Good morning, Norman.

Nearly 6,000 children are in foster care and Sunbeam Family Services is asking for more foster parents as local families share that getting support (such as training and monthly check-ins) made their journey both rewarding and challenging when they began last year.

The agency said more foster parents are needed as the holiday season approaches.

Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James died in a fatal plane crash on Sept 18 in Franklin, NC—his wife and her daughter were also killed, and Carrie Underwood paid tribute on social media by calling him a good guy.

The University of Oklahoma dedicated the Jones Family Welcome Center Friday in a renovated Jacobson Hall that was built in 1919 and now adds 11,000 extra square feet and an immersive screen experience — a new visitor center for families.

Oklahoma City U.S. Attorney Pat Ryan, who helped prosecute Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols after the bombing, died while snorkeling in Aruba on Sept.

18th—he was 79.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority will unveil revised plans for the south extension toll road on Sept.

23 at 2 p.m.—engineers chose a new route following feedback from Norman residents during earlier meetings. Homeowner open houses in Norman and Noble will be held over the following week to discuss property concerns under the ACCESS Oklahoma expansion plan.

OU football released its final pregame availability report ahead of its Auburn matchup with offensive linemen Michael Fasusi, Jake Maikkula, and Febechi Nwaiwu confirmed available to play.

Additional reports are scheduled later this week—teams will update player status before kickoff.

Jackson Arnold played quarterback at OU for two seasons—leading the team to a 5-5 record—and transferred to Auburn this offseason, returning home for his debut with the Tigers last Saturday.

He threw for many yards and added rushing touchdowns during his time with the Sooners.

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.