From NPR NEWS in Washington,I'm Lakshmi Singh.

White House counterterrorism advisor John Brennan has given the most extensive justification so far for the US's use of unmanned drone strikes against suspected terrorists.The strikes have been controversial because they can even target US citizens without judicial oversight.As NPR's Larry Abramson reports Brennan claimed the strikes were both legal and the most ethical way to prevent potential terrorist attacks.Speaking at a Washington D.C think tank,Brennan launched into an extensive defence of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to launch lethal strikes.He said these attacks protect the lives of Americans and innocent civilians on the ground.It's this surgical precision,the ability with laser light focus to eliminate the cancerous tumor,called an al-Qaeda terrorist while limiting damage to the tissue around it.That makes this counter-terrorism tool so essential.Brennan'speech is timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the killing of Osamar Bin Laden on May 2nd of last year.The administration has been using the occassion to trumpet what they see as success in the fight against terrorism.Larry Abramson,NPR NEWS,Washington.

A federal judge has blocked a new Texas law that would have prevented Planned Parenthood clinics across the state from receiving state funds for health screening and contraception.NPR's Nina reports the clinics do not provide abortions or provide abortion counselling but the state cut off their funding because they are affiliated with separately funded planned parenthood clinics that do.Judge Lee appointed by President George.W.Bush said that a new state law enacted by Republican-dominated legislature would likely violate the first amendment rights of Planned Parenthood clinics by denying them funding because of their affiliation with those who advocate and perform abortions.That,he said would appear to be a clear violation of the first amendment guarantee to freedom of expression and association. Nina NPR NEWS, Washington.

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A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit against 3 cups of tea author Creg Mortenson.4 readers of his best-selling book about efforts to build schools in Pakistan claimed that the author defrauded them by making up some of the story.NPR's has details.US district judge Sam dismissed the suit against Mortenson and his publisher,the Penguin Group as imprecise,flimsy and speculative.The suit was brought after news reports that Mortenson fabricated parts of the book including that he was kidnapped by the Taliban.The defendants have sought refunds for all those who purchased the best-seller.Mortenson used his book to help raise millions of dollars for his charity,the Central Asia Institute which is to help build schools in Pakistan.Earlier this month Mortenson agreed to pay the charity 1 million dollars after attorney general found out that the author has mismanaged the group's funds.NPR NEWS.

One World Trade Centre under construction since the Twin Towers were destroyed in the 9.11 terror attacks now edges out the empire state building and is the tallest in New York City.Workers raise a steel column to the top of the building today putting it just over 1250 feet.But Patric executive director of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey says there's much more to the skyscraper than meets the eye.What we build is not only the tallest skyscraper in New York.It is a tower that will be the safest and most secure in the world,one that will also be the most environmentally sustainable office building of its size anywhere.The building's not done,floors are still being added.It's not expected to reach its full height for at least another year.
I'm Lakshmi Singh.NPR NEWS,in Washington.