Good morning, Norman.

Four Native scholars passed recently: Norman’s Jack Rushing III; Mary Jo Watson; chief justice Tim Wantland; and Clara Sue Kidwell.

Memorial services were held on Dec. 20 (at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. in Oklahoma City) with a wake for Wantland set for Jan. 23 in Claremore.

Norman Public School students at Max Westheimer Airport are preparing for aviation careers with a $125,000 Boeing grant to support the Oklahoma Aviation Academy & the program has grown from 97 to nearly 300 students since 2022, setting up future skills for Oklahoma’s aerospace industry.

Liquor stores in Oklahoma must be closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving, but designated stores may open on New Year's Eve and certain Sundays while retail outlets like Walmart, Target, and Costco sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m (county rules apply).

After Friday's 34-24 loss to Alabama in Norman, OU coach Brent Venables discussed QB John Mateer's performance (noting his resilience and room for growth) as the team works to improve its play.

College Football Playoff first round produced upsets as Miami upset Texas A&M with key defense and Alabama overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat Oklahoma—leaving fans excited for upcoming quarterfinal matchups featuring Oregon and Mississippi advancing easily.

The Thunder lost 112-107 to the Timberwolves on Friday at Target Center, and fans booed disputed calls + star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said he will keep focusing on winning.

This defeat marks the team's second loss in three games.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Stetson Hatters

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Lloyd Noble Center — Tickets from $4 — Catch the exciting basketball clash between the Sooners and the Hatters.

2025 Oklahoma New Year's Meeting

7:30-11:59 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center — Discounted lodging available — Celebrate the New Year with worship services and community gatherings.

Oklahoma Sooners Men's Basketball vs Mississippi Valley Delta Devils

7-9 p.m. — Lloyd Noble Center — Get ready for an exciting college basketball matchup as the Sooners take on the Delta Devils.