Public Radio Tulsa

Director Lin Shifts The Identity Of 'Fast & Furious'

editor — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:51:00 +0000

The sixth installment of the Fast & Furious movie franchise opens Friday. David Greene talks with director Justin Lin, about the new film. Lin, an Asian American, was bothered by how Asian characters were portrayed in the franchise.

Obama Speech Expected To Touch On Drones, Guantanamo

Dina Temple-Raston — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:44:00 +0000

On Thursday, President Obama is expected to explain how the fight against al-Qaida has changed, and how the U.S. will adapt its counter-terrorism policies to the evolving threat. The president will speak at the National Defense University.

IRS Official's Silence Riles House Committee Members

Peter Overby — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:38:00 +0000

On Wednesday, Lois Lerner, the IRS official overseeing the tax-exempt organizations office, refused to testify during a hearing on Capitol Hill, and was attacked by some Republicans on the House committee. Her brief appearance was the beginning of a five-hour session marked by angry outbursts and allegations of political motives.

Obama Group's Climate Push Puts President Under Scrutiny

Ari Shapiro — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:06:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biUc0D6_UPA

Sick Inmates Dying Behind Bars Despite Release Program

Carrie Johnson — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:05:00 +0000

Prison is a tough place, but Congress made an exception nearly 30 years ago, giving terminally ill inmates and prisoners with extraordinary family circumstances an early way out. It's called compassionate release.

But a recent investigation found that many federal inmates actually die while their requests drift through the system.

One of them was Clarence Allen Rice.

Rice operated a leasing company in Iowa for decades.

Living In Two Worlds, But With Just One Language

Michele Norris — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:05:00 +0000

NPR continues its conversations about The Race Card Project, where NPR Host/Special Correspondent Michele Norris asks people to send in six-word stories about race and culture.

Scientific Tooth Fairies Investigate Neanderthal Breast-Feeding

Adam Cole — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:47:00 +0000
When it comes to weaning, humans are weird.
Our closest relatives, chimpanzees and gorillas, breast-feed their offspring for several years. Some baby orangutans nurse until they are 7 years old.
But modern humans wean much earlier. In preindustrial societies, babies stop nursing after about two years. Which raises the question: How did we get that way?

Mayor Details Public Safety Tax Plan

KWGS News — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:52:02 +0000

Mayor Bartlett outlines his plan for a permanent tax to increase manpower in the police, fire and street departments.
The proposal would extend the City's share of the former county 4-to-fix sales tax and dedicate it to public safety.
Some councilors, like Blake Ewing, don't think it will fly with voters. He said the idea of a permanent extension of the tax will be unpopular.
The mayor would like councilors to place the issue on the November ballot.

Plan to Tap Rainy Day Fund For Tornado Relief Advances

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:47:14 +0000

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Senate has unanimously approved a bill to tap $45 million from the state's Rainy Day Fund to help pay for tornado disaster relief.
The Senate voted 45-0 on Wednesday for the bill that directs the funds to the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management to aid in recovery efforts. State officials expect the money will be used to match federal money made available to affected communities.

Moore Victims Memorial Service Planned

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:42:33 +0000

MOORE, Okla. (AP) — Gov. Mary Fallin says a memorial and prayer service will be held this weekend to honor Oklahoma tornado victims.
The governor's office says the service will take place Sunday in the tornado-ravaged community of Moore to remember the victims of Monday's massive tornado that killed 24 people and a May 19 tornado that killed two people in Shawnee.