News

The American Legion says it's allocating $1 million to veterans affected by the Oklahoma tornado.

The Indianapolis-based veterans organization announced this week the money will be used to cover relocation expenses for veterans and their families whose homes were devastated by the disaster.

The Legion also provided relief funds after Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters.

With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, the American Legion is the nation's largest veterans organization.

Students from a suburban Oklahoma City elementary school destroyed by this week's tornado reunited with their teachers Thursday and collected whatever could be salvaged from the ruins.

Some children carried thank-you cards. A first-grader was eager to see her favorite gym teacher and for a chance to say goodbye for the school year.

In the most prominent challenge of its kind, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. has asked a federal appeals court for an exemption from part of the federal health care law.

The retailer said Thursday it shouldn't be required to offer employees health coverage that includes access to the morning-after pill and other contraceptives that the owners oppose on religious grounds.

The Oklahoma City-based arts-and-crafts chain argues that for-profit businesses should have the same exceptions granted to religious groups and some nonprofits.

What should one say to a person who's thinking of taking his or her own life? What's the proper way to react to such news? How best should one respond? The Mental Health Association in Tulsa will present the 13th Annual Charles P. Seger Seminar this evening (Thursday the 23rd) at 6pm at the Cascia Hall Performing Arts Center. The theme for this year's seminar, which is free to the public (with no registration required), is "Recovering from Suicide and Depression." Our guest on ST is Dr.

Oklahoma transportation officials say heavy traffic on Interstate 35 through Moore is hindering the tornado recovery effort.

The Transportation Department on Thursday asked motorists to avoid the area. The I-35 off-ramps in Moore are still restricted. The only people allowed to travel into Moore are residents and emergency responders.

Also, Oklahoma City police say Western Avenue between SW 164th and SW 134th is closed to all traffic. The closure will continue until utility crews finish installing new power lines.

This week Performance Oklahoma presents the final concert program of the regular season offered by the Brightmusic Society in Oklahoma in their 10th anniversary season.  The program, entitled Bright Virtuosi featured works by Zoltán Kodály, Carl Maria von Weber and Ptyor Tchaikovsky.

"Alan Lambert, Big Band Saturday Night. This Memorial Day weekend I'll be featuring one of the most popular and best selling artists of all time--- Peggy Lee. Her story, her music and lost of extras including tracks from Michael Buble's new CD, "To Be Loved"! This Saturday at 8 on 89.5!"

A band of thunderstorms is battering the Oklahoma City area and slowing cleanup operations in the southern suburb where a tornado killed 24 people and destroyed thousands of homes earlier this week.

The National Weather Service said Thursday that the storms are producing hail, heavy rain and high winds. A flash flood warning is also in effect for some areas.

The Weather Service says more severe storms are forecast for late afternoon and at night. It says tornados are a possibility.

Mayor Bartlett outlines his plan for a permanent tax to increase manpower in the police, fire and street departments.

The proposal would extend the City's share of the former county 4-to-fix sales tax and dedicate it to public safety.

Some councilors, like Blake Ewing, don't think it will fly with voters. He said the idea of a permanent extension of the tax will be unpopular.

The mayor would like councilors to place the issue on the November ballot.