. >>> turbulence for the tsa. the outrage after a new report that sheds light on a secret program that tracks u.s. citizens. >>> cruising to the top of the box office. how much the new "mission impossible" brought in with an explosive new weekend. >>> and cracking cooperstown. the list of inductees into the baseball hall of fame. "early today" starts right now. good monday morning. i'm frances rivera. >> and i'm phillip mena. california's massive wildfires have claimed two more lives, bringing the fire's death toll across the state to eight, according to officials. 33-year-old firefighter brian hughes was killed when he was struck by a tree as he and his crew worked to limit the spread of the ferguson fire burning near yosemite national park. the costa county sheriff says the unidentified victim of the carr fire had received an evacuation notice that was not followed. over the weekend the carr fire exploded and has destroyed 74 structures while threatening 5,000 more. >> with nearly 20 fires burning across californ

. >>> a turbulent time for the tsa. the outrage after a new report sheds light on a secret surveillance program to spy on u.s. citizens. >>> peddling perseverance. why last place at the tour de france felt like a victory for an american cyclist. "early today" starts right now. good morning, i'm frances rivera. >> i'm phillip mena. the fire's death toll across california is eight, officials say. 33-year-old firefighter brian hughes was killed when he was struck by a tree as he and his crew struggled to limit the spread of the fire. >> the victim of the carr fire received an evacuation notice that wasn't followed. the carr fire exploded over 95,000 acres. nbc's jay gray is live for us in redding with the latest. jay, good morning. >> good morning, frances, good morning, phillip. the damage here overwhelming. you can see the home behind me, this neighborhood, like so many across the state gutted by fire. some of the blazes have been burning for more than a week now. flames continue to race out of control across california r

the tsa in a statement to nbc news says the program is not intended to surveil ordinary americans.vernment officials tell c news the quiet skies program has existed since 2010 and that the screening process has since evolved to include dozens of other factors such as suspicious financial transactions. >> there needs to be accountability within the system. there needs to be a reason to be interested in them other than someone selected at random. >> reporter: t won't disclos whether the program has stopped any terrorists or prevented any threats. an agency spokesman says the release of such information would make passengers less safe. geoff bennett, nbc news, washington. >>> and the tsa respond to the report saying in part, quote, contrary to theco article, w to the quiet skies published by the "boston globe," the program doesn't take into account race and religion and is not intended to surveil ordinary americans. >>> all right. it's been just seven weeks since olympic ski bode miller and his wife lost their baby daughter. she drowned in apo swimming . the millers are trying to use

the tsa is responding. defending the program and clarifying its purpose.rning, a report in "the boston globe" about a tsa program where passengers are secretly being watched and followed on the plane and in the airport without even knowing. the program is called "quiet skies" and specifically targets u.s. citizens not in the terror database or suspected of wrong doing. >> the criteria they're applying does not point to potential terrorists. >> reporter: under the program, thousands of unsuspecting americans have been watched by armed, undercover air marshals. the marshals taking notes on what certain passengers do, who they talk to, even if they use the bathroom. some of the behaviors they watch closely for include excessive fidgeting or sweating. using the computer. a jump in h their adam's apple. a cold, penetrating stare. or if they boarded last. the air marshal association president is wary, releasing this statement to "the globe." -- the air marshama believes that missions based on recognized intelligence or in support of ongoing federal investigation

what does it take to be an officer with the tsa >> reporter: the tsa training the next generation oftalents the agency tasked with keeping the nation's skies safe, preparing new officers with mock screenings and image interpretation and explosive demonstration. >> three, two, one -- >> at a federal law enforcement training center. >> what make as great officer is a sense of being responsible making sure you are work on time have professionalism, treat everybody with respect. >> ranging from security officers to canine handlers at airports across the country. it begins at $35,000 a year and varies on role and location. >> reporter: new hires attend the academy and has 60 hours or more of instruction with a coach. trainees are instructed on using x-ray machines properly, following protocol and working with passengers. >> people think we are taught to not care, and treat them wrong we learn how to treat passengers with a lot of care and respect and try to connect with them. >> a threat of a september 11th attack is a great motivator. >> i feel like i'm giving back to do something to avo

the observations are sent back to the tsa. travelers are not notified when they're being monitored. some air marshals complain the program forces them to shadow americans who pose no real threat. the tsa, in a statement to nbc news, says the program is not intended to surveil ordinary americans. senior government officials tell nbc news the quiet skies program has existed since 2010 and that the screening process has since evolved to include dozens of other factors such as suspicious financial transactions. >> there needs to be accountability within the system. there needs to be a reason to be interested in them other than just someone selected at random. >> reporter: tsa won't disclose whether the program has stopped any terrorists or prevented any threats. an agency spokesman says the release of such information would make passengers less safe. geoff bennett, nbc news, washington. >>> actor ving rhames is in the news tonight. it's not only his role in this weekend's blockbuster "mission impossible" movie that has people talking. rhames just went public about a confrontational momen

