Latest local news, weather and sports for Syracuse and Central New York

General Keith Alexander says two recently disclosed surveillance programs on international communications are critical in the terrorism fight. (June 18)

State Department Spokeswoman Jen Psaki was pressed about the opening of negotiations with the Taliban on Tuesday during the daily press briefing. These talks come on the heels of the Taliban opening offices is Qatar to allegedly facilitate a process of transition for the Afghan government to be stabilized without a U. S. presence. When reminded that the Taliban was once labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S., Psaki said that she was "not sure how they’re defined at this particular moment."

With the opening of the Taliban offices in Qatar this week, questions surrounding the negotiations between Afghanistan, the Taliban and the United Stated dominated the State Department press briefing on Tuesday. When asked if the Taliban were required to declare up front equal treatment of women and minorities would be an essential cornerstone of the region, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki claimed that it was a non-negotiable component of the upcoming agreement. However, the Taliban have yet to agree to those terms and Associated Press reporter Matt Lee pointed out that since agreement of equality was not a pre-condition it was a negotiable clause. Psaki eventually became irritated with the back and forth and claimed that there was a "long process" ahead of the talks to stabilize the region.

Rep. Diane DeGette, a Colorado Democrat, stumbled over a question concerning the right to life of a baby in five months of development on Tuesday during a presser on Capitol Hill. After stammering over answers claiming that "States" had laws concerning abortions, DeGette eventually shut down the questioner and called a bill that would prevent abortions after 20 weeks "unconstitutional."

The bill House Republicans passed would ban abortions after 20 weeks. The bill makes exceptions for rape and incest, but only if the mother first reports the crime to authorities. Nancy Cordes reports.

Afghan president Hamid Karzai has announced he is suspending security talks with the U.S., due to Afghan officials' concerns about planned peace talks between the U.S. and the Taliban. Just hours after announcing their intention to engage in the talks, the Taliban took responsibility for killing 4 American soldiers. Charlie D'Agata reports.

President Barack Obama is calling for a one-third reduction of the world's nuclear stockpiles. Speaking at Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate, he says he intends to seek negotiated cuts with Russia to move beyond a Cold War nuclear posture. (June 19)

Tens of thousands of protestors filled streets throughout Brazil on Tuesday night, to protest government corruption and high taxes. (June 19)