News reports have been revealing massive data mining by the National Security Agency of American Internet and social media companies, including Microsoft, Apple, Facebook and Google. It was also reported that the agency is collecting Verizon phone records of millions of U.S. citizens. For more, Renee Montagne talks to Glenn Greenwald, the reporter who co-wrote the stories for the British newspaper The Guardian.

Senator John McCain, just back from a quick foray to rebel-held territory in Syria, is pushing the Obama administration to do more to help rebels topple Bashar Assad's regime. His call comes as rebels lose ground in their fight, and as skepticism rises about the U.S.-Russian plans for a peace conference.