Local & Regional

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City – OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Severe thunderstorms packing strong winds and large hail have left minor damage but no reported injuries in parts of Oklahoma.

National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Austin said Friday that a small tornado was spotted near Fort Cobb in Caddo County and baseball-sized hail was reported in Comanche County, but no injuries or significant damage were reported.

By AP

Oklahoma City – OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A horse in Love County is being tested for a highly contagious and potentially deadly horse virus that has spread from the West and Midwest and canceled horse events in Tulsa and elsewhere.

Acting state veterinarian Michael Herrin says the horse is being tested for equine herpes virus-1. He told The Oklahoman that a herd of about 30 horses is under quarantine.

By AP

Oklahoma City – OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A bill to abolish Oklahoma's Indian Affairs Commission and transfer its power to a liaison position in the governor's office has received final legislative approval over the objections of some Democrats who say it sends a bad message to the state's Native American tribes.

The Senate voted 26-18 on Friday for the bill that creates the Native American Liaison. The liaison would be appointed by the governor.

By Marshall Stewart

Tulsa, OK – Here a quick recap of this morning's top stories from KWGS

By AP

Oklahoma City, OK – Okla. lawmakers to study health insurance exchange

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Legislative leaders say they won't consider a plan this year to set up a health-insurance exchange required under the new federal health care law and instead plan to study the issue during the interim.

In a joint announcement made on Wednesday, House Speaker Kris Steele and Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman said they have ordered the formation of a joint committee to recommend how the state should address the federal health care law.

By AP

Oklahoma City, OK – Okla. gov signs bill banning kids in lottery ads

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Gov. Mary Fallin has signed a bill banning children younger than 18 years old from appearing in advertisements for the state lottery.

The bill was one of more than dozen signed by Fallin late Wednesday.

State Rep. Harold Wright, who sponsored the measure, has said children "have no business" being associated with gambling.

By AP

Stillwater, OK – Prosecutor won't file charges in Okla boy's death

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) A Payne County prosecutor has decided not to file charges in the death of a 4-year-old autistic boy who drowned in Cushing last month.

District Attorney Tom Lee said Wednesday that Cushing police, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the state Medical Examiner's office had conducted a thorough investigation and concluded that the evidence gathered in the case of Blake Murrell doesn't justify the filing of criminal charges.

By AP

Mangum, OK – 3 jurors now seated in trial of Okla warden's wife
Associated Press

MANGUM, Okla. (AP) Three jurors have now been picked for the trial of a former warden's wife accused of falling in love with an inmate and helping him escape.

Greer County Assistant District Attorney David Thomas said one new juror was chosen Wednesday and questioning of another potential juror will resume on Thursday for the trial of Bobbi Parker.

By John Durkee

Tulsa, OK – Hear a recap of this morning's Top Local Stories from KWGS:

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – A woman is dead following a warehouse east of downtown Tulsa. The blaze was reported late last night at the vacant Banana House near Archer and North Trenton.

The warehouse is an old produce house, used to ripen bananas before being shipped to supermarkets.

The woman was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but later died from her injuries. Fire fighters are searching for the cause.