Good morning, Norman.

Cleveland County partnered with HUGS Street Ministry and kicked off a Coat and Warm Clothing Drive this week to collect winter coats and warm clothing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the county.

Noah Kahan will perform at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on May 9; the folk artist's website lists the show and ticket details (purchase info available there).

This Halloweekend features campus and downtown events: Sooner Theatre's Les Mis closes with shows 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, DIVA-Ween and the Rah!

Rally are Friday, and Party at the Palace plus OU vs. South Carolina kick off Saturday at 3:15 p.m.

The Oklahoma State Regents approved UCO's first Ph.D., a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Science with concentrations in biology, computer science and engineering (students will complete advanced coursework, research and industry internships).

The program now awaits Higher Learning Commission review and will support UCO's R2-by-2032 goal.

Mike Mazzei and Cyndi Munson have outlined competing plans to shape higher education: Mazzei wants expanded career and technical programs, business-style performance metrics, and a statewide literacy director (debated Oct.

1), while Munson proposes increased funding for regional campuses and expanding Oklahoma's Promise to include veterans and public school employees.

OU senior Cutter Seay started Developing Historians of the World to teach high school students hands-on museum research, and the nonprofit is running its first full season (this fall) with partnerships at four museums and a pilot program in Cheyenne.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court upheld Norman’s voter-approved $8 million homeless shelter bond, clearing the legal hurdle so the city can return to the bond market to fund construction.

The Reed Avenue shelter will hold up to 120 people, include family units and pet kennels, and officials still expect a 2028 grand opening.

OU women's basketball opens the 2026-27 season Monday in Paris against North Carolina with a new-look roster led by sophomore guard Aaliyah Chavez and returning forwards Brooklyn Stewart and Sahara Williams.

Oklahoma's offense hit a stride in last weekend's road win at Mississippi State, gaining 467 yards (283 passing, 184 rushing) as OC Ben Arbuckle leaned on the run to open the pass and QB John Mateer went 22 of 29 with two TDs and no turnovers.

OKC is searching for answers after a 120-96 loss in Dallas Wednesday when the team played without several starters (including Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams); the Thunder will face the 5-0 Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Houston.

Oklahoma State was picked first in the preseason Big 12 poll after coach Jacie Hoyt rebuilt the roster, adding the nation’s No. 1 transfer class that includes Audi Crooks + Liv McGill, while only Stailee Heard returns as the Cowgirls prepare for the upcoming season in Stillwater.

The Oklahoman published its 2027 Super 30 high school football recruiting list, naming top statewide prospects (Norman North tight end Ben Kolar is No. 12) and running Week 9 live game updates plus fan voting for player awards.