Local & Regional

By AP

Omaha, NE – Economist: Exports aiding Midwest economic growth

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) A survey in nine Midwestern and Plains states suggests that exports are helping fuel regional economic growth.

A report released Wednesday says the Business Conditions Index for the Mid-America region rose in May, to 60.2 from 57.7 in April.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey. He says that although higher commodity prices have hampered the regional economy, exports are making "a significant contribution to growth."

By AP

Shawnee, OK – SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) The Sac and Fox Nation says it will stop providing financial support for transportation projects in Shawnee and Pottawatomie County.

The Oklahoman reports the American Indian tribe is upset county commissioners endorsed a proposed Interstate 40 interchange in Shawnee that's been opposed by the tribe.

The tribe says the proposed interchange could "potentially exterminate vital traditional cultural practices" including funerals, feasts, adoptions, clan ceremonies and annual dances.

By AP

Chandler, OK – Suspended sentence given in death of Okla toddler

SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) A Chandler woman who pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in the heat death of a toddler has received a three-year suspended sentence.

Prosecutors charged 21-year-old Jessica Lorene Holmes after 2-year-old Atrinity Hasbell died when she was left in a hot minivan on May 25, 2010. The temperature was around 90 that day.

By AP

Tulsa, OK – TU student identified as victim of fatal shooting

TULSA, Okla. (AP) University of Tulsa officials say a 24-year-old student was the victim of an attempted carjacking and fatal shooting.

TU President Steadman Upham says Sufeng He was a "bright and promising" electrical engineering master's degree student from China.

By AP

Oklahoma City, OK – Fallin visits Okla troops preparing to deploy

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin is flying to Camp Shelby, Miss., to visit Oklahoma National Guard troops as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan.

Fallin planned to fly to Mississippi on Wednesday with Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, the adjutant general for Oklahoma's Army and Air National Guard.

By John Durkee

Tulsa, OK – Hear a recap of this morning's Top Local Stories from KWGS:

By AP

Oklahoma City, OK – ODOT to celebrate its centennial at meeting

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The centennial of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will be a primary subject of discussion during an Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting.

The commission will meet Wednesday in Oklahoma City and will hear state Transportation Secretary Gary Ridley discuss activities planned in celebration of ODOT's 100th birthday.

By Charlie Spears/Hear Office Leland Ashley:

Tulsa, OK – A chaotic scene shuts down a busy Tulsa intersection. 21st and South Yale was closed while Tulsa police sorted through the details. Tulsa Police Officer Leland Ashley says it all started with a domestic violence call at a nearby home and escalated when police arrived.

The suspect and hostage sped off to the nearby Wal-mart Family Market where more shots were fired and another vehicle was car jacked

By AP

Jay, OK – OSBI to announce arrest in 1996 cold case

JAY, Okla. (AP) Authorities are set to announce an "impending arrest" in the case of a Delaware County woman who's been missing for 15 years.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Delaware County District Attorney Eddie Wyant plan to hold a press conference Tuesday afternoon at the county courthouse in Jay to discuss the case of Barbara Ann Willard.

By AP

Tahlequah, OK – 2 drown in Illinois River in eastern Oklahoma

TULSA, Okla. (AP) Authorities say two Oklahomans have drowned in the Illinois River despite warnings about high water levels.

Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission Administrator Ed Fite says 24-year-old Kristina Singleton of Perkins was thrown from a raft about 1 p.m. Saturday after it washed up on a fallen tree. Witnesses told authorities Singleton wasn't wearing a life jacket.