Local & Regional

By Denise Brewer

Tulsa, OK – Hear a quick recap of Monday morning's Top Local Stories:

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – Emergency medical officials responded to a rash of motor vehicle crashes during the late morning and early afternoon hours Saturday, as wintry precipitation began to impact travel. EMSA experienced higher than normal call volume between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. During the 4.5 hour span, EMSA paramedics provided care to 14 people hurt in crashes and four individuals who suffered injuries after falling on wet or snowy surfaces. None of the patients sustained life-threatening injuries.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – Learn More

>Click above to read the Pew Research prison population report and then listen to our report on the Oklahoma Corrections Department.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – The Tulsa Fire Department reports one person is dead in a Friday morning industrial accident. It happened at the Spirit Aerosystems location at the Tulsa International Airport.

Tulsa Fire Department Spokesman Bill French says a semi collided with a Chevy Malibu, pushing the car into a wall.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – Efforts to spare the classroom may not work in the Tulsa Public Schools. The continuing budget cuts from the state make it more likely that the school board in Tulsa will have to cut teaching positions. Over 200 jobs will be on the line as the board must decide how to save about nine million dollars.

The job cuts could come in the form of attrition rather than lay-offs. Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association President Denzel Kesterson told KWGS News he was expecting fewer teachers in the classroom next year.

By Associated Press

Okmulgee, OK – Trial delayed for trooper accused of kicking woman

OKMULGEE, Okla. (AP) The jury trial of an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper who is accused of kicking a handcuffed woman has been delayed.

Okmulgee County District Attorney Tom Giulioli says the trial for Barry Rowland was pushed back on Monday because of an overbooked docket. A status hearing on the case has been set for March 26.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – AG says EPA finding could hurt economy

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson says an Environmental Protection Agency finding could cripple economic development in the state.

Edmondson and the attorneys general in 11 other states are challenging an EPA endangerment finding that sets in motion the regulation of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. They want to intervene in a case pending before the District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals.

By National Weather Service

Tulsa, OK – THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TULSA HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WATCH FOR HEAVY SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING...

FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES...
* IN OKLAHOMA...PAWNEE...WASHINGTON...OSAGE AND NOWATA.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – Metro Tulsa housing starts up 55 percent in February

Fueled by motivated buyers, positive weather conditions and busy builders, housing starts in metro Tulsa received a boost in February, increasing by 55.6 percent over January totals, according to information released today by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa. There were 207 starts logged during the month, which is also 15.6 percent higher than starts reported in February of 2009.

By KWGS News/Associated Press

Washington, D.C. – Watch the speech

Oklahoma U.S. Senator Tom Coburn says he'll use his power as a senator to block any House member from a federal appointment--IF-- that member changes his or her vote on health care. Coburn also says he will hold up any special funding for his or her district that the member may receive after changing their vote.