Local & Regional

Two apartment complexes near the future site of A Gathering Place for Tulsa will be mostly demolished early next year.

Project Manager Jeff Stava said contractor needs were behind the decision.

"They came to us after three or four weeks and said that we really needed to consider trying to identify a laydown yard and an area to do our soil amendments that's close to the site," Stava said. "And so that's why we chose to use the apartment complexes."

  OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the Legislature had the authority to repeal Common Core education standards for English and math in the state's public schools. The state's highest court took the action Tuesday a little more than four hours after attorneys presented oral arguments in a lawsuit that challenged the Legislature's action. The lawsuit alleged lawmakers violated the state Board of Education's constitutional authority over the "supervision of instruction in the public schools" when they repealed Common Core standards earlier this year.

The Cherokee Nation moves ahead with an initiative to improve health care for tribal members. A topping out ceremony is held for one of four health clinics under construction. Chief Bill John Baker says the Cooweescoowee Health Center in Ochelata will provide a wide range of services and includes much more room and newer technology than what was available before.

In addition to the four new health centers, the tribe will construct a new hospital in Tahlequah. Cherokee Nation Businesses is investing more than $100 million into the tribe’s health system.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An attorney says the Oklahoma Legislature engaged in "unprecedented expansion" of its authority when it passed legislation repealing Common Core education standards for English and math.

Attorney Robert McCampbell made the comments Tuesday during oral arguments before the state Supreme Court in a lawsuit that alleges the legislation is unconstitutional.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Nominations are being sought for the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful annual environmental excellence competition.

The awards recognize individuals, groups, organizations, businesses, government agencies and schools for outstanding efforts to improve Oklahoma's aesthetic, environmental and sustainable quality of life.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Sept. 12.

SAND SPRINGS, Okla. (AP) — The Sand Springs City Council has selected the current city manager of Altus as the city's new leader.

The council announced Monday that Elizabeth Gray will take over as Sand Springs' city manager beginning Sept. 1. Gray is now city manager of Altus and has previously served in municipal positions in Shawnee and Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Alaska.

Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge says Gray has more than 20 years of experience in local government.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A judge has set a hearing on whether to grant class-action status to a lawsuit involving drivers whose licenses were revoked because of a faulty affidavit once used by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.

The lawsuit seeks refunds for an estimated 40,000 drivers cited for alcohol-related offenses whose licenses were revoked between 2008 and October 2013.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Supreme Court justices are scheduled to hear oral arguments in a lawsuit that challenges the Legislature's repeal of Common Core education standards for English and math.

Arguments are scheduled before the state's highest court on Tuesday, about a month before public school students are scheduled to return to the classroom.

HARRAH, Okla. (AP) — Minor damage has been reported after back-to-back earthquakes hit an Oklahoma City suburb early Tuesday.

The U.S. Geological Survey says a 3.8 magnitude earthquake hit 3 miles north-northeast of Harrah shortly after 2 a.m. Tuesday. About two hours later, a 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck in the same area, awakening many residents in the Oklahoma City area.

Harrah is about 20 miles east of Oklahoma City.

Minor damage, including broken windows, has been reported at businesses along Church Street in downtown Harrah. No injuries have been reported.

Tulsa Police find nine firearms, ammunition and a ballistic vest within 12 hours of the items being reported as stolen. Officer Leland Ashley says it began with gang unit officers stopping a vehicle, and two assault rifles were found.

"It was connected through the course of interviews. It was determined that the individuals that had stolen the weapons were actually in route to sell these guns to a gang member."