NPR News

For more stories on New York State, check out The Innovation Trail.
Mysterious Blob Hovers Over Local Ala. Weather Radar
Audie Cornish talks to atmospheric science professor Kevin Knupp from the University of Alabama, Huntsville, about an unusual blob that hovered on the local weather radar for nine hours earlier this week.
Plan For Wind Turbines On Normandy Coast Spins Controversy
Thursday, on the 69th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, many have gathered on the coast of Normandy to remember and honor the Allied soldiers who fought their way through Nazi defenses and went on to liberate Europe. There is controversy about a French plan to build 75 wind turbines offshore here. Critics see it as desecration of hollowed ground. Promoters say the wind mills will be at least 6 miles from the coast. They will still be visible but will help France meet its renewable energy goals and create thousands of jobs.
The Changing Face, Perception Of Turkey's Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan may be the most successful prime minister in modern Turkey's history. A deeply pious Muslim once jailed for his outspoken remarks, he has presided over a decade of democratic reforms and economic growth. But now he finds himself the target of angry protesters who call him a dictator and a fascist.
Supporters, Opponents Of Gay Marriage Find Legality Inevitable
Robert Siegel speaks with Michael Dimock, director of the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, about a new study on attitudes and beliefs about gay marriage.
Section Of Patriot Act Allowing NSA Program Is Use To Debate
The National Security Agency attained Verizon's customer's phone records via Section 215 of the Patriot Act. That section has spurred some intense debate since 2001. Audie Cornish talks to Jeffrey Rosen, president of the National Constitution Center and a law professor at the George Washington University, for an explainer of this controversial law.
Digging The Depth Of The NSA Phone Data Program
The White House and lawmakers are defending a secret program that collects data on phone calls made by ordinary Americans. It was revealed Wednesday that the National Security Agency obtained data on calls from Verizon, including calls made locally, inside the United States and calls between the U.S. and overseas. Officials defend the program as necessary for fighting terrorism. Robert Siegel speaks with NPR's Dina Temple-Raston about the program, its scope and civil liberties implications.