Morning Edition
Octogenarian Rivals Race To Top Of Mount Everest
An 80-year-old Japanese mountain climber has become the oldest person to reach the summit. But that record may not last. His 81-year-old Nepalese rival plans to make the ascent again next week.
New Jersey Officials Wrap Up 'Operation Swill'
The target: bars trying to pull a fast one. They charge for good booze, but actually pour the cheap stuff in the glass. Authorities caught 29 bars — 13 of those TGI Fridays.
IRS Official's Silence Riles House Committee Members
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.
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Director Justin Lin Shifts The Identity Of 'Fast & Furious'
Fast & Furious director Justin Lin is fighting stereotypes of Asians in Hollywood. But he doesn't want that fight to define him.
Obama Speech Expected To Touch On Drones, Guantanamo
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.
Director Lin Shifts The Identity Of 'Fast & Furious'
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.
Same-Sex Couples Upset Over Removal Of Immigration Amendment
One of the provisions removed from the immigration overhaul bill would have allowed U.S. citizens to sponsor same-sex partners in the green card process. But senators removed that item in order to get conservative support.
Goldman Sachs Is Doing Well, So Is Its CEO Lloyd Blankfein
Big bank Goldman Sachs holds its annual shareholder meeting Thursday. Five years ago, during the financial crisis, Goldman's CEO Lloyd Blankfein was a poster boy for overpaid executives. To find out how much he is making now, Renee Montagne talks Neil Weinberg, editor in chief of American Banker.
Cannes Film Festival Keeps Kenneth Turan Coming Back
David Greene talks with Morning Edition film critic Kenneth Turan about some of the movies at this year's Cannes Film Festival in France. They include a standout from American director Alexander Payne called Nebraska. Turan first covered the movie festival 42 years ago.
Okla. Officials Toss Around Storm Shelter Issue After Twister
In Moore, Okla, officials are figuring out how to rebuild after Monday's deadly tornado. They are concerned about everything from threats to public health to hiring contractors to haul a big chunk of their town away. The schools in Moore that took direct hits from the tornado had no storm shelters.
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When Will Fed Officials Ease Off The Accelerator?
Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress Wednesday that the central bank is not ready to scale back on economic stimulus. But he suggested the Fed may start to pare back bond purchases if the economy picks up momentum. Stocks fell following Bernanke's remarks.
Tesla Proves Critics Wrong
Three years ago President Obama's green energy loan program gave a $455 million federal loan to electric car maker Tesla. Critics bashed the loan as risky. On Wednesday, Tesla announced it had paid that loan back in full – and early.
Losers In Chicago School Closings Target Elected Officials
The Chicago school board voted to close dozens of schools, despite community protests that the closings disproportionately affect minority students. Now the teachers union and community activists want to change the system and oust the elected officials who disagreed with them.
Poor Materials Cited In Bangladesh Building Collapse
In Bangladesh, a government investigation found that "extremely" poor quality construction materials and a series of violations caused the collapse of a garment factory building last month. More than 1,100 workers were killed.
Kerry To Meet With Netanyahu, Abbas
Secretary of State John Kerry is in the Middle East. He's meeting with Israeli and Palestinians leaders in a new push to revive the moribund peace process.
Attackers Hack To Death Man On London Street
Authorities in London are investigating what British Prime Minister David Cameron says is likely a terrorist attack. On Wednesday, two suspects brutally attacked a man near a London military barracks.
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College Students Eye Calendar, Wait To See If Loan Rates Double
College students could end up paying a higher interest rate on their government subsidized loans unless Congress steps in. In a replay of last year's battle, Republicans, Democrats and the Obama administration all have competing proposals. A vote is scheduled in the House of Representatives Thursday, but with no consensus in sight, it's not at all clear if lawmakers can keep interest rates from doubling on July First.
The Last Word In Business
Scientific Tooth Fairies Investigate Neanderthal Breast-Feeding
Our closest relatives, chimpanzees and gorillas, breast-feed their offspring for several years. Some baby orangutans nurse until they are 7 years old. Researchers found a way to test ancient teeth for clues about when humans cut nursing short.
