COLLEGES, HOSPITALS FIGHT AGAINST NURSE SHORTAGE
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's report on enrollment in nursing programs for 2006-07, U.S. nursing schools turned away 42,866 qualified applicants from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs due to a shortage of faculty and other factors. - Jerry Shottenkirk

HOUSE PANEL ADVANCES WIND POWER LEGISLATION
Electricity utilities would be able to charge ratepayers in advance for transmission improvements needed to develop wind power generation in Oklahoma, if House Bill 2813 is successful. - Janice Francis-Smith

OKC COUNCIL APPROVES NEW BILLBOARD RULES
City Council members canceled a temporary ban on billboard construction and approved new sign regulations Tuesday. - Brian Brus

OKLAHOMA CITY RENAISSANCE HOTEL RENOVATIONS SET FOR APRIL COMPLETION
Several million dollars in renovations at the downtown Oklahoma City Renaissance Hotel are expected to be completed in April, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts executives announced Tuesday. - Brian Brus

BILL WOULD EXEMPT FREE RESTAURANT FOOD FROM SALES TAX
House Bill 3149 would provide a tax exemption on food or beverage items costing less than $10 provided free of charge by a vendor as a promotion. - Janice Francis-Smith

BRICKTOWN FIRE STATION ON DRAWING BOARD
Plans are in the works for a new fire station on the east end of Bricktown. - Kelley Chambers

MEACHAM SAYS LAWMAKERS WILL HAVE LESS MONEY TO SPEND
Oklahoma lawmakers, already facing a tight budget year, will most likely have less money to spend than previously thought, state Treasurer Scott Meacham said Tuesday. - Ron Jenkins, Associated Press