NPR News

Gamers Welcome 'Halo 4'

By editor

Originally published on Tue November 6, 2012 11:18 am

Listen

Transcript

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

Millions of Americans stand in line today to vote. Last night, thousands of Americans lined up to buy one of the most anticipated new video games of the year. "Halo 4" is the latest installment of the popular franchise for the Microsoft Xbox 360. Some younger gamers refer to "Halo" as their "Star Wars," a cultural touchstone. Now, after a five-year hiatus, the game's hero - the Master Chief - returns.

Noah Nelson reports.

(SOUNDBITE OF "HALO" CHORAL MUSIC)

4:41 am

Tue November 6, 2012

Presidential Vote May Outshine State Ballot Initiatives

By editor

Originally published on Tue November 6, 2012 11:18 am

Listen

Transcript

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

Many Americans will spend extra time at the polls today, not just choosing candidates but also making law. They will vote on a variety of state ballot initiatives, which Josh Goodman of the Pew Center on the States is tracking.

I've printed out here a list of ballot initiatives in various states. And it's more than a page long. It's a ridiculous number. The Oregon Gillnet Fishing Initiative, the Utah Military Property Tax Exemption Amendment, Constitutional Amendment B 2012. We could go on for quite some time. This is quite a list.

2:20 am

Tue November 6, 2012

Florida's New Battleground: The State Supreme Court

Next image Previous image

Credit Matt Stamey / Gainesville Sun /Landov

Speaking at the University of Florida in Gainesville, state Supreme Court Justice Fred Lewis said Florida's courts should be independent. Lewis is one of three justices fighting to keep his seat.

Credit Matt Stamey / Gainesville Sun /Landov

Every six years, Florida voters get to decide whether a state Supreme Court justice gets to stay on the bench. Conservative activists are campaigning against Justice Barbara Pariente's retention.

By Greg Allen

Originally published on Tue November 6, 2012 11:18 am

Listen

In Florida, Supreme Court justices are nominated by a commission and appointed by the governor. Every six years, they're up for retention. Voters decide whether to keep them on the bench or let them go.

Since the system was put in place in the 1970s, retention votes have been pro forma affairs, with justices doing little fundraising or campaigning.

But this year is different.

2:19 am

Tue November 6, 2012

Norfolk, Va., Puts Flooding Survival Plan To The Test

Credit Steve Helber / AP

Motorists drive through standing water at an intersection flooded from the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida in the Ocean View area of Norfolk, Va., in November 2009.

By Jon Hamilton

Originally published on Tue November 6, 2012 11:18 am

Listen

Superstorm Sandy got officials in New York and New Jersey talking about how to prevent flooding in a time of global warming and sea level rise.

But the place on the East Coast that's most vulnerable to flooding is several hundred miles south, around Norfolk, Va. — and Norfolk has already spent many years studying how to survive the rising waters.

Scientists say what Norfolk has learned is especially important in light of new research showing that the coastline from North Carolina to Boston will experience even more sea level rise than other areas.

5:43 pm

Mon November 5, 2012

New York To Allow Voters To Cast Ballots By Affidavit

By Quil Lawrence

Listen

Transcript

MELISSA BLOCK, HOST:

Now many who will cast presidential ballots in New York have been facing a complicated post-storm challenge - where they should vote. Superstorm Sandy has displaced many residents from their homes and some polling places are out of commission because of storm damage. Late today, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an order, telling voters they can cast ballots wherever they want.

I asked NPR's Quil Lawrence in New York about just what Governor Cuomo said today.

Now Playing

NPR News