Good morning, Norman.

Virtual schools in Oklahoma offer a flexible, personalized education that meets students’ diverse needs by providing targeted learning, extracurricular activities, and wrap-around support.

The system gives Oklahoma-certified teachers a stable career path—helping address the teacher shortage and build lasting community ties.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters filed a motion on July 23 asking the Oklahoma Supreme Court to lift the stay that paused the purchase of classroom Bibles & supplemental Biblical materials.

He argued that the new academic standards, approved by the State Board of Education and the Oklahoma Senate, remove the basis for the lawsuit as OSDE prepares for the upcoming school year.

The House Appropriations subcommittee’s spending plan will cut $380 million from NOAA despite restoring nearly $1.3 billion—putting local weather and climate research, including projects at the National Weather Center, at risk.

Rep. Tom Cole reassured Norman residents that the center will remain fully staffed and maintained—though some programs might face future challenges.

Oklahoma has requested a waiver to ban candy and soft drinks from SNAP benefits — a measure set to take effect next year if approved.

Meanwhile, federal changes under the Big Beautiful Bill Act will force states to cover most SNAP administrative costs and risk cuts in nutrition programs, potentially impacting nearly 100 jobs.

Recreational marijuana supporters plan to begin collecting signatures on Aug.

6 for a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana despite uncertainty about Senate Bill 1027—new rules limit signature collection by county. They must gather 172,993 signatures from 20 counties by Nov. 3—legal challenges may follow once the measure advances.

The Norman City Council met Tuesday to discuss plans for a new neighborhood and community hub on the Griffin Memorial Hospital campus.

RDG Planning & Design presented a concept featuring affordable multi-family housing along Main Street, and Le Monde International School may remain as part of the project.

After losing her daughter Rain Reece to fentanyl poisoning in 2023, Oklahoma mother Karla Carlock has called for mandatory fentanyl education in schools with Rain’s Law—joining lawmakers during the signing of the Halt Fentanyl Act on July 23—to help protect future students.

Beats & Bites Festival featuring Kansas

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Riverwind Casino — Ticket prices vary — A night of classic rock and food trucks featuring legendary bands Kansas and Starship.

Glass Bead Suncatcher Workshop

2-3 p.m. — Uncanny Art House — Cost not specified — Create a vibrant glass bead suncatcher in this fun workshop with artist Lindsey Martin-Prascher.

Red Clay Roots Festival

1 PM – 7 PM — The Standard — Admission details TBA — Vibe to amazing tunes and connect with fellow music lovers at this vibrant festival.