Podcasts about kgou

April 19, 2025 marks 30 years since a bomb destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. 168 people were killed — including 19 children — and hundreds more were injured. It forever shaped our community."That April Morning: The Oklahoma City Bombing" is a production of KOSU, KGOU, StateImpact Oklahoma and our partners with the Oklahoma Public Media Exchange.

April 19, 2025 marks 30 years since a bomb destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. 168 people were killed — including 19 children — and hundreds more were injured. It forever shaped our community."That April Morning: The Oklahoma City Bombing" is a production of KOSU, KGOU, StateImpact Oklahoma and our partners with the Oklahoma Public Media Exchange.

April 19, 2025 marks 30 years since a bomb destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. 168 people were killed — including 19 children — and hundreds more were injured. It forever shaped our community."That April Morning: The Oklahoma City Bombing" is a production of KOSU, KGOU, StateImpact Oklahoma and our partners with the Oklahoma Public Media Exchange.

Governor Kevin Stitt delivers his next to last State of the State address to a joint session of the Oklahoma legislature Monday, airing live on KGOU at 12:30 p.m.

Old Rip was a reptile with quite a legend. Some people believed that he survived a 31-year entombment in a courthouse cornerstone, and he became celebrity, even gaining an audience with President Calvin Coolidge. But was it all a hoax? Research: “Toad Alive After 31 Years Sealed in Texas Cornerstone.” New York Times. Feb, 20, 1928. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1928/02/20/91477181.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 “Coolidge Sees Famous Horned Toad of Texas.” The Greenville News. May 4, 1928. https://www.newspapers.com/image/188233123/?terms=toad&match=1 “Texas Horned Frog Upsets Scientists.” Times Record News. Feb. 21, 1928. https://www.newspapers.com/image/774886762/ “Horned Lizard Facts.” Texas Parks and Wildlife. https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/texas_nature_trackers/horned_lizard/facts/#:~:text=Its%20horny%20appearance%20and%20coloration,(actually%2C%20its%20eyelid). “RipFest.” https://www.eastlandchamber.com/ripfest/ “Texas Court Frees Entombed Toad.” New York Times. May 14, 1928. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1928/05/15/91511824.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 “Experts Are Skeptical About Horned Frog.” Fort Worth Record-Telegram. Feb 21, 1928. https://www.newspapers.com/image/634555101/?terms=Eastland%2C%20Texas&match=1 “Old Frog Leaps Back Into Case.” Austin American-Statesman. September 29, 1961. https://www.newspapers.com/image/357861533/ House, Boyce. “Amazing Story of Rip Is Told in Its Entirety.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Feb, 13, 1938. https://www.newspapers.com/image/636009835/ “Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum).” Texas Parks and Wildlife. https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/thlizard/ “Eastland Asks Old Rip's Return.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram. April 18, 1972. https://www.newspapers.com/image/644137888/?terms=old%20rip&match=1 “Three-corner Fight Rages for Possession of Eastland's Reptile.” The Amarillo Globe-Timed. Feb. 27, 1928. https://www.newspapers.com/image/29483459/?terms=will%20m.%20wood&match=1 “Famous New York Scientist Tells Whopper Frog Tale as Illustration That He Believes Texas Toad Story.” Wichita Falls Times. Feb. 21, 1928. https://www.newspapers.com/image/773773857/ “'Rip,' Famous Sleeping Horned Toad, Here but Still Drowsy.” Indianapolis Star. May 1, 1928. https://www.newspapers.com/image/104983172 “Tulsa Barber Aided in Placing Famous ‘Rip' Frog in Stone.” The Tulsa Tribune. Feb. 21, 1928. https://www.newspapers.com/image/884100535/?terms=Eastland%2C%20Texas “The Spirit of Old Rip to Be Revived.” The Odessa American. Sept. 11, 1977. https://www.newspapers.com/image/301920827/? Donnelly, Claire.” How Curious: What Happened To All Of The ‘Horny Toads'?” KGOU. https://www.kgou.org/oklahoma-news/2019-09-10/how-curious-what-happened-to-all-of-the-horny-toads “Frog Question Acute and Threatens to Become National.” Wichita Daily Times. Feb. 26, 1928. https://www.newspapers.com/image/773773951/ “Doubts Horned Toad Tale.” New York Times. February 21, 1928. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1928/02/21/109853229.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 Dabney, James. “Letter Reawakens ‘Rip' Toad Legend.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Sept. 10, 1976. https://www.newspapers.com/image/633757078/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KGOU's Dick Pryor and QuorumCall's Shawn Ashley continue their countdown of the top ten Oklahoma stories of 2022. Which story will be number 1?

