Public Radio Tulsa

Who's The Best Drinker? Dogs? Cats? Or Pigeons?

Robert Krulwich — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:13:48 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63Ch2pNkZwU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTCxZWYlWC0

Pace Slows in Testing After Tulsa Health Scare

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:10:57 +0000

Additional tests reveal no new cases of hepatitis or the virus that causes AIDS among patients of a Tulsa oral surgeon accused of running dirty clinics.

The pace of people seeking testing has slowed. About 3,900 patients of Dr. W. Scott Harrington have gone to state clinics for testing. In March, health departments urged testing for 7,000 patients. Just 54 patients sought tests within the past week.

Inspectors said they found unsanitary conditions inside Harrington's clinics at Tulsa and Owasso.

Oklahoma Lawmakers Work to Adjourn 2013 Legislature

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:09:27 +0000

Oklahoma lawmakers are hoping to adjourn the 2013 Legislature one week earlier than required.

Lawmakers hope to wrap up their work for the year on Friday. The Legislature is constitutionally required to adjourn by 5 p.m. on the last Friday in May, or May 31.

Legion Giving $1M To Tornado Victim Veterans

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:08:00 +0000

The American Legion says it's allocating $1 million to veterans affected by the Oklahoma tornado.

The Indianapolis-based veterans organization announced this week the money will be used to cover relocation expenses for veterans and their families whose homes were devastated by the disaster.

The Legion also provided relief funds after Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters.

Kids, Teachers From Devastated School Reunite

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:06:39 +0000

Students from a suburban Oklahoma City elementary school destroyed by this week's tornado reunited with their teachers Thursday and collected whatever could be salvaged from the ruins.

Some children carried thank-you cards. A first-grader was eager to see her favorite gym teacher and for a chance to say goodbye for the school year.

Birth Control Coverage Up For Federal Appeal

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:04:49 +0000

In the most prominent challenge of its kind, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. has asked a federal appeals court for an exemption from part of the federal health care law.

The retailer said Thursday it shouldn't be required to offer employees health coverage that includes access to the morning-after pill and other contraceptives that the owners oppose on religious grounds.

The Oklahoma City-based arts-and-crafts chain argues that for-profit businesses should have the same exceptions granted to religious groups and some nonprofits.

British Soldier Hacked To Death Was 'Our Hero,' Family Says

Mark Memmott — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:16:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrxcAADT56E

Developing: Explosion, Gunfire In Kabul

Mark Memmott — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:34:00 +0000

There's been an explosion followed by the sound of gunfire in Kabul, NPR's Sean Carberry and other journalists report from the Afghan capital.

Reuters says the explosion occurred "at about 4 p.m. local time in a downtown district. ...

Assad Regime Agrees To Attend Peace Conference, Russia Says

Mark Memmott — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:13:00 +0000

Representatives of President Bashar Assad's regime have agreed "in principle" to attend an international peace conference aimed at ending more than two years of brutal warfare in Syria, Russia's foreign ministry said Friday.

But NPR's Corey Flintoff reports from Moscow that Russian diplomats also said it's not known just when such talks might start because it's unclear who would speak for the groups who have been fighting to overthrow the regime.

Community Surprised Okla. Tornado Death Toll Wasn't Higher

Hansi Lo Wang — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:01:00 +0000

Monday's tornado in Moore, Okla., killed 24 people and caused an estimated $2.2 billion worth of damage. As the community reflects on what happened, one question is: How did so many manage to survive such devastating destruction?

Lifelong Oklahoman Kristi Freeman has seen her share of tornadoes, but she says the twister that tore through her neighborhood Monday was something else.

"This tornado was like a monster. It was like something that was alive. It destroyed your peace, your comfort," she says.