Good morning, Norman.

Yesterday, the Pioneer Library System sued the City of Norman over a mold-damaged library, a native plant grant transformed Oklahoma yards into wildlife habitats, Walmart recalled frozen shrimp over potential radioactive contamination, and officials announced a recovery plan that will reintroduce the peppered chub to local rivers.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a draft recovery plan to restore rivers like the Cimarron—Lower South Canadian—and Arkansas so endangered peppered chubs can be reintroduced, and the plan asks for input from local, state and tribal groups.

The proposal is expected to cost $71 million and take 30 years to complete.

A 2019 study showed that Oklahoma’s file-and-use insurance system leads to higher auto and homeowners costs compared to savings in states with a prior approval system—Oklahomans could have saved $1 billion a year on auto insurance alone.

Senate lawmakers will review state rate regulations on October 7 to decide if changes can better protect consumers from steep premiums.

OU Health has opened the new 50,000‐square‐foot Stephenson Cancer Center at Norman Regional Hospital to combine medical and radiation oncology services in one location—bringing high-level care closer to home for patients in south‐central Oklahoma.

The center began seeing patients on June 16 and offers advanced imaging, expanded infusion capacity, and wraparound support services to improve treatment accessibility.

Housing experts say the proposed two-year limit on rental assistance could risk eviction and homelessness for 32,300 Oklahomans, including 18,400 children, as low wages and rising rents leave families struggling to afford housing.

They warn that landlords may refuse rental assistance applicants & that tougher eviction rules will worsen the crisis.

OU football coach Jay Valai is excited about his young cornerback group as veteran Gentry Williams returns to lead his teammates in preseason camp — head coach Brent Venables chose to develop the group rather than use the transfer portal and emerging players like sophomore Devon Jordan are competing for starting spots.

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.

Pepper Festival at Choctaw Creek Park

6-8 p.m. — Choctaw Creek Park — Free to attend — Enjoy live music, arts & crafts, delicious food, and a pepper eating contest.

Crimson Friday Concert

2-4:30 a.m. — Campus Corner — Free entry — Celebrate gameday with live music before the University of Oklahoma homegame.

Cirque du Soleil: OVO

Thu-Sun, Sep 11-14th — Paycom Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant, enchanting world of insects in this mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil performance.

Alex Bergan, Will Stucky, and Garrett Owen Live

8-11:30 p.m. — Opolis — $11.29 — Experience an evening of folk music with talented artists in the heart of Norman.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Auburn Tigers

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium — Cost info not provided — Watch a thrilling college football matchup between Auburn and Oklahoma.