>> the information sent to tsa head quarters. primary purpose of this program is to ensure passages and flight crew are protected and not for regular american travelers. e-mail or phone numbers that could be tied to terrorism. we recently talked to tsa chief about the air marshalls. >> we keep their presence covert because we don't want our adversaries to know they're on flights. >> passengers are not told if they are on the list or what collected information is done. union saying the american public could be better served were instead assigned to public screens so active shooter events could be thwarted. >> government agents shouldn't be monitored travelers without a good reason for doing so. >> the tsa would argue they do have good reason. they say passengers could be on the quiet skies list for three months after returning from an overseas flight until they're determined not to be a threat. among those reportedly followed a business wam in the middle east, a law enforcement officer and a southwest flight attendant. >> i don't k

. >>> also tonight, is the tsa tracking you? the secret program called quiet skies. air marshals reportedly tracking everyday passengers who are not suspected of a crime. >>> and, distracted on duty. the police suv slamming into a cyclist at a stop sign. what the police officer admitted to. >>> and good evening. thanks for joining us on this sunday. i'm tom llamas. we begin tonight with the state of emergency in california. as wildfires rage in the west, with the death toll rising. and several people still missing. the carr fire in northern california, charring nearly 90,000 acres. more than 500 structures destroyed, thousands more threatened. six confirmed fatalities, including a sister and brother, just 4 and 5 years old, and their great-grandmother reportedly killed trying to save them. the danger zone in the west extending well beyond california, nearly 60 wildfires burning uncontained in 11 states. there is little relief in sight, with triple-digit heat expected. marci gonzalez joins us from the fire line in redding, california. >> reporter: tonight, the carr fi

the observations are sent back to the tsa. travelers are not notified when they're being motored. some air marshals complain the program doforces them to s americans who pose no real that. the tsa, in a statement to nbc news, says the program is not intended to surveil ordinary americans. senior government officials tell nbc news the quiet skies program has existed since 2010 and that the screening process has sin t evoo include dozens of other factors such as suspicious financial transactions. >> there needs to be un acbility within the system. there needs to be a reason to be interested in them other tht someone selected at random. won'tporter: ts disclose whether the program has stopped any terrorists or prevented any threats. sman agency spo says the release of such information would make passengers less safe. geoff bennett, nbc news, washington. >>> actor ving raymes is in the news tonight. possible about a confrontational moment with police in his o home. he says exactly two years ago today after a nghbor called 91 on him, he says because of his race. nbc's lucy kafanov has t

this program is generating significant criticism from within the tsa. discussed as boston globe reporter who broke. we are also rejoined by former inspector general of the intelligence community during the obama years, chuck mccullough. a wild thing. first of all, john, great story on this. incredible reporting. quiet skies. it sounds so placid and lovely. but what is this deal? it seems to me that none of this know about it. i've never heard congress talk about it. does that work? how should we be tracked? >> here is what we know. we know that thousands of ordinary american to americans who are suspected of no crime, and warranty on any watch list, are being followed by teams of armed undercover air marshals on domestic flights throughout the united states. when we reported the story on sunday, there has been a bit of outrage, i suppose, and at least four committees on the hill have demanded answers from tsa. tsa will be briefing for coke committees at least earlier this week. >> laura: you did great reporting, enough to get everyone's attention. big pi

citizens not in the terrorist database or suspected of wrongdoing according to the tsa. r the program thousands of unsuspecting americans have been watched by armed, undercover air marshals. the marshals take notes on what certain passengers do, who they talk to, even if they use the bathroom. tsa tells abc news they follow videos who may have erratic travel patterns but it is not a surveillance program. the air marshal association president said currently the quiet skies program does not meet the criteria we find acceptable. reporting live here in san jose, matt keller, abc 7 news. >> thank you, matt. >>> to your morning money report, unemployment is at record lows and now companies are getting desperate for workers. >> some are relaxing requirements for new hires. fewer jobs posted on-line are requiring college degrees. a million jobs were posted with no experience necessary. and self-taught programmers are now finding jobs at places like intel where you used to need professional training. >>> an iconic bay area movie and music studio is closing. fantasy studios operate

on friday the tsa screened 2.6 people, making it the second busiest day in tsa history. with the holiday on a wednesday, aaa says that gives travelers a lot of flexibility for coming and going on that vacation or trip. they are starting the holiday today and saying this will last until sunday. >>> a federal judge rules the trump administration is breaking its own rules on the treatment of people seeking asylum. all immigrants requesting asylum are screened to see if they face a real threat in their own countries. under ice policy, most should be released while awaiting a hearing. the aclu sued, arguing the number of people granted their release dropped to almost zero under the trump administration. yesterday a judge ordered ice to review all asylum requests. >>> an l.a. ouide an cilman was ared yesterday. officers arrested demonstrators for unlawful assembly near the entrance of the detention center in l.a. >>> 6:07 now. search teams have located a boys soccer team trapped in a cave in thailand. now the hard part, getting them out. >> a plea agreement expected in the ghos

