Good morning, Norman.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court temporarily blocked the new social studies standards — ruling in a 5 to 2 decision — while a lawsuit challenges claims that they impose Christian beliefs on students.

Public schools must revert to the 2019 guidelines until the court issues further direction.

Oklahoma Votes set up tents at OU campus Tuesday to help students register to vote for National Voter Registration Day—this nonpartisan group also assisted with absentee ballots and locating polling places to boost civic engagement among young voters.

The organization aims to address low turnout in the 18-29 age group and encourage active participation in elections.

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center lost $840,000 in federal research grants canceled after the Supreme Court decision on DEI projects—one grant was for recruiting under-represented students and the others were for boosting patient immune responses and studying chromosome organization. The cancellation raised questions about how the funding cuts will affect medical research at OU.

Oklahoma pediatrician Dr. Scott Cyrus warned that more than 340 infants died in 2023 and that the infant death rate rose from 6.8 to 7.1 per 1,000 births; he said that rural families face less prenatal care & risky habits and urged safe pregnancy practices to lower the rate.

National sports writers ranked Oklahoma as the SEC's most balanced team after three weeks of play based on its strong defense and the performance of quarterback John Mateer.

They noted the Sooners' improved offense and resilient defense will help them compete against tough teams in the conference — showing revived potential.

The Oklahoma City Thunder has opened registrations for its fall Youth Basketball Camps that help kids learn basketball fundamentals and earn a Thunder T-shirt, basketball, water bottle, and a home game ticket.

The camps will be held on Oct. 15 at the W.L. Hutcherson YMCA in Tulsa, Oct. 17 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, and Oct. 20 at the Mitch Park YMCA in Edmond with ages and cost varying by location (Tulsa and Edmond: ages 6 to 14 at $65; Oklahoma City: ages 8 to 14 at $85).

OU head coach Brent Venables spoke on Tuesday, September 16th about the team’s plan for Saturday’s SEC opener against Auburn.

He said the team will counter Auburn’s balanced offense with strong defense and a focused offensive line—despite a first-half suspension for R Mason Thomas and a season-ending injury to Troy Everett.

OU football tight end Jaren Kanak caught 14 passes for 245 yards in three games—building a strong connection with quarterback John Mateer.

Kanak will work to raise his game as the team prepares for conference play.

OU head coach Brent Venables was named the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Honorary Coach by the American Football Coaches Association on September 16th.

He was recognized for creating programs like SOUL Mission that organize projects such as building benches and delivering meals—efforts that show his commitment to service both on and off the field.

A Props.com study ranked Oklahoma as the third-most deserving of an NFL team, citing strong local college football success, high online NFL chatter, and 72 active NFL alumni as key factors.

The study, released on Tuesday, September 16th at 10:38 a.m., gave Oklahoma a score of 70 out of 100 behind Alabama and Virginia—factors that underscore the state’s football passion.

OU football offensive lineman Troy Everett suffered a season-ending knee injury last week and will miss the rest of the season, coach Brent Venables said—Everett, one of the team captains, has been removed from the depth chart while Stanford transfer Jake Maikkula is set to start with freshman Owen Hollenbeck as his backup.

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.

Pajama Story Time

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Center For Children and Families, Inc. — Free entry — Enjoy bedtime stories that enrich literacy and strengthen the bonds between parents and children.

Halloween Kickoff Celebration

3-8 p.m. — The Ice Creamatory — Free candy for kids in costumes — Celebrate Halloween with costume contests, food trucks, and sweet treats.