Good morning, Norman.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Lindel Fields as state schools superintendent one year ago to remove politics from education and return to common sense; Fields (a 30-year veteran and former Tri County Tech superintendent) now manages a turbulent education agency.

Researchers from several universities are launching a new center to study declining grasslands and their response to weather and land management.

The project, directed by OU professor Xiangming Xiao, uses data from observatories at Kessler Field Station and in El Reno with an $8 million NSF grant.

High school football games are scheduled for Week 8 with contests on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in various classes across the region (including Norman North vs Westmoore).

Norman residents can look forward to local teams competing on the field.

A new guide explains how to watch every OKC Thunder game this season by detailing which TV providers and streaming services are needed for local broadcasts and national exclusives.

Norman fans relying on antenna or a single subscription should review their options to catch all games.

OU freshman defensive end Jake Kreul recorded his best game in a loss to Kentucky, achieving six tackles, three tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks (a true freshman record since Brian Bosworth in 1984) while earning SEC Freshman of the Week honors.

OU's offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle explained after Saturday's Kentucky game that injured offensive lineman Ryan Fodje stayed in play because his injury had not worsened sufficiently — he added that the team trusts starting QB John Mateer to lead their efforts.

A local sports report predicts that OKC Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, will win their second NBA title in the upcoming season (2026 to 27).

The piece outlines team rankings, awards, and playoff matchups.

The OKC Thunder faced the Spurs on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. CT at Frost Bank Center as San Antonio debuted a three-guard lineup with Tobias Harris and OKC returned Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell after their injuries.

The OKC Thunder opened their season on Tuesday, Oct.

20 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio against the Spurs, with key roster shifts including trades and new rookie play (Bennett Stirtz contributed off the bench). They will return on Thursday to face Denver.

The Thunder defeated the Spurs 116 to 104 on Tuesday night at Frost Bank Center — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 32 points while rookie Aday Mara had a key block and score as Oklahoma City built a big lead before San Antonio rallied unsuccessfully.