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The government's National Security Agency is building a giant database of all phone calls placed by Americans within the U.S., according to a report published in USA Today. The article says that the spy agency has been helped by major phone companies, including AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth.

Mayor Ray Nagin beats Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu in a run-off election to decide who will lead the city's recovery from Hurricane Katrina. The election centered on the racial makeup of the city and how New Orleans will be rebuilt.

Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito's confirmation hearings began Monday. Senators on the Judiciary Committee highlighted abortion, executive power and civil rights as issues on which they plan to question the nominee. Alito also gave an opening statement.

A new set of documents from Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito contains his argument that executive-branch officials have immunity when ordering domestic wiretaps in violation of the law. Other documents from his years at the Justice Department reveal a restrictive position on racial discrimination.

Cardiologist Sandeep Jauhar has been obsessed with the heart ever since he was young. He's seen firsthand how trauma, heartbreak, and grief can impact our hearts in shocking ways.

Singer Beyonce Knowles wins five awards at the 46th annual Grammys Sunday for her first solo CD, Dangerously in Love. Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, from hip-hop duo OutKast, wins album of the year, while Coldplay takes home the record of the year award. Hear NPR's Mandalit del Barco.

Funny Ha Ha, the first film by 29-year-old director Andrew Bujalski, made a lot of critics top 10 lists in 2004 -- quite a feat for a film made with a minimal crew, a loose script, and the director's friends. Bujalski’s new film, Mutual Appreciation, features Justin Rice, lead singer for the indie pop band Bishop Allen. Now playing in New York and Los Angeles, it will open in more cities this fall.

The Return of the King, the final installment in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, wins all 11 Oscars for which it was nominated, including best picture and best director. Best acting honors go to Charlize Theron for her transformation into a serial killer in Monster, and Sean Penn for his performance as the troubled father of a murdered child in Mystic River. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne.

A letter from Iran's president to President Bush overshadows Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's meetings in New York with senior diplomats from France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China. Rice dismissed the letter as a diversionary tactic.

From Elden Ring to Immortality, 2022 delivered long-anticipated titles and ambitious indie games. NPR staff and contributors list their favorites.