Good morning, Norman.

Fourth grader Nora Brewer from McKinley Elementary in Norman won the inaugural Cleveland County autumn art competition—she almost missed the entry deadline after mishearing it from her friend Caroline.

Norman Public Schools announced that McKinley Elementary School was ranked 17th among Oklahoma elementary schools by U.S. News & World Report—62% of its students scored at or above proficient in math and 57% reached proficiency in reading.

St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral partnered with Emerson North High School to hold a prom that transformed the church's fellowship hall with fancy decor and support from church members, prompting smiles among students and paving the way for a winter dance in December.

The church also helped stock the school's incentive store with prizes (such as Oklahoma State gear) to boost attendance and support student success.

State officials approved a plan to provide food banks with $1 million per week from the state emergency fund if federal SNAP funding is not restored amid the shutdown.

The unanimous vote by the Contingency Review Board—made up of Gov. Kevin Stitt, Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert—allows funding for up to seven weeks and includes an allocation for SNAP software upgrades.

OU football was ranked No. 12 in the first College Football Playoff poll released Tuesday as the Sooners—with losses to Ole Miss and Texas—face a key win next Saturday against No. 4 Alabama at 2:30 p.m. in Tuscaloosa to keep their playoff hopes alive for the first time since 2019.

OU football defeated the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium this past weekend and improved its record to 7-2.

The Sooners will have a bye week before traveling to Tuscaloosa to face No. 4 Alabama in Week 12 — Week 11 bowl projections include matchups against Nebraska, TCU, Houston, or Iowa.

The Oklahoman provided a breakdown of high school football playoff scenarios as teams in classes 6A-I, 6A-II, and 5A prepare for their final regular season games.

The analysis shows how key games—such as Bixby at Norman and Owasso at Yukon—will affect playoff standings and notes that updates will follow.

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.

Oklahoma Sooners Women's Basketball vs East Texas A&M

6-7:30 p.m. — Lloyd Noble Center — $2 Beer, Soda & Popcorn — Celebrate Native American Heritage Night with an exciting basketball showdown.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Oral Roberts Golden Eagles

7-9 p.m. — Lloyd Noble Center — $2 Takeover — Enjoy a night of college basketball with affordable snacks and drinks.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Missouri Tigers Football

11 AM – 1 PM — Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Witness a thrilling college football matchup between the Sooners and Tigers.

Alcorn State Braves vs. Oklahoma Sooners Basketball

1-2:30 p.m. — Lloyd Noble Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling college basketball action between the Braves and Sooners.