Good morning, Norman.

Researchers from OSU and Mississippi State University will spend four years studying Oklahoma's growing black bear population in the Ouachita Mountains and Ozark region to help wildlife managers make conservation decisions.

They will use hair-sampling, camera traps and public surveys, and the study excludes the panhandle bears.

The Oklahoma Emergency Drought Committee voted Tuesday to direct $2 million in drought relief funds to agricultural producers as their new applications open on Oct.

5. The committee may allocate an additional $10 million pending legislative approval, with funds available across all 77 counties (first come, first served).

Deer season starts Oct.

1, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation now requires non-resident hunters to wait 48 hours after buying a license before hunting. This measure aims to curb rapid deer checks after purchase and will apply through Jan. 15.

Harold Hamm donated $150 million to OU to boost health research, education & discovery, including $50 million for diabetes research.

The historic gift led to renaming OU’s Oklahoma City Health Campus after him.

Yesterday, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced a record 206 semifinalists for the Campbell Trophy.

The list includes OU’s Jake Maikkula, OSU’s Ethan Wesloski, and TU’s Grayson Tempest, noted for their strong academic and athletic performance.

Colton Fitzgibbon (a dual-sport athlete) committed to play baseball and football at Oklahoma after visiting Clemson, Notre Dame, Oregon and USC; he becomes OU’s fourth 2028 football commitment.

Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker now plays alongside his lifelong friend Miles Coleman after persuasive texts helped him choose North Texas over Sam Houston State; OSU will host its Big 12 opener Saturday at West Virginia.

Oklahoma’s offense faces challenges as the Sooners prepare to head to Athens for their SEC opener against Georgia.

Analysts say turnovers, injuries and a shaky offensive line could hinder quarterback John Mateer’s performance and force the team to focus on protecting the ball and limiting Georgia’s run game.