Good morning, Norman.

Travelers are invited to take a cardstock cutout of Will Rogers, called Flat Will, on their Route 66 journeys to honor the local icon and share his adventures using #FlatWill.

Created by Norman artist Tom Farris, the cutout is available free at three museums and can be ordered online while supplies last—an engaging tribute ahead of the centennial next year.

At Riverwind Casino in Norman, Sammy Hagar hosted the Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic and raised $1.4 million to help the OK Kids Korral—a safe place for kids with cancer.

The tribute concert 'Toby Keith: American Icon' reaired on NBC on Aug. 27 and showed that his music still touches many fans.

The Norman Police Department opened a new Records Division location at 112 W.

Daws St.—the office, previously used as the municipal court, now has room for the current staff and planned expansion to meet public needs.

Oklahoma Corrections will start using AI in prisons like John H.

Lilley Correctional Center — one of 23 chosen — to help watch phone calls, count inmates, and spot risks. Director Steven Harpe said the change will boost safety, while some experts worry about privacy and fewer workers.

State Auditor Cindy Byrd said that DHS and OMES mismanaged over $85 million in federal pandemic funds in fiscal year 2023, including rental assistance and childcare support, with questioned costs totaling $93.4 million+.

New agency directors are now addressing the issues+ officials expect these steps to improve future spending.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said at a press conference yesterday that DPS Commissioner Tim Tipton’s plan to pull Highway Patrol troopers from metro areas like Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa was illegal—state law gives the Patrol the duty to cover both interstates and urban areas. Local officials warned that shifting this work to local agencies may create gaps in public safety.

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.

Route 66 Balloon Festival

7 a.m. – 10 p.m. — Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch — Check for admission fees — Experience colorful hot air balloons lighting up the Arcadia sky.