Local & Regional

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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Convicted criminals who maintain their innocence would have a way to seek DNA testing in their cases under a bill that is nearing final passage in the Legislature. The bill's passage would eliminate Oklahoma's dubious distinction as the only state in the nation without such a program.

The Oklahoma House voted unanimously on Thursday for the Postconviction DNA Act, which allows those convicted of violent felonies or who have been sentenced to 25 years or more in prison to file a motion in court to request forensic DNA testing in their case.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — State officials say Oklahoma's unemployment rate dipped below 5 percent in April.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission says the state's unemployment decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.9 percent last month. That remains well below the national unemployment rate of 7.5 percent.

The commission says nonfarm employment rose by 1,800 jobs in April in Oklahoma. The professional and business services sector saw the greatest increase at 1,300 jobs, while leisure and hospitality jobs dropped by 2,000.

SALLISAW, Okla. (AP) — U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers are working to learn the circumstances under which a bald eagle died.

Officials said Friday the dead eagle was found at a motel in Sallisaw.

Fort Smith television station KHBS reports that investigators say the raptor's talons and tail feathers had been removed. Feathers from the eagle's wings were also gone.

A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to a conviction in the death and mutilation of the eagle.