the tsa screens every american citizen, who flies into the u.s. from certain foreign countries. every day, several dozen passengers are selected for surveillan based on red flags on travel history and other activities. >> air marshals get a photo. and then, they're directed the fill out reports with every, single thing you do, from the moment you're at the airport, through who leaves -- whose car you leave with in the arrival city. er>> passe aren't notified whether they're placed under surveillance. in a statement, t tsa tells nbc news, the primary purpose of this program is toe ens passengers and flight crews are protected during travel. the agency would not whether the program had stopped any terrorists or prevented any threats. >>> it's hard to believe, summer ovis almost er. can you believe it? we'rep wrapping july. travel experts say, though, this is the perfect time to make a last-minute get away plan. new orleans and houston are two cities where four-star properties can be reserved for $100 per night. before you start searching for the deals, there's one other tip when t

. >>> and a shocking revelation from the tsa. why the agency says american citizens not suspected of a crime are being tracked. >>> we start with the deadly california wildfires. it is monday, july 30th. i'm michelle griego. >> i'm emily turner in for kenny choi this morning. many fires are leaving a trail of destruction behind and we are tracking the damage and weather conditions. >> first, two wildfires in mendocino and lake counties. anne makovec is in lakeport this morning, where the entire area is under an evacuation order. >> reporter: we are at highway 29 and highway 175 here. just last night you could see the glow of orange flames behind me on the hillside. that's no longer there. last word, this fire was 10% contained. this is the mendocino complex fire, which is two separate fires they are working on together. one is burning west of lakeport and one is north of lakeport. 48 square miles have burned and more than 10,000 homes and businesses are threatened in lake and mendocino counties. six homes have burned and about 750

it's part of the tsa's quiet skies program. obe" first revealed details about it over the weekend. we learned the goal is to prevent threats from terrorists. air marshalls say it's a time consuming and expensive way to track people that are not a threat. jonathan hunt has more. jonathan? >> shep, this is an undercover program that bottles down to this. the monitoring of passengers in-flight behavior that is considered to be suspicious even if the passenger in question has no known links to terrorism. the computer program identifies passengers that raise any red flags and whose activities might match current threat intelligence. air marshals may monitor the passenger in flight noticing changes of clothes, technology use and heavy sweating and rest room use. american citizens and travelers from overseas may be the targets, which is a behavioral profiling program. the tsa says they do not single anyone out on the basis of race or religion. they won't say whether the quiet skies surveillance led to any arrests or breaking up of terr

lot of >> in terms of the tsa, how extensive is the tsa program? we have an idea of how many air marshals there are and what their normal workload is? air marshalsl service is under tsa. 2016, their budget was $800 million. they have a little under 3000 air marshals flying around the country every day. there are more than 40,000 flights domestically every day. there is a small percentage of where they are going to be. leads to them being assigned to follow a southwest flight attendant who was working a flight because she had suspicious travel patterns, probably job-related. that is where we are at. link to y your piece. this is democracy now! when we come back, we remember ron dellums. ♪ [music break] amy: "party at the nsa." remember rondell loans died mondayms, who at the age of 82. he led the congressional opposition to the the and not more and apartheid in south africa. he became the first self-described socialist to be elected to congress. he served in the house for 27 years. he was a lifelong fears activists who pushed for a probe into u.s. c

>> that's -- i mean, that's the question. tsae the existence of this program. but i'll tell you that i've talked to more than a dozen air marshals, and they came forward because they want to know what they're doing and why this is important and how is this not a huge waste of taxpayer money. >> in terms of numbers indictments you see show there are about 50 to 60 passengers passengers a day that are being followed and what happens when they get off the flight? >> these are great questions. we didn't even know this program existed. so for sure if you're on this you don't know. i don't know how you would. i would direct those questions to tsa for sure. >> do we know if these people then join some sort of a list that tsa keeps a track of? are they expunged, do they stay on it for a while? any idea of that? >> we know that in the past air marshal teams have been assigned to surveil someone in this capacity. in those cases it was someone who was under investigation for terrorism by the fbi. in those cases the same activity reports, ch

we're learning the details of a secret tsa program called quiet skies. t's aimed at gathering details on people's behavior at the airport and on planes here in the united states in hopes of identifying possible threats. now they're tracking average americans not suspected of a crime not under investigation and not on the terrorist watch list. our government regulation correspondent has been working the story for us. what can you tell us? >> speaking to the tsa it's been revealed over the weekend that for the past eight years they have been tracking ordinary americans who have no obvious ties to terrorism and they've been tracking them as they are on their flights. the tsa won't divulge too much about this program but they will say that there are certain things that they're looking at. they're able to decide who they're going to track based on their past travel patterns, have they ever traveled to a terrorism hot spot or any information that they've received from the intel community that says, hey, we need to look at this individual. once they've determine

