Good morning, Norman.

Award-winning Oklahoma native Brett Cooper—age 57—died in a North Carolina plane crash on September 19th at 10:32 a.m. that also killed two others and is under investigation.

OG&E launched new Energy Insights tools that let customers track energy use, review bills over time, and manage account services on mobile devices.

The platform uses smart meter data and AI to offer detailed appliance usage and personalized recommendations when customers set up a Home or Facility Profile.

During Friday, September 19th’s board meeting at ODMHSAS, Interim Commissioner Greg Slavonic explained that the agency cut costs by eliminating 23 executive positions and reviewing 800 contracts—steps taken to keep core services like the 988 Mental Health Lifeline running.

He will meet Governor Kevin Stitt on Monday at 11:00 a.m. to discuss the budget request as the department works to restore fiscal discipline.

On Friday, the Presbyterian Health Foundation donated $20 million (its largest gift to date) to fund and name a new Heart Center at OU Health in Norman.

The donation (announced at its 40 Years of Impact Celebration) will support enhanced heart care services in our community.

Jackson Arnold, who faced harsh criticism and online harassment after being benched at OU, has found a fresh start at Auburn with a 3-0 record so far.

He is returning to Norman today at 2:30 p.m. to play OU 364 days after his benching — a homecoming that brings both challenge and change.

The University of Oklahoma is enforcing a new game day entry process requiring students to enter Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium through the south half of Gate 7 — they must pass metal detectors, scan tickets to receive wristbands and show them at the student section ramps before using section ramps numbered 22 to 28 to access the bowl. For the upcoming game against Auburn today, gates will open at 12:45 p.m. ahead of the 2:45 p.m. kickoff, so students are advised to arrive early to allow extra time for the new procedures.

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.

Run For Your Life 5K & One-Mile Fun Run

5-9 p.m. — Ruby Grant Park — Kids under 10 run free with paid adult — Navigate a zombie-filled course in an off-road adventure and enjoy snacks and dancing after the race.