Stories by Alyssa Figueroa

Alyssa Figueroa is an associate editor at AlterNet. Follow her on Twitter @alyssa_fig. subscribe to Alyssa Figueroa's feed

Obama Speech Interrupted: "Medea Benjamin Gets in News Conferences Using 'CodePink Magic'" (WATCH)

Posted on: May 23, 2013, Source: AlterNet

During Obama's speech on Thursday, CODEPINK's co-founder Medea Benjamin demanded the closure of GITMO and the end of his killer drone program.

WATCH: Stewart Ridicules Obama for Apparent Cluelessness on Administration's Latest Scandals

Posted on: May 15, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Obama on when he learned about IRS targeting conservative groups: "I think it was on Friday."

College Execs have Private Jets? New Report Finds Public University Presidents Live Large

Posted on: May 14, 2013, Source: AlterNet

While college students struggle to afford an education, public university presidents are making big bucks.

The Media Apparently Has No Idea How to Deal With a Black Hero

Posted on: May 10, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Why wouldn’t the media want to address Ramsey’s comical yet wise comments about race and its sociological effects?

Casinos Are Booming Thanks to State Governments' Need to Exploit Gambling Addicts for Revenue

Posted on: May 3, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Slot machine losses are taxes on suffering addicts to prevent states from going bust.

Are the Banks Already Orchestrating Another Meltdown?

Posted on: Apr 19, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Wall Street is selling the exact same risky mortgage bundles that crashed the economy in 2008.

WATCH Chris Matthews: ‘Can't the FBI Just Racially Profile Boston Suspects from Photos?’

Posted on: Apr 19, 2013, Source: AlterNet

“Not to be into racial profiling...” Matthew warns, before he asks if we can racially profile.

PLAY: “Space Invaders” With a Twist -- New “Tax Evaders” Game Makes Corporations Pay Fair Share

Posted on: Apr 11, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Paid your taxes? Mad that major corporations don’t? Play this game to let off some steam.

The Real Problem with Education Today? Kids Hate School -- and Here's Why

Posted on: Apr 8, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Author Peter Gray talks about why children today have such trouble learning.

Watch: Melissa Harris Perry Slams Lawmakers Who Want to Tie Welfare Benefits to Student Grades

Posted on: Apr 8, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Parents who receive TANF benefits would see their payments reduced by 30 percent if their children perform poorly in school.

NRA Certificate and “Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting” Found in Adam Lanza’s Home

Posted on: Mar 28, 2013, Source: AlterNet

New reports reveal troubling discoveries about the Sandy Hook shooter.

Dying for Company: Social Isolation Increases Death Risk in Older People

Posted on: Mar 27, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Regardless of whether people consider themselves lonely, physically being isolated from friends and family comes at a price.

Mayor Bloomberg Doesn’t See Difference Between Drones Flying Over NYC and Security Cameras

Posted on: Mar 26, 2013, Source: AlterNet

“It's scary, but what's the difference? Intellectually, I have trouble making a distinction,” he said.

Tennessee Lawmakers Worry New Mop Sink Is for Muslim Foot Washing

Posted on: Mar 26, 2013, Source: AlterNet

You'd think they'd have more pressing concerns.

Housekeeper Who Stole a Bag of Frozen Meatballs Facing As Much Jail Time As Steubenville Rapist

Posted on: Mar 26, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Why do we stand by this absurd criminal justice system?

Bill Gates to Pay $100,000 for a Better Condom

Posted on: Mar 25, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Gates challenge on how to get people around the world to wear condoms.

George Zimmerman’s Brother Goes on Racist Twitter Tirade

Posted on: Mar 25, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Zimmerman compares Trayvon Martin to a black teen who murdered a baby.

65% of Americans in Favor of Drones; Fewer Than 14% Follow the Issue Very Closely

Posted on: Mar 25, 2013, Source: AlterNet

A new Gallup poll reveals some disturbing findings about Americans' perceptions on drones.

NY Rallies for Gun Control Legislation: 'History Cannot Reflect That We Allowed Sandy Hook to Happen and Did Nothing'

Posted on: Mar 22, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Tony Bennett and Al Sharpton joined a rally in Harlem to demand nationwide gun control legislation.