As he prepares to deliver his 2022 State of the State Address, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt told KGOU's Dick Pryor and Quorum Call's Shawn Ashley about his goals for the upcoming legislative session and fourth year in office. KGOU will air the annual State of the State Address live at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, February 7.

New laws change the way some state agencies spend their money and how people can order alcoholic drinks. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss new laws in this Capitol Insider.

KGOU's signature podcast “How Curious” will return this fall with new host and producer Katelyn Howard.

Governor Kevin Stitt has announced he will not issue an emergency order as coronavirus cases in Oklahoma tick upward. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss that story and the appointment of a new attorney general in Capitol Insider.

Among the bills going into effect July 1 are two intended to help state employees. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn discuss the new laws and how another law is affecting state schools, colleges and universities in Capitol Insider.

In this week's Capitol Insider, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley review the close of the 2021 legislative session as Governor Kevin Stitt completed action on the final bills sent to his desk.

With summer approaching, Oklahoma is quickly moving toward resumption of pre-COVID life. In late May, Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order rescinding mask mandates in state buildings. The order also prohibits state agencies from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for admission to state facilities. Previously, Stitt had ordered that schools, colleges and universities could not require vaccinations or masks. With the expiration of his state emergency order, Oklahoma is also returning to in-person meetings to comply with the Open Meeting Act. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss how the state is resuming "normal" operations in this week's Capitol Insider.

Governor Kevin Stitt wanted to use a managed care approach to handle Oklahoma's Medicaid program, SoonerCare, with expansion of Medicaid mandated by a vote of the people in 2020. Legislators were skeptical and placed limits on the approach through passage of Senate Bill 131. Now, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has weighed in and invalidated the managed care approach altogether in litigation brought by the Oklahoma State Medical Association, Oklahoma Dental Association, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, Oklahoma Society of Anesthesiologists and the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. KGOU's Dick Pryor and Shawn Ashley discuss what happened and what's likely to result in this week's Capitol Insider.

By law, the Oklahoma legislature must end each year's legislative session by the last Friday in May at 5:00 p.m. The 2021 legislative session ended just a little early - the House and Senate each adjourned Sine Die on Thursday morning. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss the final few days of the session in this week's Capitol Insider.

With the General Appropriation and other revenue bills sent to the governor, Oklahoma's 2021 legislative session is near the end. Lawmakers are looking at adjourning by Wednesday, a couple of days in advance of the legally-mandated conclusion. In this Capitol Insider segment, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss how legislators are bringing the session to a close.

There is one thing Oklahoma legislators are required to do every year: craft and pass a state budget. Budget talks usually come together in the waning days of the legislative session and it was no different this year. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley talk about the proposed fiscal year 2022 budget and what it does in this week's Capitol Insider.

At least 35 bills have been introduced nationally that would limit or prohibit transgender women from competing in women's sports events. One of those bills is under consideration in Oklahoma. The issue is especially relevant in states vying for NCAA championship events because the NCAA has indicated it may take the legislation into consideration when selecting sites. Oklahoma City has been the long-time host of the Women's College World Series, which is scheduled to begin this year on June 3 at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss the Oklahoma legislation and more in this week's Capitol Insider.

