Local & Regional

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Report says DHS failed to care for young victims

TULSA, Okla. (AP) A report filed in connection with a lawsuit against the state Department of Human Services says DHS failed to care for children who are victims of abuse or neglect.

The report was filed Wednesday in Tulsa in a federal class-action lawsuit that calls for reform of Oklahoma's child welfare system. It was prepared by consultant Peg McCartt Hess for New York-based Children's Rights.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – The City of Tulsa's annual Arbor Day celebration will be held on Friday, March 26th at 9:45 a.m. at Langenheim Park, 4701 South Harvard Avenue.

Dale McNamara, president of the Tulsa Park Board, will officially proclaim the day as Arbor Day in Tulsa.

Also present will be representatives from Up With Trees and the Rotary Club of Tulsa.

Several trees will be planted to conclude the event.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – he symposium is held each year, rotating between the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa. The Brock International Prize in Education laureate comes to Oklahoma to share information and ideas from their work. The symposium includes a public lecture and discussion centered around the work of the laureate. This year's symposium will also include a tour to area community schools. Educators, students and the public are invited to the symposium.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – An idea being considered would allow school district police write traffic tickets for school zone violations. The increase in fines could be used to help pay for Tulsa crossing guards.

The city of Tulsa has been paying for the guards but now lacks the funding. All sides are opposed to using volunteers because of liability concerns.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Blacks criticize fried chicken comment

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Legislative Black Caucus is criticizing Sen. Randy Brogdon for a remark he made about fried chicken during a debate on federal health care legislation supported by President Barack Obama.

Caucus chairman Rep. Jabar Shumate of Tulsa Wednesday called on Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee to admonish Brogdon. Shumate says Brogdon's comment is part of a pattern of disrespectful and inflammatory actions and statements.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – Mayor Bartlett says the elimination of the remaining city laid-off positions is a paper work procedure. He says the jobs need to be off the books to get a clear budgeting picture for next year. 89-Police jobs were eliminated. All city open positions, not just those in the police department, were removed from the books.

The mayor says the FOP is over reacting when it says the jobs will not be coming back. He says the jobs can be added back with a budget amendment.

By Denise Brewer

Tulsa, OK – Hear a quick recap of Thursday morning's Top Local Stories:

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Health care opt out approved by Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Oklahoma Senate has approved a measure that would allow Oklahoma voters to opt out of key provisions of the federal health care bill signed into law by President Obama.

The joint resolution approved Tuesday by a 36-11 vote would send to a vote of the people in November a state question to prohibit any requirement that a person, employer or hospital participate in a health care system.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – I-44 traffic shifted at 41st St. bridge, lanes narrow at Yale Ave. tonight
All lanes of westbound I-44 are now shifted onto a temporary diversion road on the north side of the highway between the 41st St. bridge and Yale Ave. until further notice. The speed limit is 45 mph, and drivers are urged to use extreme caution while traffic adjusts to this new route. Also, drivers can expect various lane closures on eastbound I-44 in this area from 7 p.m. to midnight tonight for striping.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Emergency managers visit Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Dozens of emergency management professionals want state lawmakers to support their disaster response efforts.

About 100 emergency managers from across the state were at the state Capitol Tuesday to emphasize the need for state disaster relief funds.