Fest water lantern festival took place Monday evening at Legacy Park.

Jeff Moody of Norman Parks and Recreation called the event a (fun) start to Independence Day festivities.

The Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic raised over $1.35 million for the Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral— a free home for pediatric cancer patients and their families— at Riverwind Casino and Keith’s Belmar Golf Club on June 12—13.

Toby Keith’s family reaffirmed their legacy amid strong local support.

Mooney’s Pub and Grill will take over Hollywood Corners, a historic restaurant and live music venue (owned by Toby Keith’s estate), on Aug.

1 as it rebrands to Mooney’s at Hollywood Corners.

Norman's Fourth Fest 250 will feature Red Dirt pioneer Cody Canada and The Departed at Reaves Park on July 4 starting at 8 p.m., with Logan Mac and Tyler Halverson on the bill and a fireworks display broadcast on KGOU (celebrating Independence Day).

Effective July 1, Oklahoma expanded alternative teacher certification by allowing approved public, private, and nonprofit providers to train future educators under oversight by the Oklahoma Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability — a move designed to reduce teacher shortages. Candidates must meet education, testing, and employment requirements before earning certification.

Oklahoma officials warn that rising summer heat has increased the risk of toxic algae blooms in state lakes.

They say that these blooms may cause water quality issues that can make animals & humans ill.

Roshelle Anderson from Oklahoma Humane Society offered pet owners advice for keeping pets safe from fireworks tomorrow.

She recommended updating microchip information, keeping pets indoors, and securing yards to help prevent lost animals.

The Oklahoman's Justin Martinez and Joe Mussatto offered their analysis on OKC Thunder's NBA Draft picks plus team-option decisions in the Thunder Buddies podcast episode on July 2, giving local fans insight into the team's recent moves.

OKC Thunder will sign Kenrich Williams to a one-year contract for $5 million plus the team saved $49.9 million in luxury tax penalties by declining his $7.2 million option Monday at 11:01 a.m. CT; the move will fill the team’s final roster spot ahead of the upcoming season.

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.

Nike Basketball Skills Camp 2026

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Young Family Athletic Center — $399 — Enhance your basketball skills with expert coaching in a fun and dynamic environment.

SINGO Night Fundraiser for Boys & Girls Club

6-9 p.m. — The Standard — Free entry • $5 SINGO cards — Enjoy Disney and Classic SINGO while supporting local youth with food, drinks, and prizes.

Children and Family Center Event

10 a.m.–2 p.m. — Center For Children and Families, Inc. — Free entry — A community event focused on providing services and resources for families and children.

Teaching Climate Across the Curriculum: Tools and Strategies for K–12

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — National Weather Center (NWC) — Registration required — Explore hands-on workshops to integrate climate science into your K–12 teaching across all subjects.