It was that kind of week at the state Capitol. It was a week when a state senator was called out on the Senate floor by the chaplain during an opening prayer for derogatory comments the senator made against the Vice President of the United States - suggesting, without evidence, that she traded sexual favors for political advancement. The comments drew considerable backlash and prompted an unusual legislative executive session to discuss possible action on the matter. And, that was not necessarily the biggest story of the week. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss increased partisan polarization occurring over the last several days at the House and Senate in the latest Capitol Insider.

Republicans hold an overwhelming super-majority in both houses of the Oklahoma legislature. In the House of Representatives, the advantage is 82-19. Democrats have limited influence, but still play a role in the governing process. In this Capitol Insider segment, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley talk to House Minority Caucus Chair Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, about the Democrats' approach to the legislative session.

With just over a month left in the 2021 Oklahoma legislative session, we pause to discuss what it's really like to be a legislator. State Senator Darrell Weaver, (R) Moore, was an agency director before being elected to the State Senate. That gives him unique perspective on the governing process. Weaver tells KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley what really goes on "inside the walls" at the State Capitol in this segment of Capitol Insider.

While some bills gain a lot of attention during the legislative session because of their provocative content or passionate debate, many more "under the radar" bills address government programs and policies that affect large numbers of people and their everday lives. Some of these are "request bills" that are proposed to a lawmaker by their constituent and others seek to fix a problem or update a law that has become outdated. This week, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley highlight four bills to watch that have received little attention but that could have a consequential impact on quality of life in Oklahoma.

Look sharp, folks. We have an actual, one-degree-of-separation Randy guest today. David Piltch has played bass for the greats (Ramblin' Jack Elliott, k.d. lang, Holly Cole, Blood Sweat & Tears, and many many more). More germane to this show, he is the bassist on Randy's 2017 album "Dark Matter." He talks about accompanying Randy at the Hollywood Bowl, why a bassist is like an engineer, and why B. Fiddle isn't getting the frequent flyer miles that it used to. David comes on to talk "Sonny Boy," Randy's fictional account of the two Sonny Boy Williamsons. Then we take a break and I bring on James Johnson, known to our KGOU listeners as Hard Luck. As Oklahoma's premier blues historian, James separates the fact from the fiction on Sonny Boy. Then we come back to David, spin the wheel, and talk shop. Guys, this episode is a keeper.

The State Board of Education voted 4-3 to accept an offer to settle a lawsuit with the Oklahoma Public Charter Schools Association after State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister warned that the settlement was unconstitutional. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss that story and more from the last week at the state Capitol in Capitol Insider.

The week of March 15th was an abbreviated week for Oklahoma legislators due to spring break. The House of Representatives took off on Wednesday and Thursday; the Senate did not work on Thursday. Typically, Friday is a regular day off for legislators until the final month of the session. Lawmakers have an ambitious schedule ahead of them with eight weeks down and ten weeks to go. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss how the next few weeks are shaping up in Capitol Insider.

Oklahoma legislators have a busy week ahead with each house needing to address approximately 300 bills by the Thursday, March 11 deadline. Expect some late nights at the Capitol over the next few days. Also soon, Governor Kevin Stitt is expected to provide clarification on regulations concerning the state's ongoing COVID-19 response. His latest executive order is set to expire on March 15. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss that deadline facing the governor's office, and more, in this week's Capitol Insider.

Everyone is eager for schools to offer more in-person classroom instruction, and with vaccinations becoming available for teachers and staff that goal is edging closer to reality. Coronavirus has not only forced schools, teachers, parents and students to adjust, but it has led to a re-examination of the future of education. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister discusses what lies ahead for Oklahoma schools with KGOU's Dick Pryor in Capitol Insider.

In a wide ranging interview shortly after his State of the State address, Governor Kevin Stitt discussed his goals for the 2021 Oklahoma Legislative Session with KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley. In part one of the interview (first broadcast on February 5), Stitt discussed state-tribal relations; in part two he talked about education, economic development, government regulation, the state's coronavirus response, his relationship with the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate and 2021 policy priorities. This interview was conducted on February 4, 2021.

