DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. military is considering putting armed personnel on commercial ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, in what would be an unheard of action aimed at stopping Iran from seizing and harassing civilian vessels. Since 2019, Iran has seized a series of ships in the strait, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, as part of its efforts to pressure the West over negotiations regarding its collapsed nuclear deal with world powers. Putting U.S. troops on commercial ships could further deter Iran from seizing vessels.

Ice cream break

Oklahoma State Sen. Darcy Jech picks up a tasty treat at a Levitt Amp Concert in McLain Rogers Park.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to trying to overturn the results of his 2020 presidential election loss, answering for the first time to federal charges that accuse him of orchestrating a brazen and ultimately failed attempt to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power.

On the keys

Jazz pianist Robert Muller of the Anderson Quartet plays recently at McLain Rogers Park Amphitheater.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Late Tuesday, Fitch Ratings became the second of the three major credit-rating firms to remove its coveted triple-A assessment of the United States government's credit worthiness, a move that spurred debate in Washington about spending and tax policies.

Here's a preview of Friday's CDN

REMINDER: FREE CONCERT TONIGHT AT 7 P.M., MCLAIN ROGERS PARK

- Hospital issued new license

- ‘Sound of Music’ cast announced  

- Summer Playground wraps up season with many activities

Summer Playground can mark another successful summer of fun in its books as events came to an inevitable end last month. Summer Playground Director Debbie Carlisle said everything went well and the kids and parents welcomed the changes that had been introduced this summer, although some unforeseen obstacles, namely the unseasonable rain, did put a damper on some things.

The Clinton Hospital Authority announced Thursday that the Oklahoma State Department of Health officially issued a license that will allow the authority to begin the process of reopening the Clinton Regional Hospital after the license was issued effective Tuesday.

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