. >>> the tsa just announced a new technology that it says can do something new, making travel safer for everyone. >>> new developments in the push to phase out plastic in san francisco, the vote by city supervisors. >>> new legislation that could make utilities like pg&e less liable in the event of wildfires. >>> the tsa's ruling on a new high-tech tool, and leah gabriel tells us he could make your next trip to the airport a little smoother.>> reporter: the tsa is unveiling the latest addition to its high-tech screening arsenal, computed tomography, a scanner with the capability of providing a three- dimensional image that can be reviewed and rotated for a more thorough analysis. >> the goal is to allow passengers to leave their laptops and liquids in the carry-on bags, improving the experience. >> reporter: they are essentially a smaller version of those currently used for checked baggage. hundreds of images are shot with an x-ray camera that spends around an -- a conveyor belt. detecting explosives and more. it will cut down on time by cutting down on long lines at security checkpo

the tsa's new program raising concerns from civil rights groups. ♪ strummed guitar you can't experiencees through a screen. you have to be here, with us. ♪ upbeat music travel through this natural wonder and get a glimpse of amazing, with a glass of wine in one hand, and a camera in the other, aboard rocky mountaineer. canada's rocky mountains await. call your travel agent or rocky mountaineer for special offers now. >>> is the tsa secretly watching you? may be. they have a program called "quiet skies", armed officers tracking every day passengers. passengers have no criminal history and are not on any terror watch list raised a . >> are you going to the bathroom? are you looking in a weird direction? r at the airport? >> a statement from the tsa notes the primary purpose is to ensure flight crew and passengers are protected during travel and is not intended to surveil ordinary americans. this program is implemented up to 50 times a day. >>> new video out of minneapolis where tensions are high. the officers who shot and killed a black man there last month will not be facing charges. the

. >>> coming up for us, is the tsa watching you? maybe. iously undisclosed program come to light. federal air marshals tracking american citizens even when they are not suspected of any crime. what's going on? we have the details next. ♪ ♪ let your perfect drive come together at the lincoln summer invitation sales event. get 0% apr on select 2018 lincoln models plus $1,000 bonus cash. ♪ ♪ booking a flight doesn't have to be expensive. just go to priceline. it's the best place to book a flight a few days before my trip and still save up to 40%. just tap and go... for the best savings on flights, go to priceline. you wouldn't accept an incomplete job from any one else. why accept it from your allergy pills? flonase sensimist relieves all your worst symptoms, including nasal congestion, which most pills don't. and all from a gentle mist you can barely feel. flonase sensimist. you can barely feel. does it look like i'm done?yet? shouldn't you be at work? [ mockingly ] "shouldn't you be at work?" todd. hold on. [ engine revs ] arcade game: fist

>>ep a newt in "the boston globe" reports there's a tsa program that has air marshals tailing u.s. citizens, even though they're not on a watch list. the program is called quiet s. sk the tsa screens every american e tizen, who flies into ths. from certain foreign countries. every day, several dozen passengers are selected for surveillce based on red flags on travel historand other activities. >> air marshals get a photo. and then, they're directed to fill out the reports with every, single thing you do, from the moment you're at the airport, through who leaves -- whose car vau leave with in the arri city. >>> it's hard to believe that summer is almost over. this is the perfect time to make last-minute getaway plans. new orleans an houston are ities where four-star pra properties can bereserved for $100 per night. there's one other tip when traveling affordably. >> don't forget about your points and miles, especially when prices are high and you can get great value for them and you don'tave to pull money out of your pocket. >> if you want to travel abroad, there's good travel deals

the observations are sent back to the tsa. travelers are not notified when they're being monitored. some air marshals complain the program forces them to shadow americans who pose no real threat. the tsa, in a statement to nbc news, says the program is not intended to surveil ordinary americans. senior government officials tell nbc news the quiet skies program has existed since 2010 and that the screening process has since evolved to include dozens of other factors such as suspicious financial transactions. >> there needs to be accountability within the system. there needs to be a reason to interested in them other than just someone selected at random. >> reporter: tsa won't disclose whether the program has stopped any terrorists or prevented any threats. an agency spokesman says the release of such information would make passengers less safe. geoff bennett, nbc news, washington. >>> happening tomorrow, olympic gold medal skier bode miller and his wife morgan are sharing their heart-wrenching story about how they lost their 19-month-old daughter. in an exclusive interview, miller rel

on friday the tsa screened 2.6 million passengers and air crew personnel, making it the second busiest day in tsa history. with the holiday on a wednesday, people have flexibility to travel and considered the holiday starting today and not ending until sunday. >>> happening today, a plea deal for the defendants charged in the warehouse fire. each is facing dozens of involuntary manslaughter charges. >> this is the resolution a lot of victims' families have been waiting for. others say the defendants are getting off too easily. derick almena will be sentenced to nine years and max harris, the promoter, will be sentenced to six. they will get credit for time served, which is more than two years, plus time off for good behavior. each will plead contest to 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter for the december 2016 fire. prosecutors say they were criminally negligent by holding an unlicensed music party at the warehouse. a fire broke out during the party. investigators say the warehouse was full of wood construction including a second floor where dozens of party goers were trapped during t

. ♪ ♪ >> the tsa is training its next generation of talent. >> the agency tasked with keeping the nation'se is looking to increase its ranks with mock, screeni image interpretation and an explosive demonstration. >> at a federal law enforcement training center ino, glync georgia. >> making sure you work on time and your uniform up to par. >> treat everyone with respect. >> the agency is currently anhiring for tho of positions that range from security officers to k-9 handlers at a airportoss the country. entry level salaries depending vary on role and location. with the uptick in the u.s. economy and increases in wages packages.sation i think just like most employers we have steeper c wpetition. work hard to sell the benefits of federal employment to try to attract folks who are a very importantf mission securing america's traveling public. >> new hires like valoria garcia attend t tsa academy and haveit an aional 60 hours or more of instructi with the coach on site at the local airport. accuracy is key and trainees are instructed on using x-ray machines to follow protocol and working with

part of it, look, most people haven't traveled overseas, we are lucky to have organizations like the tsahat are looking out for this, i just got back from somalia and i got to tell you, you are going through some of the airports over there, if you remember not too long ago, the airport in somalia where somebody was able to smuggle a laptop bomb and intent oncoming to strike here news the u.s. but fortunately they blew up the bomb before it could get here. it's almost embarrassing how easy it is to smugged, we can't rely on foreign organizations to help us out here and that's why it's so critical that agents like the tsa are there, if you were to see some other the airports you would be hugging and kissing agents instead of rolling your eyes every time they bring you in to secondary. >> if it hasn't been done already, aclu is going to be up in arms over this and some libertarian republicans i imagine don't like this, what's the response to them? >> they are morons, fourth amendment doesn't protect people in this case, there's no reasonable expectation of privacy when you're talking an air

citizens not in the terrorist screening database or suspected of wrongdoing, according to the tsa. as first revealed, under the program thousands of unsuspecting americans have been watched by armed, undercover air marshal. they took notes on what they do, who they talk to, if they use the bathroom. >> we're seeing examples of the tsa following around people who are no way significantly suspect. the criteria they're applying does not point to people who are potential terrorists. >> reporter: the tsa tells abc 7 news follow individuals who may have erratic travel parns adding it does not take race or religion into account. the president released this statement to the globe saying the air marshal association believes missions based on recognized intelligence are in support of ongoing federal investigations is the proper criteria for flight scheduleding. the program does not meet the criteria we find acceptable. live here in san jose, matt keller, abc 7 news. >> thank you, matt. >>> and there appears to be a problem with california's high-speed rail train. it's having trouble maintaini

the tsa believes they'll spot explosives old mare cleans could miss. ort ahead of the official debut tomorrow. kris, good morning. >> good morning. this is the scanner here at jfk and it's coming online when there's still the potential for some explosives that may get past the machines. that's why they're asked to take liquids, powders, and food out of their bags. they believe this machine could remove all of that. this brand-new 3-d scanner at jfk airport can see just about everything in a carry-on bag to capture a potential threat. here's what they see now. look closely. can you spot the knife? >> that's why the tsa asks you to you laptop. man itch late it around, and there it is. we got a first look last year. they work like a ct in the hospital. giving screeners the ability to zoom in and rotate the bag. american airlines donated eight including one at jfk. >> we think perhaps in five years or so, the passengers won't have to take anything out of the bag. they call the technology revolution are revoluti revolutionary. >> what they're capable of doin

let somebody else do the intelligence and criminal investigative work. >> reporter: the tsa insists the program's goal is to ensure the safety of passengers and flight crews during flight, that it is not intended to surveil ordinary ♪ ♪ degree motionsense™. ultimate freshness with every move. the more you move, the more it works. degree®, it won't let you down. the more you move, gives skin the moisture it needs and keeps it there longer with lock-in moisture technology skin is petal smooth after all, a cleanser's just a cleanser unless it's olay. >>> two minneapolis police officers were not face charges in the fatal shooting last month of a black man who was running away from him. the prosecutor says the shooting was justified. body cam video shows thurman blevins had a gun and refused orders to stop and show his hands. at a news conference today the prosecutor was shouted down by blevins' friends and family. they say blevins did not pose a threat. >>> a second lawsuit was filed today in the missouri duck boat tragedy that killed 17 people. william and michelle bright's three daughters

the tsa explains the so-called

. >>> a secret program involving air marshals, the tsa and behavior of every day passengers being tracked more on the program. >> passengers are already used to the routine. take out yourelectr wait down. tonight a report about a where passengers are secretly being watched on the plane and after they land is raising some concerns. it is called quiet skies and specifically targets u.s. citizens not in the terrorist screening database or suspected of wrongdoing according to tsa. >> we're seeing examples of the tsa following around people who are in way significantly suspect. the criteria they're applying does not point to people who are potential terrorists. >> as first revealed to the globe, armed undercover air marshalls have been taking notes on what passengers do, who they talk to. some of the behaviors they watch for are excessive fi iv iv iv e cold penetrating stair or if they boarded last. but the air marshall association president is worried, releasing this statement. the air marshall association believes that missions based on recognizing intelligence or in support of ongoing feder

if we look, the tsa's mission is to prevent an attack by using an airline or at an airport. m your business background, after 9/11 and the stock market. we saw several airlines that went bankrupt following those attacks. it is not only the safety and security of the airways, it is that we have to have confidence in the security of our air travel around the country. very important to business as well. >> sandra: john, the tsa in their defense talks about observing behavioral detection and that's where the gray line lies, right? the globe shows the checklist for armed undercover air marshals that ask if the passenger in question is gripping or white knuckling their bags, have a jump in their adams apple or cold, penetrating stare. >> you are worried that they're checking the box. he was gripping his bag tightly and now he is on a list. my boss was on a terror watch list. there are mistakes in the bureaucracies. it is a good thing focusing on behavior. you go overseas and people observe your behavior. if someone is competent and qualified to observe behavior you want to look for

. >>> a pas for miami was all ready to go to barbados until he went throu the tsa at the airport. >> come on, seriously.ge >>s sized this python from the passenger. ssenger was fine. u.s. wish and wildlife took the snake. >> it's a computer. >> and looks like it's in pabtty hose or something. >> what's he going to do in barbados? >> four y things need to know. sunny and hot for today. not too humid. but the heat and humidity back in time. thursday and friday through the week. we're going to check in on i had been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. i serve in the general assembly and we work togethet across the aisle tohings done. and that's the way it is at ctca. what fred needed was a management team. not just to long-term strategy for quantity of life, but also an active strategy for quality of life. my psa is under control. ctca gave me an opportunity to accomplish my goals and my dreams. cancercenter.com/philadelphia appointments available now. >>> you're watching "news 4 today." zbll hey, he zbll. >> hey, hey, ho, ho, kavanaugh has got to go. >> the eotesters are w outside

. >> 17 after the hour, the tsa under fire over a secret surveillance program we told you about yesterdayw the agency is responding to critics this morning. millions of illegal immigrants in the us and one democrat has plans to solve the crisis. give them amnesty. growing backlash to that. ♪ are you ready to take your wifi to the next level? then you need xfinity xfi. a more powerful way to stay connected. it gives you super fast speeds for all your devices, provides the most wifi coverage for your home, and lets you control your network with the xfi app. it's the ultimate wifi experience. xfinity xfi, simple, easy, awesome. >> hope you are having a good morning, welcome back. in new jersey cemetery accused of trashing dozens of american flags left by the graves of loved ones under fire again, a woman finding the flags for her fallen firefighters grave thrown out on a trailer in the back of lakeview cemetery. she says the cemetery told her the flags had to be removed to mow the lawn but this is the first time there has been a problem. rob: this american flag honoring a fallen hero will be

the tsa is training its next generation of talent the agency tasked with keeping the nation's skies safey looking to add to its ranks. instructors are preparing new officers with mock screenings, image interpretation and even an explosives demonstration >> 3 -- >> 2, 1. >> reporter: at a federal law enforcement training centerin georgia. >> what makes a great officer is a sense of being responsible, making sure you're at work on time, your uniform up to par, always have professionalism, treat everyone with respect. >> reporter: the mandatory training is extensive. new hires spend two weeks in georgia and a minimum of 60 hours with a coach on site at their local airport. >> it doesn't stop here. when they go back to the airports, they'll have plenty of training and people to help them out. >> reporter: a native new yorker, he remembers 9/11 well and takes his work at the tsa seriously to prevent another incident. >> it just takes one mistake so we've always got to stay on top of our game. thankfully because of the academy and all the training we're getting throughout the airport and worki

-mexico border wall. >>> and a shocking revelation from the tsa. e agency says american citizens not suspected of a crime are being tracked. >>> we start with the deadly california wildfires. it is monday, july 30th. i'm michelle griego. >> i'm emily turner in for kenny choi this morning. many fires are leaving a trail of destruction behind and we are

sent back tions are to the tsa. travelers are not notified when they are being monitored. some air marshals complain the rogram forces them to shado americans who pose no real threat. the tsa in a statement to nbc news says the program is not intended t surveil ordinary s. americ senior government officials tell nbc news the quiet skies program hasxisted since 2010, and that the screening process has since evolved to include dozens of other factors such as suspicious financial transactions. >> there need to beun acbility within the system. there needs to be a reasonin toe rested in them other than someone justelected at random. >> reporter: tsa won't disclose whether the program spped any terrorists or exposed any threats. a spokesman says the release of any suchou information make passengers feel less safe. >>> troubles in florida'swa rways a. toxic and foullg smelling a is causing health concern. it again spreading sever weeks it can us a skin irritation and harm to the liver and the nervous system >>> if you are trying to save on ur gas bill and stay cool this summer clo

you're looking for a threat that's so small it's less than a needle in the haystack. >> reporter: the tsa tells nbc news the primary purpose of the program is to ensure passengers and flight crew are protected during air travel. we recently talked to tsa chief about the air marshals. >> for passengers, i think they should feel safe and secure that we have a federal air marshal service that does provide that in-flight security. >> reporter: travelers are never told they have been followed and activities documented, raising privacy concerns. >> it should go without saying government agents shouldn't be monitoring travelers without a good reason for doing so. >> reporter: the air marshal complains it's a waste of time. the american public woul b to airport check-in areas so active shooter events could be swiftly ended. tom costello, nbc news, washington. >>> president trump's attorney rudy giuliani raised eyebrows today questioning whether colluding with russia is a crime. just a day before the start of the first trial in the russia probe for former trump campaign chairman paul manafort. all

the tsa filing back after accusations it has been tracking us travelers who might be potential terroristsve the latest. >> reporter: recently designed program designed to keep you safe drying fire for secretly tracking us citizens not on a terrorist watchlist or suspected of a crime, confirming it began in 2010 with the aim of preventing another 9/11. >> officers are trained in behavioral detection. they are already looking for somebody acting erratically, someone exhibiting signs that other people who have executed attacks on airports and airplanes. >> reporter: under this program as travelers pastoral airport security a computer algorithm spots those whose travel and activities match current threat intelligence. a human team that's the information and if there is a red flag in the flyer as background that person may be followed for his or her travel and watched. one attorney for the aclu saying, quote, they are watching travelers in secret and doing it without any suspicion of wrongdoing. a tsa official told foxnews the idea that ordinary us citizens are being surveilled is wrong. >> av

the tsa quietly observing americans for years. the behavior that could get you flagged. >> and a shark stolen right out of its tank. the thieves caught in the act. how they used a stroller to pull it off. >> and would you pay $1 billion for this view? the mountain top property is bigger ron dellums rose to become an congressman... >>> a figure in bay area politics has died. ron was a congressman. he started on the berkeley city council, and then went off in washington in the middle of the anti-vietnam war movement. he worked in the house and chaired the powerful armed services committee. >> he was dynamic, he was bright, he was able, he was charming, and he could convention the southern congressmen--convince the suspicious earn can he think- -the southern congressmen to vote with him. nelson mandela thanked him personally during a bay area visit in 1990. he died today of cancer at the age of 82. >>> flags flew at half staff at the federal building in oakland. plans for a memorial service are still pending. >>> well a group of bay a

>> in a statement, the tsa says the primary purpose of this program is tensure that passengers an flight crew are protenned during air travel, and it's not intended to survey ordinary amevecans. hower, some civil libertarians have criticized the program. > if you still have the urge for a late summer getaway you can get a nicepr surise when you make yourva resons. experts say it's much cheaper to travel in august. that's because families are focused on back-to-school. more focused on that i should say than soaking up your sun your dollar will go farther if you travelo a hot location. if hurricanes don't scare you, you can get a great deal on a cruise. >> news 4 uncovers slowdowns in a project that's meant to speed up your commute. >> next, how amtrak tells us it's getting back on track. >>> garbage unleashed in the . bsapeaay w making the mess of one of the most beautiful water ways. >>> and we've got rain not not only today, but pretty much all of ts workweek. we do have sunshine, too, and the heaviest rain trying to make its way along i-95. we'll time out the rnai >>> back now with a l

the quiet skies program and how the tsa is responding. >>> we check back in with steve paulson with detailsbay area forecast. stay with us. you could save energy by living off the grid. completely. or... just set the washing machine to cold. do your thing. with energy upgrade california. ♪ strummed guitar you can't experience the canadian rockies through a screen. you have to be here, with us. ♪ upbeat music travel through this natural wonder and get a glimpse of amazing, with a glass of wine in one hand, and a camera in the other, aboard rocky mountaineer. canada's rocky mountains await. call your travel agent or rocky mountaineer for special offers now. >>> new at noon, facebook today removed 32 accounts involved in what it called a coordinated influence campaign and of the november midterm elections and described the efforts as sophisticated. the social media giant cannot tied the count to russia but said it is part of the facebook's investigation into the 2016 election interference. more than 290,000 users followed one of those accounts. a. >> transportation security administration is p

