By Associated Press

Tulsa. OK – Study: Oxygen levels dropping in Okla. lakes

TULSA, Okla. (AP) A new national study shows Oklahoma's lakes and reservoirs are experiencing a loss of oxygen at a higher rate than the national average.

The Tulsa World's Washington bureau reports the study by the Environmental Protection Agency placed one-third of Oklahoma's estimated 3,056 lakes, ponds and reservoirs of more than 10 acres on the "bad end" of the survey. About 10 percent were on the "good end," and the rest were somewhere on the middle.

Public Radio Tulsa – Exclusive First Listens of Albums Before They're Released. Preview new music before it's available in stores with First Listens from NPR Music.

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Public Radio Tulsa – The Year in Music - hear the best rock, pop, jazz, classical, blues and undiscovered music of 2009. Hear it online at NPR Music.

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By Rich Fisher

Public Radio Tulsa – Classical 88.7 celebrates the New Year by playing musical firsts: Prokofiev's sparkling First Symphony, Bruch's beloved First Violin Concerto, the first-ever performance of Mozart's quintet for piano and winds, and many others. And since it's New Year's, of course there will be waltzes and polkas from Vienna, as well as dazzling Euro-classic features.

Hear these exclusive weekly concerts, a recently recorded, live performance from a European orchestra a recording from the European Broadcasting Union every week overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

Public Radio Tulsa – After 30 years of waking up at 1:05 a.m. to anchor the top of the hour newscast during Morning Edition, Carl Kasell has decided the time has come to sleep in. He left his newscast post at the end of 2009... but happily for all of us he isn't going far. Carl will continue to be the Official Judge and Scorekeeper for Wait Wait.. Don't Tell Me!, the show that turned him from a newsman into a rock star! Carl will also continue his travels to stations around the country on NPR's behalf.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Henry working to fill new state post

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Gov. Brad Henry is still talking with the top candidates to become the state's new chief information officer.

But Henry said Thursday he does not expect to make a final decision by Friday.

A new law created a chief information officer to oversee all state computer information and technology operations.

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – 18-year-old Tulsa mom accused of 1st-degree murder

TULSA, Okla. (AP) A teen mother faces a first-degree murder charge stemming from the death of her 7-week-old son, and police are renewing their look at the earlier death of another child who died under similar circumstances.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Tax refund bill to take effect

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Legislation designed to speed up Oklahomans' state tax refunds takes effect on Jan. 1.

The measure by Sen. Jay Paul Gumm of Durant was passed by the Legislature last spring. It requires the Oklahoma Tax Commission to make speedy refunds to taxpayers or pay them the same interest that taxpayers would have to pay on delinquent tax payments.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – New tax cuts to go into effect

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The New Year will bring new tax cuts to Oklahoma.

Tax cuts scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1 include the final phase of repealing the state estate tax. The estate tax disappears from Oklahoma in 2010.

Also, another increase in the standard deduction for Oklahomans who do not itemize their income taxes goes into effect.