News

Tulsa, OK – The Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa announced today that housing starts in metro Tulsa continued to heat up in July to 292, an 18.2 percent increase over the prior month. The July figure is the highest number of starts in one month since May of 2008 and 18.7 percent higher than starts reported in July of 2008.

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Gov. Brad Henry and legislators are discussing a possible special session that may deal with additional cuts to state agency budgets.

Henry's spokesman, Paul Sund, said Wednesday the governor is discussing the issue but a final decision hasn't been made.

Earlier this month, agency leaders learned that more cuts may be in order after July tax collections came in nearly $76 million below what's needed to pay the state's bills.

By Rich Fisher

Tulsa, OK – New Republic writer Robert Wright talks about his latest book, "The Evolution of God," which examines how mankind's conception of God has changed over the millenia, from ancient societies with multiple deities who possessed supernatural powers and human tendencies, to the Abrahamic faiths of today, with messages of love and benevolence alongside admonitions of intolerance towards unbelievers.

By John Durkee

Tulsa, OK – An annual count of the homeless population in Oklahoma City indicates a four percent increase in 2009.

Here in Tulsa, Sandra Holden with the Day Center for the Homeless says they are seeing more service requests. She says people are looking for items like food and diapers. Some are asking for help will bills.

She says they are seeing 10-to-12 more requests per week. She says the number has jumped in the last two months.

By Associated Press

Glenpool, OK – Glenpool City Hall to have Sapulpa address

GLENPOOL, Okla. (AP) The city of Glenpool is planning to build a new city hall and the site has a Sapulpa address.

The new Glenpool Convention Center and City Hall will be in Glenpool but in an area where the postal service has established addresses and a zip code of neighboring Sapulpa.

Glenpool Postmaster Debra Hunter says the boundaries have to be drawn somewhere and this was established years ago and long before the area was developed.

By Denise Brewer

Tulsa, OK –

A September 8th preliminary hearing is set for 56-year-old Marcus Berry.

The two-time convicted child molester was arrested last week for the abduction and attempted sexual assault on a two year-old girl. Police say the girl was found, partially nude, prior to the assault taking place.

Berry had a video arraignment in Tulsa District Court.

By Associated Press

Muskogee, OK – TULSA, Okla. (AP) Oklahoma's lone Democratic congressman played the role of referee Tuesday at spirited town-hall meetings in eastern Oklahoma.

Hundreds of people, some waving American flags and holding signs depicting President Obama as the Joker character from the Batman film, shouted and yelled over each other during much of what was supposed to be a question-and-answer session in Muskogee.

Many said they were angry at the health care reform bill being considered by lawmakers.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City,OK – Judge rules against ultrasound requirement

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) An Oklahoma judge has ruled against a law that required women seeking an abortion to receive an ultrasound and a doctor's description of the fetus.

Oklahoma County District Judge Vicki Robertson granted a permanent injunction against the law Tuesday afternoon, saying it violated constitutional requirements that legislative measures deal only with one subject.

By Rich Fisher

Tulsa, OK – The three candidates vying for the District 8 City Council seat debate at the Kiwanis Club. Incumbent Bill Christiansen, and challengers Phil Lakin, Jr, and Scott Grizzle share their views on city government with KWGS News Director John Durkee (who serves as moderator fof this debate) from the Downtown Kiwanis Club.