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Even as the federal government has cracked down on robocalls, more than 47 billion spam texts have been sent so far in 2021, one company found, costing Americans millions.

The Senate approves legislation to create a new Homeland Security Department. It's the largest reorganization of the federal government since World War II. The new department's goals include gathering intelligence to fend off terrorism threats. But some critics are concerned the department's new powers could erode privacy rights. Hear NPR's Pam Fessler and Larry Abramson.

A U.S. district judge rules against a New York law that bans the wearing of masks during public demonstrations. The judge says the law amounts to "viewpoint discrimination" by singling out a Ku Klux Klan-like group that applied for a parade permit -- and is therefore unconstitutional. NPR's Margot Adler reports.

A damaged tanker sinks off the coast of Spain, spilling tons of oil into the ocean. Salvage crews work to contain the spill; officials fear an environmental disaster worse than the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill off Alaska. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports.

Sixteen members of Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries are U.S. citizens, including 5 children. The 400 Mawazo gang that took the group specializes in mass kidnappings and seeks a $17 million ransom.

For the first time in a decade a single party holds a clear majority in Turkey's legislature. Many Turks hope the predominantly Islamic Justice and Development Party can pull the nation out of economic lethargy. But some non-Muslims fear religious divisions may flare. NPR's Ivan Watson reports.

The FBI warns that al Qaeda may be planning what the agency calls "spectacular attacks" leading to mass casualties. But the Bush administration says it has no specific information on where, when or how terrorists might strike. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.

President Bush travels to the Czech Republic for three days of meetings with leaders of NATO member nations. Seven eastern European countries will be formally invited into the organization. NPR's Alex Chadwick speaks with Sen. John Warner (R-Va.), the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Charles "Chuck" F. Sams III could soon become the first Native American to head the National Park Service in the agency's history. A series of acting directors have led the department since 2017.

And more than 1 in 3 adults in households with children say they have experienced serious problems meeting both their work and family responsibilities, according to an NPR poll.