Local & Regional

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – The murder trial of reputed hit-man Terrico Bell is on hold.

Bell is accused of murdering former TU Football star and Tulsa businessman Neal Sweeney. The trial was to have started today.

The judge granted the state's request for a delay. Last week, two other people were charged in connection with the case.

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – 4th prisoner released, but to Oklahoma custody

TULSA, Okla. (AP) Federal prison officials have released a fourth inmate apparently cleared by an investigation into police corruption.

Tulsa Jail records show 31-year-old Jamon Armin Pointer has been released from federal custody but is in the hands of Oklahoma prison authorities.

Pointer's release from federal prison comes as a federal grand jury investigation continues.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Hail storm pummels Oklahoma City metro area

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A hail storm that moved in from northwestern Oklahoma pounded the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, leaving broken windows and other damage in its wake.

The storm Sunday afternoon brought hail as large as softballs and driving rain, forcing motorists off roads in an effort to avoid shattered windshields and other damage. The storm produced so much hail, it looked like a snowstorm had hit.

By Denise Brewer

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

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Some Okla. lawmakers fear poor oversight on budget

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Legislators kept in the dark while their leaders develop Oklahoma's 2010-11 state budget fear they won't be able to give the document a meaningful review before leaving the Capitol at the end of the month.

Only two weeks remain in Oklahoma's legislative session and scant details have emerged on the financial blueprint state agencies will follow in the upcoming fiscal year.

By Associated Press

Skiatook, OK – Signatures enough to convene Okla. panel for probe

SKIATOOK, Okla. (AP) Tulsa County authorities say petitions seeking an investigation of spending by the Skiatook School District had enough signatures to require a judge to convene a grand jury.

The Tulsa County Election Board on Friday verified that the petitions turned in by district patron Jason Willingham had far more than the 5,000 signatures of registered voters required by law to call a grand jury.

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Authorities now say 3 tornadoes hit Tulsa area

TULSA, Okla. (AP) Authorities have now confirmed at least three tornadoes touched down as violent thunderstorms barreled through northeastern Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Mangement says the National Weather Service reported two tornadoes with winds of 111 mph and 135 mph. One hit Creek County near Sapulpa and another touched down in Wagoner County near Oneta.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Okla. governor vetoes 2 bills

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Gov. Brad Henry has vetoed legislation that would have allowed Oklahomans to wear handguns in public view.

Henry vetoed the measure on Friday. The governor also vetoed legislation that would have prohibited Oklahoma from following the new federal health care law and authorized the Legislature to file a lawsuit over the issue.

The governor says he vetoed the open carry bill over safety concerns cited by law enforcement.

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Man now charged with murder in businessman's death

TULSA, Okla. (AP) A 57-year-old man now faces a first-degree murder charge in the September 2008 shooting death of Tulsa businessman Neal Sweeney.

Mohammed Aziz was arrested Wednesday after being charged with conspiracy to commit murder in what authorities have called a murder for hire. Tulsa County prosecutors on Friday added charges of murder and soliciting murder, saying Aziz recruited 24-year-old Terrico Bethel to kill Sweeney.

By John Durkee/Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Hear a recap of Friday afternoon's Top Local Stories: