California beating highlights distrust of police

The beating of David Silva, a father of four in California's central valley, garnered national attention after it was reported that deputies took away the cell phones of people who witnessed the confrontation between Silva, and Kern County Sheriff's deputies. Sheriff Donny Youngblood announced that the cause of death was hypertensive heart disease. Critics say law enforcement is trying to cover up their deadly deed, and now the FBI is involved.

RTAmerica 28/3/2013- The Resident: Gitmo hunger strike - food for thought?

It's day 50 of the hunger strikes at Guantanamo Bay. The demonstration began on February 6th as a protest of the prisoners' indefinite confinement and because of what they say was a return to harsh treatment from past years. As health conditions worsen for the dozens of detainees on strike, the military has resorted to force-feeding some of them. RT's Lori Harfenist of The Resident has more The Resident: Gitmo hunger strike - food for thought?

RTAmerica 26/3/2013- The Resident: MSM feeding us with shallow stories,Wisconsin closes nude beach,The tale of two Americas: Widening income gap between rich and the poor

Today news outlets report their stories using Wikipedia as the main source of information. They cover in the same manner party politics and movie star lifestyles. And it's also a matter of getting what you pay for - RT's Lori Harfinest explains how the viewers are contributing to this. The Resident: MSM feeding us with shallow stories Wisconsin closes nude beach Popular Wisconsin nude beach to be closed on weekdays. The state took the decision after reviewing police records showing that in a span of just 9 days in 2011 26 people were arrested for having sex in public and 16 people for drug related crimes. The beach will remain open on weekends. The tale of two Americas: Widening income gap between rich and the poor According to an article by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist David Cay Johnson, in the past 40 years the top 10 percent of Americans have seen their income increase by $116, 071 and the bottom 90 percent only experienced a growth of $59. The tax study by Johnson looked at numbers from 1966 to 2011 and Kyle Harrington, founder of Harrington Capital Management, joins us with more on the alarming numbers. Tennessee lawmakers find Muslim foot bath in state capitol: turns out to be a mop sink The Tennessee state capitol underwent a $16 million renovation, but out of all the improvements to the facility one particular sink caught the attention of lawmakers in Nashville. RT's Liz Wahl explains how a mop sink created so much controversy Chris Hedges: mainstream media ignores 'what the corporate state wants ignored' According to a new study by the Pew Research Center, MSNBC's programming is nearly 85 percent opinion - and they might not be alone when it comes to this trend. According to author Chris Hedges, the mainstream media ignores "what the corporate state wants ignored" and "they do not challenge or acknowledge the structures of corporate power." He joins us to explain how the corporate media sets the tone in the US and how the end result means items like the NDAA, warrantless wiretapping and the war on whistleblowers goes unreported.. Earthquakes shake up southwest Mexico The US Geological Survey reported a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit near the southwest coast of Mexico on Tuesday. Less than a minute later a second quake struck with magnitude of 5.1, but there were no reports of major damage or injuries. RT's Ramon Galindo joins us for more. Tsar Bloomberg? Mayor Michael Bloomberg keeps making headlines: first he banned smoking in New York City public parks, then he tried to ban large sugary drinks, and now he is focused on passing gun control - and is spending his own money to do it. Reportedly he plans to spend 12 million dollars on ads aimed at putting pressure on Americans to pass gun control measures. RT's Anastasia Churkina joins us from New York to discuss the mayor's plan. Arlington: home of $1 million bus stop In Arlington, Virgina, passengers waiting for the bus are doing so with a bit more flair. This after the county and the federal government have teamed up to build a $1 million bus stop that has heated floors and stainless steel siding, but many believe the money could have been spent on something more essential. RT's Margaret Howell explains how more of these million dollars stops are being developed.

RTAmerica 24/3/2013-The Resident -- Who are the dirtiest lobbyists?

The Resident -- Who are the dirtiest lobbyists? Lobbying is the act of influencing elected officials to make choices that benefit certain people or organizations. Many believe that the practice of lobbying is corrupting America, but what industry is the biggest offender? Lori Harfenist sounds off.

RTAmerica 11/2/2013 - Guidelines for killing US citizens stir outrage , Dorner manhunt intensifies: LAPD calls on the drones? , Dark history of U.S. guest workers

Guidelines for killing US citizens stir outrage Since the recent leaking of a secretive white paper that explains the White House's policy on extrajudicial executions, the issue of unmanned drones has flooded the mainstream media. According to the document, the president can order a drone strike on American citizens with no evidence or justification of a crime or connection to terrorists. But why after a decade of the drone program is it getting much more attention? Stanley Cohen, an international human rights lawyer, sounds off on the topic. Dorner manhunt intensifies: LAPD calls on the drones? Ex-Los Angeles cop Christopher Dorner has made headlines for hunting his own at the LAPD. In 2009, Dorner was fired from the force and vowed to take revenge on those responsible for his release. As of now, Dorner allegedly has killed three people and the LAPD has been involved in two incidents where innocent civilians were shot at due to the intensifying fear brought on by Dorner. The LAPD might have called on the assistance of drones to target Dorner. Tracy Oppenheimer, producer for Reason TV, brings us the latest on the Dorner manhunt. Dark history of U.S. guest workers President Obama and Congress have vowed to make immigration reform a top priority. The bipartisan reform plan in the senate includes an expansion to the guest worker program. The U.S. has a long history of guest worker programs, which critics say exploit cheap labor, and benefit only big business. Cyberwarfare coming to US According to a new intelligence assessment by the US government, the amount of cyber attacks aimed at the US are on the rise. The report also explained who is behind the attacks and how these hacks are not only a threat to national security, but as well as America's economic competitiveness in the global market. RT's Meghan Lopez brings us more on who is being targeted. DHS engages 'Constitution free' zones around US border According to the US Department of Homeland Security, anyone who is within a 100 mile radius of the US border is subject to the search and seizure of any and all electronic devices for no apparent reason. These zones known as "Constitution free" zones have many privacy advocates speaking out against the new policy and fear that this new procedure is a violation of civil liberties for American citizens. Kevin Gosztola, blogger for FireDogLake, sounds off on the latest from the DHS. TSA snaps rare cello in two German cellist Alban Gerhardt is speaking out against the TSA after an incident last Wednesday at Chicago's O'Hare Airport where agents of the administration snapped his rare Heinrich Knopf cello in two. RT's Meghan Lopez brings us more.

RTAmerica 22/10/2012- Birth defects skyrocket in Iraq after US invasion ,White House denies secret peace talks with Iran , Third party candidates square off on RT-America

Since the US lead invasion in Iraq in 2003, children with birth defects and reports of miscarriages have been on the rise in the war torn country. According to the Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Bulletin, in the past seven years the rate of birth defects and miscarriages has shot up an astounding 60 percent and 45 percent respectively, leaving many wondering what is causing this. RT's Liz Wahl has more. Birth defects skyrocket in Iraq after US invasion White House denies secret peace talks with Iran Over the weekend, The New York Times published an article affirming that the US and Iran will take part in nuclear peace talks after the November presidential election. During the race to the White House, Iran has taken the spotlight when it comes to US foreign policy and many are doubtful that talks will curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. Although the White House has publicly denied the talks, many believe the article wasn't completely inaccurate. Adam Pourahmadi, producer for HuffPost Live, joins us with his take on the recent article and break down what's going on. Third party candidates square off on RT-America On Monday night, President Obama and Mitt Romney will exchange verbal blows for the last time during this election year. This, the last of three debates, will draw millions of viewers, but most Americans are not aware that the debates are not over. On Tuesday, the third-party candidates will square off and show their stance on different topics and demonstrate the American people have options. Christina Tobin, founder of Free and Equal Elections, gives us the latest on tomorrow's debate. Will US talk to Iran? The New York Times article about the US' role in dealing with Iran sparked a major discussion ahead of Monday's presidential debate on foreign policy. Two days before the debate, the article suggested that the White House had reached an agreement with Iran to pursue direct talks on the country's nuclear ambitions. The White House and Iranian officials publicly denied the information, though. To discuss what happened and to look at it in few different ways, RT's Kristine Frazao is joined by Patricia DeGennaro, a senior fellow at the World Policy Institute. RT presents Third Parties debate ignored by MSM President Obama and Mitt Romney are meeting tonight for their third and final debate and they will be discussing the Foreign Policy. The other presidential candidates will be debating tomorrow night and next week as well, those are Libertarian Gary Johnson , Green Party's Jill Stein, the Justice Party's Rocky Anderson and Virgil Goode of the Constitutional Party. The debate in Chicago tomorrow will be hosted by Larry King and RT's Big Picture host Thom Hartmann will be attending and debating as well as working as a commentator and analyst. He is joining us in DC studio for more on the debates.

RTAmerica 20/10/2012 - The Resident -- Could Republicans hack the Presidential election?

Many Americans anticipate the 2012 Presidential election to be a tight race, but what if the companies behind the voting machines on Election Day have strong political ties with Republicans? Lori Harfenist of The Resident takes to the streets of New York City to ask if Mitt Romney could steal this election? The Resident -- Could Republicans hack the Presidential election?

RTAmerica - 19/10/2012 - CIA demands more drones ,Assange vs Britain: Political standstill ,Koch brothers threaten employees against voting for Obama

CIA Director David Petraeus is urging the White House to expand the agency's drone fleet, insisting it will allow the agency to carry on with its missions in Pakistan, Yemen and North Africa. The Pentagon is also planning to increase its inventory by 35% in the future. So in total the US has 791 operational drone right now and is planning to buy another 732. Are those military machines really necessary? Lieutenant Col. Anthony Schaffer of Advanced Defense Studies joins RT's Meghan Lopez. CIA demands more drones Assange vs Britain: Political standstill Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been locked up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for four months and the political stalemate between the whistleblower and the UK shows no signs of progressing to a possible solution. Assange has been labeled an enemy of the US for the exposure of sensitive information by the US military. So when will this standstill end? Meghan Lopez has more. Koch brothers threaten employees against voting for Obama There are 18 days left until Americans will go to the polls to exercise their civil duty and vote for their next president. The mainstream media has exploited the battle between Mitt Romney and President Obama and to some this election is crucial in determining the future of America. Reports that employers are intimidating employees to voter for a particular candidate have surfaced and Mike Elk, labor journalist for In These Times, breaks down how employers are trying to impose their political will on employees. Buckling up cats and dogs?! While unemployment in New Jersey is the highest it has been in 30 years - at 9.8 percent, some state lawmakers are busy debating the future of pets inside cars. A bill proposing buckling up cats and dogs that are not in a carrier would make the nanny state the first in the U.S. to make restraining pets a rule, even though the Governor has promised to veto the legislation if it reaches his desk. Should lawmakers be wasting their time on bills like this? RT's Anastasia Churkina finds out. Taxation without representation angers DC residents Washington DC is considered to be the symbol of American power and freedom. However as the saying goes - the District has a long history of taxation without representation. DC residents have no members representing them in either the House or the Senate and yet they pay their taxes like everyone else and in many cases much higher taxes. RT's Liz Wahl looks at how this works and how the people feel about it.

Assange - free prisoner in UK?

World's most famous whistleblower Julian Assange has been granted an asylum in Equador after spending several months in the country's embassy in London. Even though the Wikileaks founder can't make a safe trip to the airport as the British law enforcement officials threaten to arrest him as soon as he steps out of the embassy.The Spanish jurist Baltasar Garson explains why he thinks Assange is worth defending in an exclusive interview to RT's Sara Firth.

Congressmen are back - no problems solved

The congressmen are back in the office after vacation. So after a long break, they should come back ready to deal with all the biggest problems facing the US - like unemployment, too much spending etc. But as Liz Wahl reports, this might not be the case.

FBI launches total surveillance over Americans

The FBI's facial recognition project is in full swing - the system uses mug shots and matches them with faces in crowds along with social networking sites to create a new database of profiles. And now since it was tested in Michigan and given the green light for pilot runs in Florida and North Carolina where the major political conventions were, it is official. According to FBI, the program will help find criminals and terrorists and will be nationwide by 2014. Kade Crockford of the American Civil Liberties Union joins RT's Kristine Frazao to talk more about the pros and cons of the project.

Obama pretending to solve financial crisis?

A full criminal investigation into the role the big banks of Wall Street played in the economic collapse has been a promise made by US President Barack Obama that has yet to be fulfilled. In his State of the Union address earlier this year, Obama announced the creation of a mortgage fraud task force - a group that would hold accountable those responsible for the crisis. William Black, associate economics professor for the University of Missouri - Kansas, school of law, explains how aggressive this investigation has actually been.

Julian Assange: Revolutionizing whistleblowing? 25/6/2012

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has spent his sixth night at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. The whistleblower is still in asylum limbo as the Ecuadorian government processes his request. Assange is seeking to escape extradition to Sweden for sexual assault charges filed against him and many believe an extradition to Sweden will lead to an extradition to the US. RT's Sara Firth brings us the latest.

Life without parole for youths ruled unconstitutional 25/6/2012

News is always happening and sometimes we can't get to everything on the air, when this happens you can always turn to http://www.RT.com/USA. RT's Web Producer Andrew Blake brings us the latest.

Domestic drones 101 25/6/2012

Here at RT America, we have brought you extensive coverage of the Federal Aviation Administration's plan to allow unmanned drones to fill America's sky by 2020, but what does this mean for Americans? RT's Abby Martin breaks down the possible uses for drones.

Supreme Court defends 'show me your papers' law in Arizona 25/6/2012

On Monday, the US Supreme Court shot down significant parts of the Arizona immigration law, but one controversial portion of the legislation was upheld. The "show me your papers" provision of SB 1070 was okayed on a vote of 5-3, and depending on which news network you watched this could be good or bad news. So to put things into prospective, Ben Cohen, president of Banter Media Group, joins us to compare the US ruling to immigration policies around the globe.

Ron Paul delegates disqualified from the RNC 25/6/2012

Ron Paul supporters are known for the refusal to give up and the GOP has taken note. Now, 17 Ron Paul delegates were disqualified from representing the state of Massachusetts for not signing an affidavit that swears their allegiance to Mitt Romney. In the past, the Republican Party has never required delegates to go through the affidavit process. Tim Cavanaugh, managing editor for Reason.com, joins us to find out why now.

The Resident: Globalization

The Resident: Globalization


Society is becoming more globalized, is that a positive development or is a sign the beginning of the end is near? The Resident takes to the streets of New York to find out..

US police wage war on cameras

US police wage war on cameras

Today's high tech world has made it a lot easier to videotape police, but it may have also made it more dangerous. RT's Ramon Galindo shows us how a high school student has become the latest target in the war on cameras.

Obama fails to fix US human rights image

Obama fails to fix US human rights image

Brian Becker discuss' the Obama Administration's efforts to rehabilitate the image of the United States, which became known as the "Torture INC" under the Bush Administration.