Good Day
Norman
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Norman. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Idabel native Browning Snider—rising in the country scene—debuted his new single Shootin Light, inspired by Oklahoma duck hunting, during a live performance in Norman yesterday. He will perform today in Hochatown and is set to open for the Eli Young Band next Friday at the Saloon. News9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The State Department of Education dropped the Bible mandate after a court order led new State Superintendent Lindel Fields to announce he will not include Bible instruction or supplies in classrooms. Fields said he will ask the Supreme Court to dismiss the lawsuit challenging the previous directive — a decision reversing former Superintendent Ryan Walters' plan. KGOU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. released a statement on Friday saying that signs promoting a Thursday event were removed from campus and that OUPD is investigating the incident—anyone found responsible will be held accountable. OU Daily
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Norman health center HUB 107 closed Friday and merged with the Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center on Alameda Street to provide most services except laundry and showers. Health center workers worry that the change may leave gaps in care for people experiencing homelessness—state budget cuts forced the shift, though all staff kept their jobs. OU Daily
- ➤ Local nonprofit D-DENT—Dentist for the Disabled and Elderly in Need of Treatment—has provided free dental care for nearly twenty thousand Oklahomans over 40 years by connecting veterans, the disabled and elderly with volunteer dentists. Hal Kessler of Kessler Dental opened a new office on September 21st that will host community dental days where up to forty patients receive cleanings, fillings and extractions. News9
- ➤ Dr. William F. Schmid warned on October 17th that gaps in Oklahoma mental health care left many without treatment and fueled public misinformation—problems driven by funding cuts and staff shortages. He explained that these cuts have led to more homelessness and drug use—trends that worry local care providers. News9
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Molly is a 26-pound, 4-month-old dog who loves cuddles and play with children and other dogs and is available for adoption at the OK Humane Adoption Center (7500 N. Western Ave). News9
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Season 2 of Netflix’s Starting 5 shows Shai Gilgeous-Alexander discussing his rapid return to form with the Thunder—he explained that winning the team’s first championship and overcoming trade challenges set the stage for their strong playoff performance. He also added that OKC is set to face Houston in a home game Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., aiming to defend their title. The Oklahoman
- ➤ OU football is set to face South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium at 11:45 a.m. CT; head coach Brent Venables expects the team to bounce back — quarterback John Mateer returns from hand surgery after a tough loss to Texas last Saturday. Experts recall South Carolina beat the Sooners 35-9 in their first meeting — predictions for a close contest are emerging as the team works to improve its offensive play. The Oklahoman
- ➤ OU football has listed running back Jovantae Barnes, wide receiver Keontez Lewis, and tight end Kade McIntyre as out on Friday’s availability report for today’s game against South Carolina—Barnes was injured before the Texas game and Lewis had a tough collision that kept him off the field. The Oklahoman
- ➤ Bixby Spartans broke a school record with a 92-0 win against Enid — they played starters for one quarter and used a running clock for 34 minutes — according to coach Loren Montgomery. The team will visit metro OKC on Oct. 24 and play in Norman on Nov. 7 as it pursues an eighth state football title. The Oklahoman
- ➤ The No. 14 Sooners are set to play South Carolina today at 11:45 a.m. CT at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia as they try to rebound from a Red River loss. Former OU assistant head coach Shane Beamer, who spent three seasons with the Sooners in Norman, now leads the Gamecocks and adds a familiar rivalry edge as fans prepare for an electric atmosphere. News9
- ➤ Three Oklahoma State football players who grew up in Chicago are relying on their shared hometown bond to fit in as they prepare to play Cincinnati at 7 p.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium — their background has given them extra strength on the field. The Oklahoman
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Live Music at NOUN Hotel
3 PM – 10 PM — NOUN Hotel — Free entry — Experience lively music in a welcoming atmosphere during OU home game weekends.
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Oklahoma Sooners vs. Mississippi Rebels Parking
11 AM – 1 PM — Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium — Parking available — Get ready for the thrilling matchup between Ole Miss and Oklahoma.
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Children and Family Center Event
10 AM - 2 PM — Center For Children and Families, Inc. — Free entry — Engage in fun activities designed for children and their families.
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Oklahoma Sooners Women's Basketball Exhibition Game
6-8 p.m. — Lloyd Noble Center — Free admission — Enjoy an exciting women's basketball exhibition game with fan appreciation festivities.
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John Crocker Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill — No cover charge — Experience heartfelt tunes from Oklahoma singer-songwriter John Crocker as he shares his journey through music.
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National Weather Festival
10 AM – 2 PM — National Weather Center — Free entry — Experience a fun-filled day with weather-related exhibits, activities, and demonstrations for the whole family.
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Belmont Bruins at Oklahoma Sooners Women's Basketball
4:30-6:00 p.m. — Lloyd Noble Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team as they face off against the Belmont Bruins.
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University Sing 2025 - Thursday
7-8 p.m. — Reynolds Performing Arts Center — $22.49 — Enjoy a captivating night of performances at this all-ages event.
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OKiCON 2025
2:00 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center — $65.92 — Experience three days of Japanese art, music, and culture at this vibrant anime convention.
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Ram Run at Ruby Grant Park
9-11 a.m. — Ruby Grant Park Playground — Cost varies — Enjoy a 5K and fun run benefitting Victory Family School with shirts, medals, and a finish line celebration.
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