RT America -- July 9, 2014

The National Security Agency spied on the emails of at least five prominent Muslim-Americans, according to a report released by journalists Glenn Greenwald and Hurtaza Hussain of The Intercept. Among those monitored is a Republican Party candidate for office who also served in the Department of Homeland Security, professors at Rutgers and California State universities and civil rights activists. It was also announced today that NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden is seeking another year of asylum in Russia to escape prosecution by the US government. RT’s Lindsay France speaks with one of those targeted, Asim Ghafoor, to get his reaction.

Many American towns are stuck trying to balance the health of their residents and the environment with the money that fracking brings into depleted coffers. Researchers are more confidently tying earthquakes in Oklahoma to hydraulic fracturing while Pennsylvania residents fear environmental contamination, but the industry provides a much needed boost for many struggling families. RT’s Manila Chan takes a look at the competing interests that weigh on the minds of residents.