Local & Regional

By Associated Press

Tahlequah, OK – Cherokees dedicate National Supreme Court museum

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) One of the state's oldest buildings now will be used as a museum operated by the Cherokee Nation.

Tribal officials including Cherokee Chief Chad Smith gathered Wednesday to dedicate the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum. The building was built in 1844 and the tribe says it is Oklahoma's oldest public building.

By Denise Brewer

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

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – OSBI defends its handling of homicide cases

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) After the death of a 7-year-old girl who had been the subject of a two-month search, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is defending its handling of high-profile homicide cases.

OSBI spokeswoman Jessica Brown said Tuesday the agency is involved only in the most difficult probes but that it cleared 83.7 percent of its homicide cases last year.

By Associated Press

Nashville, OK – Oklahoma exhibit to honor ex-country music manager

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A new exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center will honor Jim Halsey, a one-time country music manager/agent.

The 1,800-square-foot "Starmaker: Jim Halsey and the Legends of Country Music" exhibit will open Wednesday in Oklahoma City.

By KWGS News

Oklahoma City, OK – Governor Henry's statement:

"We have lost an inspirational leader and a great American, someone who was truly a legend in her own time."

"As a leader and a person, Chief Wilma Mankiller continually defied the odds and overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to better her tribe, her state and her nation. Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation and the United States will dearly miss Wilma and her visionary leadership, but her words and deeds will live on forever to benefit future generations.

By KWGS News

Tahlequah, OK – Wilma Mankiller, former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, passed away this morning. Mankiller served 12 years in elective office at the Cherokee Nation, the first two as Deputy Principal Chief followed by 10 years as Principal Chief. She retired from public office in 1995. Among her many honors, Mankiller was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton.

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – American Airlines moving 200 positions to Texas

TULSA, Okla. (AP) American Airlines is transferring 200 Tulsa-based maintenance operations coordinators to Texas over two years.

Airlines officials said Monday the company is consolidating employees of the Maintenance Operations Center, which oversees aircraft maintenance at line or overnight maintenance stations, with the Systems Operations Center in Fort Worth.

The SOC dispatches aircraft to airports or line maintenance stations where they are needed.

By Denise Brewer

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

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Henry signs 3 anti-abortion bills

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Gov. Brad Henry has signed into law 29 bills that include three anti-abortion measures and a bill to revamp the Commissioners of the Land Office after an embezzlement scandal.

The bills were filed Monday with the Secretary of State's Office.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Meth labs again on the rise in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Narcotics investigators in Oklahoma say the number of methamphetamine labs is again rising across the state.

The number of meth labs declined in Oklahoma after 2004 when the state became the first in the nation to limit the sale of pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is found in cold medicines and is a key ingredient in making meth.