Sick: Teachers and Students Called 16-Year-Old Girl “Freak,” “Alien,” and “He-She"

Posted on: Mar 22, 2013, Source: AlterNet

She claims that when she went to the principal to complain about the harassment, the principal allegedly replied, “I don’t want a dyke in this school.”

Man in Prison for a Murder He Had No Connection to Will Go Free After 23 Years

Posted on: Mar 21, 2013, Source: AlterNet

"This case killed my whole life . . . I've lived years in a cage, stripped down, humiliated."

GOP Opposition to Immigration Reform Crumbles as Party Desires Hispanic Vote

Posted on: Mar 20, 2013, Source: AlterNet

After the RNC held an “autopsy” of the 2012 election, GOP leaders decide to back immigration reform.

Man Who Spent 23 Years in Prison Despite Having No Connection to Murder Soon to be Released

Posted on: Mar 20, 2013,

"This case killed my whole life … I’ve lived years in a cage, stripped down, humiliated."

10 Best Replies to Rumsfeld's Disgusting Tweet About 'Liberating Iraqis'

Posted on: Mar 20, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Tweeters were quick to reply to the former Defense Secretary's despicable post.

Gawker Publishes George W. Bush's E-mail Address So We Can Wish Him a 'Happy Iraq War Day'

Posted on: Mar 20, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Now you can let Bush know what's on your mind.

Two Girls In Custody For Threatening Steubenville Rape Victim

Posted on: Mar 19, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Ohio Attorney General warns that threats will not be tolerated.

Yikes! Scientists Discover Unsightly Viral Infection Spread Through Shaving or Waxing Pubic Hair

Posted on: Mar 19, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Lawn maintenance may come at a price to your health.

9 Year Olds Launch Campaign to Return Classmate from Mexico

Posted on: Mar 19, 2013, Source: AlterNet

“Bring Rodrigo Home” campaign launches to bring 9-year-old Rodrigo home after his family was denied re-entry into the U.S.

Man Born Without Penis to Get One Built From Arm Skin

Posted on: Mar 18, 2013, Source: AlterNet

And he boasts that he’s slept with more than 100 women.

Fox News Airs Name of 16-Year-Old Steubenville Rape Victim

Posted on: Mar 18, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Fox News’ America’s Newsroom aired the name of the underage victim in the Steubenville rape case.

Cop Fractures Woman’s Face, Says “I’m Going to Push Your Nose Through Your Brain”

Posted on: Mar 18, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Chicago police officer, who has been sued five times in past, stands trial for his most recent abuse.

Republicans: There's No Debt Crisis, We Just Want to Screw the Poor

Posted on: Mar 18, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Appearing on Sunday morning talk shows this weekend, Boehner and Ryan revealed that their push for spending cuts is all about ideology — not economic collapse.

How Much of Your Income Goes Toward Rent? For 11 Million, Shelter Comes at a High Price

Posted on: Mar 14, 2013, Source: AlterNet

The “Homes For All!” campaign launched nationwide Wednesday to demand affordable, secure homes.

Why People React Differently to Panhandlers (Hard Times USA)

Posted on: Mar 8, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Passersby explain why they respond the way they do to people asking for help.

National Week of Action: Youth-Led Immigrant Rights Movement Fights for '11 Million Dreams'

Posted on: Mar 7, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Young DREAMers continue to share their stories to push for immigration reform.

1 Day Late on Rent Can Land You in Jail? A Shockingly Draconian Renters Law (Hard Times USA)

Posted on: Feb 22, 2013, Source: AlterNet

How Arkansas's landlord-tenant law criminalizes the poor.

Why California Politics Is Different from the Rest of the Country

Posted on: Feb 20, 2013, Source: AlterNet

A glimmer of hope rests on the shoulders of a growing Latino population and innovative labor organizing.

Do You Ignore Homeless People?

Posted on: Jan 29, 2013, Source: AlterNet

People may say they want to help the homeless, but their behavior reveals something else.

Updated: Shooting on Texas College Campus

Posted on: Jan 22, 2013, Source: AlterNet

A shooter has shot and injured at least two people in at Lone Star College near Houston.

Will a New Scheme For Clean Energy Investment Break Up the Dirty Energy Stranglehold?

Posted on: Jan 11, 2013, Source: AlterNet

A new project allows regular folks, not just wealthy investors, to fund renewable energy resources.

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