Good morning, Norman.

Joe Pal, a 23-year-old OU rugby player, was killed on March 2 after a physical altercation near Campus Corner at a parking lot between McCullough Street and Boyd Street—police reported he suffered severe head trauma and high blood alcohol levels, and no arrests have been made as the homicide investigation continues.

Murphy, Norman PD’s new K-9 detective trained to sniff out electronics, was introduced on August 29th at 9:54 a.m.—she is one of six specifically trained to detect phones, hard drives and USBs in child exploitation and internet crimes cases—and will help investigators move these cases forward.

State Auditor Cyndi Byrd reported that state agencies questioned nearly $100 million in pandemic relief funds in FY23—funds spent on items like home remodels rather than the intended services.

Her report showed that $186 million was mismanaged from 2020 to 2023, which may lead to repayment requests from the federal government.

Oklahoma football will begin its 2025 season today at 5 p.m. CT at Memorial Stadium against Illinois State and be broadcast live on SEC Network+; fans can stream the contest on SEC Network+.

ESPN College Gameday will return to Norman next week as the Sooners face the Michigan Wolverines—host Kirk Herbstreit confirmed that the top-20 matchup will bring the show back to the area.

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.