Oklahoma's 2021 legislative session officially began on organizational day, January 5, but the 58th Oklahoma Legislature returns to begin the bulk of its work on Monday, February 1. That day, Governor Kevin Stitt will provide his priorities for the year ahead and give lawmakers their first glimpse at the executive budget. While the executive budget is largely a ceremonial document, it lays out the governor's proposed guidelines for spending each year. KGOU will present a live broadcast the State of the State address beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, February 1. KGOU's Dick Pryor and Shawn Ashley discuss what to expect in this Capitol Insider.

On Thursday, Oklahoma lawmakers completed the rush to pre-file bills and joint resolutions for the upcoming 2021 legislative session. The volume of legislation indicates we can expect an ambitious session when the legislature resumes on February 1. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss the work just ahead as ideas move toward becoming laws.

In Part Two of their discussion on redistricting, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley talked to the two legislative leaders tasked with completing the complicated process by the end of the 2021 legislative session.

The 2021 Oklahoma legislative session doesn't begin until February, but already members of the Senate and House of Representatives are working on one of the biggest challenges of the year: redistricting. In the first of two parts, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss how the chambers will handle redistricting with the two legislators who are spearheading the effort.

For months, infectious disease experts have warned of a big surge in COVID-19 cases in the fall and winter. Cases and deaths have gone up dramatically across the nation and Oklahoma has seen its numbers rise, as well. With the holidays upon us, and vaccines just now reaching high-risk groups, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley asked Oklahoma's interim commissioner of health, Dr. Lance Frye, about the state's response and plan for the new year.

As Oklahoma's coronavirus death toll passed 2,000, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a stunning 3,900 new positive COVID-19 cases on Friday (Dec. 11, 2020). The additional cases push the state's cumulative case total to 229,353 and bring the rolling seven-day average up to 2,925. With cases surging, state officials are taking new steps to reduce the spread. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss in Capitol Insider.

In an unprecedented year for health care around the world, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority has had to adjust to serve Oklahoma's significant uninsured population. Adding to that challenge was Oklahoma voters' decision in June, through Constitutional Amendment, to require the state to expand Medicaid next year. In this week's Capitol Insider, Kevin Corbett, the chief executive officer of Oklahoma's Medicaid agency, tells KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley how the Oklahoma Health Care Authority is handling 2020 with an eye toward 2021.

Now that they have been sworn into office, the members of Oklahoma's next legislature are focusing on getting ready for the session that begins in February. In this week's Capitol Insider, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley talk about the work that lies ahead.

Unprecedented absentee mail-in and in-person voting is occurring in Oklahoma and around the nation leading up to General Election Day, November 3rd. KGOU and its Oklahoma public radio partners are planning comprehensive coverage on election night - both on-air and online. KGOU will broadcast national coverage from NPR beginning at 7:00 p.m. while simultaneously hosting a "second screen experience" online at www.OklahomaEngaged.com . Oklahoma results and expert analysis will be available there for engaged voters via tablet, smart phone and computer.

New voter registrations in 2020 show the Republican Party out-pacing the Democratic Party by a large margin in Oklahoma. The party that held a firm group on Oklahoma politics for a century now faces an uphill battle to grow its influence in what has become a deep red state. With election day nearing, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley talk to Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Alicia Andrews about Democrats' approach to the 2020 election.

Already sporting a 270,000 registered voter lead over Democrats in Oklahoma at the beginning of 2020, the state GOP has seen a big surge in registrations heading into the November 3rd General Election. KGOU's Dick Pryor and Shawn Ashley discuss that and more from the GOP perspective with Oklahoma Republican Party Chair David McLain.