. >>> the tsa came for your laptops and your liquids and shoes and now they are after your snacks. passengers at airports across the country are reporting that tsa agents are telling them to remove their snacks and other food items from their carry-ons and put them in plastic bins for separate screening. a tsa spokeswoman told the washington post it's not a part of the agency's standard policy, but a recommendation issued last year to help speed the bag check process. >>> chaos rocked downtown portland today to opposing protest groups that clashed. soon after firefighters and smoke bombs exploded. >>> ballooning costs of college isn't the only thing many students face. another growing problem, homelessness. after two opposing groups -- patriot prayer and antifa -- clash. peopl >>> a riot in downtown portland after two opposing groups, patriot prayer and antifa clashed. people were lighting fire crackers, smoke bombs, throwing eggs and water bottles into the crowd. that's when police shot canisters filled with pepper spray. police revoked patriot prayers permits for the rally after t

the tsa has no issues getting away with touching.t accord after a federal appeals court that the tsa agents and security screeners can't be sued for false arrest and the judge noted it would be up to congress to enact legislation that would hold tsa agents accountable. boy, i wish they would get to that. that is what is happening now. turn into earnings season getting underway tomorrow as they report their latest quarterly results. chief investment strategist here with a look at it that patients for the s&p 500. good morning, sam. >> good morning, sheryl. i'll get to the specifics on the second. you made a very interesting comment. they need to come to terms with what has been in what may be. what do you mean by that? >> it appears as if investors are preoccupied with second-quarter earnings results are pretty much ignoring what is going on overseas at the trade war dispute. as time goes on, we will need to address that in the markets we will see increased volatility. this is the third order of the midterm election year, which histor

we recently talked to the tsa chief about the air marshals. >> for passengers, i think they should feel very safe and secure that we have a federal air marshall service that does provide that inflight security. >> reporter: but travelers are never told they've been followed, raising privacy concerns. >> it should go without saying that government agents shouldn't be monitoring travelers without a good reason for doing so. >> reporter: and the air marshals union complains the program is a waste of time. the american public would be better served if these marshals were instead assigned to airport screening and check-in areas so that active shooter events can be swiftly ended. tom costello, nbc news, washington. >>> another break here tonight. when we come back, the latest evidence that the trump administration has meant big things in the book business. we learn tonight about the next big book on the way. that when "the 11th hour" continues. ♪ >> last thing before we go tonight is about what will happen on september 11th of this year. that's the day bob woodward's new book will be publishe

>> reporter: the information then sent to tsa headquarters. the primary purpose of this program is to ensure they are protected during air travel. passengers are selected for surveillance if other factors raise concern, including criminal records, financial transactions, e-mails or phone numbers that could be tied to terrorism. we recently talked to tsa chief about the air marshals. >> we keep their presence covert because we don't want oured a ve adversaries to know. >> reporter: some federal air marshals complained the program is a waste of money. the union saying the american public would be better served if the marshals were instead assigned to airport screening and check-in areas so events could be ended. >> it should go without saying that government agents shouldn't be monitoring travelers without a good reason for doing so. >> tom costello reporting. tsa says passengers can be on the quiet skies list for up to three months after returning to the u.s. from an overseas flight. >>> this is an nbc news special report. here's lester holt. >>

the tsa screens every american citizen, who flies into the u.s. from certain foreign countries. every day, several dozen passengers are selected for anrveillance based on red flags on travel historother activities. >> air marshals get a photo. and then, they're directed to ll out the reports with every, single thing you do, from the moment you're at the airport, through who leaves -- whose car you leave with in the arrival city. >> passengers aren't note if ied if they're placed under surveillance. the tsa makes a statement saying, p themary purpose of this program is to make sure flight crews and passengers are protected during travel. it's not intended to surveil ordinary americans. the agency has not saidf it stopped any terrorists or prevented my threats. >>> this wednesday, not just humpday in the middle of the week. it's august 1st. summer, where did you go. travel expert says this is the time to make last-minute reservations. new orleans and houston, two of the cities where four-star pr t properties can be reserved for $100 per night. before you start searching for deals,

the tsa confirmed it first began in 2010 with the aim of preventing another 9/11. >> tsa officers areined in behavioral detection and so they are already looking for somebody who is acting erratically, who makes them extremely nervous, someone who is exhibiting signs that other people who have executed attacks on airports and airplanes have exhibited. >> under this program, as travelers pass through airport security, a computer algorithm spots those whose travel and activities match with current threat intelligence. a human team then bets the information and if there is a red flag in the flyer's background, that person may be followed through his or her travel and watched. one attorney for the aclu saying "they are watching travelers in secret and they are doing it without any suspicion of actual wrongdoing." but it tsa official tells fox news the program has a system of checks and balances, including with the agency calls robust oversight. so the idea that ordinary u.s. citizens are being surveilled is wrong. >> average americans would not come close to qualifying for inclusion in th