Morning Edition
Google Mines Our Data For Future Product Ideas
This week in San Francisco, Google held its annual developers conference. It was there that the search industry giant laid out its vision for its future and ours.
Weighing Freedom Of The Press Against Public Safety
The Justice Department has been scrutinized this week for secretly obtaining phone records of Associated Press reporters and editors while investigating the disclosure of a CIA operation to thwart a terrorist attack. Steve Inskeep talks to Floyd Abrams, a leading First Amendment lawyer, about how the Constitution and the law treat press freedom.
First U.S. Company To Enter Export Market For Natural Gas
With supplies high and prices at historic lows, there's debate whether U.S. companies should be allowed to export the gas overseas for a higher price. Many energy companies have applied for government approval to ship liquefied natural gas worldwide. So far, only one company has gotten a license to do that in the past 30 years..
'Frances Ha' Is a 'Small Miracle Of A Movie'
Reviewer Kenneth Turan says the new film "Frances Ha" is everything an American independent film is supposed to be — an incisive, thoughtful portrait of an original character.
Obama Moves Aggressively Into Damage Control Mode
President Obama is in the middle of a series of scandals. But are they serious enough to undermine his second term? Veterans of past Washington scandals assess the potential for political peril, and what the president can do about it.
A Gift Of Life And Friendship After A Family's Loss
In February 2007, Rick Bounds was diagnosed with a serious liver disease and given eight months to live.
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Why Is There An Ammunition Shortage In The U.S.?
Demand increased recently, leading to widespread shortages. An economics textbook would say should have raised prices rather than have empty shelves. Why haven't prices gone up?
AP Case Adds To Obama Team's Tough Record On Leaks
His administration has prosecuted six people for giving reporters information about secret national security operations — twice as many cases as all previous presidents combined. Amid criticism from First Amendment advocates, the White House insists it values both press freedoms and national security.
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LA Mayor Candidates Try To Persuade Voters To Pay Attention
City Councilman Eric Garcetti and City Controller Wendy Greuel are in an all-out blitz for votes ahead of Tuesday's election to replace the term-limited Antonio Villaraigosa. But observers say the race hasn't garnered much interest — even though Greuel could become the first female mayor.
Are Buddhist Monks Involved In Myanmar's Violence?
When tightly controlled societies open up, long-suppressed sectarian tensions can flare. That's been happening in Myanmar. And the twist is that Buddhist monks, widely viewed as pacifists, are part of this rising Buddhist nationalism.
Sam Amidon: Reshaping An American Folk Tradition
Shape-note singing is a communal form of music that began in New England 200 years ago, mostly from townsfolk without any musical training. Sam Amidon says the melodies of shape-note hymns are some of the "deepest-seeded for me."
New York Cat Is Finally Reunited With Owner
Luna ended up stuck in a tree. A New York City police officer who came to the rescue got stuck in the tree too. Cat and man were rescued by the fire department.
Some Leaders In Saudi Arabia Condemn Twitter
Religious authorities responded after Saudis used Twitter to show images of human rights activists on trial. The BBC reports the kingdom's most senior cleric called Twitter users "fools." The head of the religious police says any social media user will lose the afterlife.
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Wrestlers Grapple To Save Sport From Olympic Chopping Block
In New York's Grand Central Terminal Wednesday, wrestlers from Iran, Russia and the United States faced off in what was dubbed "Rumble on the Rails." This meet was more than just a show of diplomacy and sportsmanship. The athletes want to rally support for their sport which could be excluded from upcoming Olympic games.
Yen's Drop In Value Could Fuel Curency War
Japan has embarked on a massive effort to stimulate its economy. Both the government and the central bank are collaborating to end a long period of stagnation and deflation. But the effects are also being felt outside Japan.
Focus On Women, Families Propels New York's Sen. Gillibrand
Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand is introducing legislation with other lawmakers Thursday that would change the way the military prosecutes sexual assault cases. It's the latest high-publicity move for a senator who was almost unknown four years ago when she was appointed to fill Hillary Clinton's seat.
South Dakota Officials Miss Historic Meeting With Tribes
Federal officials met with South Dakota's nine Sioux tribes on Wednesday for a historic summit in Rapid City. A year in the making, it was an effort to address long standing concerns over the high number of Native American children the state places in white foster homes. State officials, however, didn't show up for the meeting.
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Is TV's Traditional Business Model Broken?
The broadcast networks are in New York this week pitching their fall TV shows to advertisers. David Greene talks with reporter Kim Masters, of The Hollywood Reporter, about the new shows and indications the industry is in decline. Masters also hosts The Business on member station KCRW.