The WHEEL welcomes Funkmeister Michael Bendure for a spin! Maybe you know him from his bands (Whiskey Gingers, Heartbreak Rodeo....) or as the DJ of KGOU's Friday Night Bo-hemoth, "Tonic: The Funky Groove Show." Or maybe he lent you five bucks in 1993. Regardless, you're in for a treat.Michael goes instrumental and reviews "The Scare Floor" from Monsters Inc. and gives us a clinic on movie scoring, the swing revival, Aaron Copeland, and Raymond Scott.Then Michael spins the WHEEL, prompting me to say the words I thought I'd never speak: "Let's listen to the Don Henley version."Check out Michael every Friday night on the 2nd-coolest NPR station in Central Oklahoma, KGOU/KROU. Thanks Michael!

Oklahoma's State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd said she is "deeply concerned" as she announced the initial findings of a five-year audit of Oklahoma's largest school district, Epic Charter Schools . KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss the report and how it might affect charter schools in Oklahoma in this Capitol Insider segment.

Mail-in absentee voting has already begun in Oklahoma's 2020 General Election. State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax discusses the procedures for voters to follow to make sure their votes count amid the coronavirus pandemic with KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley.

Coronavirus again dominated news coming out of Oklahoma's state capitol, as Governor Kevin Stitt pointed to positive trends in the state and questioned data being used by the Trump Administration's Coronavirus Task Force. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss the latest on the state of Oklahoma's COVID-19 response in this week's Capitol Insider.

Like much of the rest of the nation, Oklahoma is still trying to manage the spread of coronavirus. While deaths remain relatively low, White House metrics show the Oklahoma trend line is among the most troubling in the nation. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss the latest numbers and how COVID-19 is affecting the state's prison population.

COVID-19 has affected almost every aspect of life, including the arts. In this Capitol Insider segment KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley talk about the affect of coronavirus on arts events and education in Oklahoma with the executive director of the Oklahoma Arts Council, Amber Sharples.

Although the legality will likely be questioned, the state of Oklahoma has entered into compacts with two more Native American tribes. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss that story and the latest on the state's coronavirus response as schools prepare to open, in the latest Capitol Insider.

Health, safety and economic concerns in the age of COVID-19 are forcing municipalities across the state of Oklahoma to adapt and make some difficult decisions. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discussed the reality facing cities and towns with Mike Fina, executive director of the Oklahoma Municipal League.

Oklahoma's unemployment rate has more than doubled in the past few months as COVID-19 and weakness in the energy sector have combined to put increasing numbers of workers out of jobs. In just over two months, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission has expedited the claims process and dramatically reduced the pending claim backlog. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley talked to OESC interim executive director Shelley Zumwalt about the agency's big challenges and how the agency is changing to meet the demand.

Oklahoma school districts are nearing time to welcome students back for classes. The pressure is building for students to return to the classroom, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a reevaluation of teaching methods and how to keep students, staff and teachers safe. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister discussed the critical issues involved and how Oklahoma schools are planning to operate during the fall with KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol news director Shawn Ashley.

With coronavirus surging across the U.S. and the number of cases growing in Oklahoma, interim Commissioner of Health Colonel Lance Frye discussed the current situation in the state with KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley.

The state of Oklahoma and three Native American tribes have signalled cooperation after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma raised concerns about jurisdiction for enforcement of criminal laws. Details still have to be worked out, but the move is a step toward a negotiated settlement. The news was not so encouraging regarding COVID-19 in the state. As schools work toward opening in the fall, coronavirus cases surge and the state's economic "re-opening" is called into question. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss the latest developments.

The last day of the 2019-20 U.S. Supreme Court term saw the justices make a much-anticipated decision in a case involving criminal prosecutions in Oklahoma. In a 5-4 decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma, the Court determined that for the purposes of federal criminal law, tribal lands within the state are considered reservations. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss the landmark decision.

KGOU listener John Potts noticed every auto dealership in the state is closed on Sunday, so he asked How Curious for an explanation. It turns out that Oklahoma is one of several states that forbids motor vehicle sales on Sundays.

