Good morning, Norman.

Recruiters in Oklahoma lured over 880 residents to free drug treatment and housing in California by coaching them to falsify income for marketplace insurance policies that paid high rates, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma alleged the scheme cost $46 million and will shut it down in October—new rules will stop out-of-state care starting January 1.

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health is cutting $40M in contract items to balance its budget, canceling hundreds of service provisions for mental health and substance abuse treatment with the changes set to begin in October — providers worry the cuts could reduce care access.

Texan Matt Langston, chief policy advisor at the Department of Education, earned a six-figure salary while working just 42 days since his hiring in January 2023.

Records show he was in the office 27 days in 2023, 11 days in 2024 and 4 days through June this year—raising concerns among state lawmakers about his low attendance.

A report by Scioto Analysis finds that raising Oklahoma’s minimum wage to $15 by 2029 could cut about 7,000 crimes a year and lower incarceration while saving millions in correction costs.

Voters will decide on the measure in the June primary — they will weigh the public safety benefits against economic changes.

OU President Harroz said that campus is ready as ESPN College GameDay comes to Norman on Saturday — the event will use the South Oval for setup and a new free tailgate on the North Oval, with fans urged to arrive early.

He noted record freshman growth and strong campus energy that will boost the game day atmosphere across the state.

Michigan is coming to Norman for the first time as the Sooners and Wolverines prepare for a historic primetime matchup on Saturday at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle said OU will work to slow Michigan’s star freshman—Bryce Underwood—and boost its run game with Jadyn Ott and John Mateer while Michigan misses linebacker Jaishawn Barham for the first half due to suspension.

OU softball announced its 2025 fall schedule Wednesday—featuring five Battle Series intrasquad matchups at Love’s Field along with games against East Texas A&M on Oct.

7 and Oklahoma Christian on Oct. 15 with home games starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 each with an All Fall Pack available for $50.

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.

Oklahoma Sooners vs Kent State Football

3-6 p.m. — Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Oklahoma Sooners clash with Kent State in an exciting football match.