Good morning, Norman.

State schools superintendent Lindel Fields told Oklahoma teachers on Oct 27 that end-of-year standardized tests will proceed as normal this school year, reversing former superintendent Ryan Walters’ plan to end them immediately.

Lawmakers warned that stopping the tests could risk hundreds of millions in funding and said discussions on new assessment options will begin soon.

Oklahoma's public colleges and universities saw enrollment rise by 3.6% this fall as 6,100 more students enrolled — their highest number in eight years — a growth driven by an increase in first-time students.

Officials reported that the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State experienced a 4.7% gain while community colleges grew by 4.3% and regional schools by 1.2%.

Enrollment at Oklahoma public colleges and universities increased by 3.6% this fall—marking the highest headcount in eight years with over 175,100 students enrolled.

The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University each reported a 4.7% rise driven by more first-time students.

Tribal nations in Oklahoma are preparing to distribute food if SNAP benefits are stopped on Nov.1 due to a government shutdown stalemate — Cheyenne and Arapaho and Wichita officials said they are working with food banks to help residents who rely on the program.

They urged citizens to contact legislators as food insecurity remains a serious risk.

Three cannabis companies have pledged $10,000 to fund free breast cancer screenings this October for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Norman—Blazy Susan CEO Will Breakell presented the check at a pop-up event.

The Southwest Prevention Center at OU Outreach in Norman received a $50 million grant on October 27 from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to lead national suicide prevention training and resource development.

The five-year grant will help the center create new training materials—boosting support for frontline health workers.

OU's Spanish radio team will share a booth with the English crew at Neyland Stadium for Saturday's game as Tennessee stated the stadium does not have room for their own Spanish broadcast—Tennessee officials confirmed that additional Ethernet ports were installed to support OU’s setup—and OU will travel to Knoxville for the matchup.

After visiting Norman for the Ole Miss game, four star wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers flipped his commitment on Monday from Penn State to OU.

He joins OU's 2026 class after considering offers from Alabama, Indiana and Nebraska—he cited OU's strong NFL history and a family-like staff.

Oklahoma lost 34 to 26 to Ole Miss after missed red-zone scores and turnovers hurt its comeback.

The Sooners now face four ranked SEC opponents (they will play Tennessee on Oct 31) as they work to regain their playoff push.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Peggy Johnson - Depot Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Depot — Ticketed entry — Enjoy a night of acoustic music in an intimate setting featuring renowned artists.

Oklahoma Sooners Women's Basketball vs. Kansas City Roos

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Lloyd Noble Center — $2 Beer, Soda & Popcorn — Cheer on the Sooners as they take on Kansas City in a fun Hoops for Troops event.

Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with family-friendly activities, food, and diverse performances leading up to the tree lighting.