On a special stretch of road near Springer, Oklahoma, it feels like gravity doesn’t quite work-- when you shift a car into neutral gear, you feel like the car is rolling backwards up the hill. KGOU listener Vicki Weiss asked How Curious: Does this spot really defy gravity?

KGOU listener Gabe Denton remembers seeing horny toads all the time when he was growing up in Choctaw, but he hasn’t seen one in decades. Denton asked How Curious: What happened?

KGOU listener Adam Cotton heard the famous “talking” horse’s final resting place is in the Sooner State. He asked How Curious: Is that true?

The Green Book was a guide for African Americans traveling during segregation. It listed businesses that did not discriminate on the basis of race. KGOU listener Luciana Simmons asked How Curious: Where were Oklahoma’s Green Book entries? Do they still exist?

KGOU listener Nick Jungman heard a rumor that an old agreement between business owners is keeping the Oklahoma-based QuikTrip out of the state’s capital city. He asked How Curious: Is this story true?

Oklahoma has more than 500 school districts--up to three times more than some states with similar student populations. KGOU listener Beverly Funderburk emailed How Curious and asked: “How did Oklahoma end up with so many districts?”

For years, people have seen a mysterious light appear and disappear on a road in far northeastern Oklahoma. KGOU listener Lora Nall asked How Curious: What is this light? And where's it coming from?

A Kansas reporter wrote in 1893 he had discovered an all-female town in Oklahoma. But when he tried to go back to the village one week later, it was gone. KGOU listener Bart Varner asked How Curious: What happened?

Many lists of unusual state statutes say it's against the law in Oklahoma to take a bite of someone else's hamburger. KGOU listener Greg Elwell asked "How Curious:" Is this a real law?

Episode #19 of Public Media Daily is now available. Highlights from the weekend, Friday-Sunday, May 11th-13th includes...01) Twin Cities PBS (KTCA/KTCI) CEO Jim Pagliarini has decided to retire after 21 years at the helm. He'll stay until a successor is named.02) Technical problems include two of 106.3 KGOU Norman - Oklahoma City's Ada, Okla. transmitters not working on Friday and WFSU-TV 11 Tallahassee getting kicked off-the-air for over-the-air viewers yesterday.Yep, today's episode is that short. Subscribe wherever you can listen and leave a rating and review. Its probably the shortest episode we've ever done so far.Follow us on Twitter @PubMediaFans or visit PublicMediaFans.wordpress.com for more news and content.

Oklahoma’s prisons are bursting at the seams. A state task force charged with reforming the state’s justice system discovered that thousands of new inmates are locked up for violating the terms of their probation. To slow prison growth, the group recommended making prison a last resort for probation and parole violators.

Suzette Grillot hosts the program from Scotland, and Rebecca Cruise joins her by phone from Washington, D.C. to talk about the economic "baby bump" created by Prince George of Cambridge, and Pope Francis's visit to Brazil. Later, former World Views research fellow Jack Randolph returns to the KGOU studios to talk about his latest trip to Tel Aviv. He returned to Israel this week to work with Peace Players International, an organization that strives to use sports to bring divided communities together.

Over the past 11 months, the Zaatari refugee camp in Northern Jordan has hosted hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees fleeing that country’s civil war. Suzette Grillot and Rebecca Cruise visited the camp in early June, and witnessed some of the newest arrivals. Real-time updates on social media are revolutionizing traditional journalism. By following Twitter feeds and other forms of social media, journalists like NPR Senior Strategist Andy Carvin now identify breaking news faster and do a better job following international stories.

