Good morning, Norman.

At the Sooner Summit at Norman Public Schools Center for Arts and Learning, local leaders shared plans for the Oklahoma Aviation Academy, which will open in January 2027 with a hands-on flight program, and new Lake Thunderbird bike trails built for all skill levels.

The Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition also announced a new entrepreneurship center called the 405 set to open in March 2026 and an AI startup that will beta test a job search tool for the county in late 2025 (boosting local workforce skills).

Oklahoma experts advised gardeners on Monday, September 8 at 10:55 a.m. to plant milkweed and native flowers to build a safe habitat for monarch butterflies, recommending sunny, watered spots of about 100 square feet and urging the removal of pesticides—tips provided by specialists from Prairie Wind Nursery and Okies for Monarchs.

OKANA Resort offers a range of dining options at its four main restaurants as the beach and outdoor water attractions will close Sept 14 while the indoor park remains open year-round; Chido Tacos X Tequila, Curveball Kitchen, Jack Rabbit and Smokehouse Social serve signature dishes such as rocket shrimp tacos, Chicago dogs and longbone ribeye—available to resort guests and outside diners.

On Friday, Sept. 19, Oklahoma State will host Tulsa at 6:30 p.m. while the Sooners will host Auburn on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.—both games mark Week 4 of college football after a bye week.

Yesterday, OU redshirt junior John Mateer earned SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for 270 yards and one touchdown and running for two scores in a 24-13 win over No-15 Michigan at Gaylord Family, Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

He ranked second nationally in total offense through two games and the Sooners will face Temple on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field at 11-00 a.m.

During NFL Week 1, former OU, OSU and Tulsa players shined as they helped their teams win and set records.

Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb gained 110 receiving yards and Tulsa native Josh Jacobs extended his record with a touchdown run — while other standouts like Jalen Hurts and Baker Mayfield also made key plays.

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.