An Israeli diplomat says it would be possible to solve his country’s conflict with Palestinians, if that was the only thing on the table. Consul General of Israel to the Southwest Meir Shlomo says the Arab World has always rejected Israel’s existence in the Middle East, even before the state’s establishment in May 1948. “It’s as simple as that,” Ambassador Shlomo told KGOU’s World Views. “And what we need in order to overcome this conflict is that the Arab World will change its mind, and understand that Israel is there, and we’re not going anywhere.” Shlomo says Jordan and Egypt reconciled Israel’s presence in the Middle East decades ago, led by the late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and Jordan’s King Hussein. He argues most Arab leaders use Israel as a scapegoat for broader problems in the Muslim world, such as the 1980s Iran-Iraq War, and the Arab Spring protests that began in late 2010. “Even if the Israeli-Arab conflict would be solved, we shouldn't think that the Arab World, and the Middle East is going to be without any problems,” Shlomo says. While in Norman last November, Ambassador Shlomo addressed Iran’s demonization of Israel and its call for the country’s annihilation. In a speech in August, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called Israel a “black stain” on humanity. “So there’s no question about their intentions,” Shlomo says. “Now, the question is not only their intentions, but what’s the capability in order to fulfill their intentions?” Shlomo said a nuclear Iran would trigger an arms race across the Middle East. “[That’s] a worrisome issue by itself, but that would make it ever more easy for a terrorist organization to gain access to a nuclear device, and I don’t have to tell the consequences of that to any of us,” Shlomo says. The Israeli diplomat also spent time during his visit to Oklahoma at the State Capitol with Gov. Mary Fallin. Shlomo thanked Fallin, Oklahoma’s former Fifth District U.S. Representative, for her pro-Israel votes while she was in Congress. The two also explored how Oklahoma energy companies could expand natural gas drilling off the coast of Israel. “We would like to have some major companies in Oklahoma come and take part in that and maybe explore some new possibilities, maybe try to get a little bit of knowledge because we are new in the energy business,” Shlomo told the Oklahoman newspaper. “What a better place to learn energy than Oklahoma.”

During today's International Roundtable, Zach Messitte, Suzette Grillot, and Joshua Landis discuss the challenges that the Millennial Generation faces as the first to spend most of their lives in a post-9/11 world. Zach recently spoke at an OU President's Leadership Class event, and KGOU recorded their panel discussion examing world leaders, and what their generation can expect. You can hear the entire panel discussion by listening to the second MP3 linked below. And newly-appointed Italian Consul General of Houston Fabrizio Nava made his first visit to Oklahoma last week, and spoke with World Views about his country's special relationship with the Catholic Church, and the phenomenon of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Consul General Nava also laid a wreath at the Oklahoma City National Memorial during his visit.

During today's International Roundtable, Zach Messitte, Suzette Grillot, and Joshua Landis discuss the challenges that the Millennial Generation faces as the first to spend most of their lives in a post-9/11 world. Zach recently spoke at an OU President's Leadership Class event, and KGOU recorded their panel discussion examing world leaders, and what their generation can expect. You can hear the entire panel discussion by listening to the second MP3 linked below. And newly-appointed Italian Consul General of Houston Fabrizio Nava made his first visit to Oklahoma last week, and spoke with World Views about his country's special relationship with the Catholic Church, and the phenomenon of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Consul General Nava also laid a wreath at the Oklahoma City National Memorial during his visit.

KGOU's popular and and award-winning Oklahoma and the World segments of Oklahoma Voices have evolved into a new, stand-alone program we're calling WorldView. Hosted by Zach Messitte, Vice Provost for International Programs at the University of Oklahoma and William J. Crowe Chair in Geopolitics in the School of International and Area Studies, the program features roundtable discussions with co-hosts Joshua Landis and Mike Boettcher, and long-form interviews with prominent newsmakers and news breakers. This week, Zach, Joshua, and Mike sit down with David Sanger, the chief Washington correspondent for the New York Times. He talks about his book The Inheritance: The World Obama Confronts and the Challenges to American Power, the Obama administration's Afghanistan/Pakistan strategy, and the possibility of military action against Iran.

In this edition of Oklahoma and the World, listen as a roundtable of University of Oklahoma professors addresses international relations and the first 100 days of the Obama administration. Panelists joining KGOU's regular hosts Joshua Landis and Zach Messitte include: Suzette Grillot Allen McPherson and Mark Frazier.