Raw footage from the scene at Fort Hood shooting

Raw footage from the scene at Fort Hood from Austin News channel KXAN:

Fort Hood Citizen Reacts to Shooting

Citizens from across the country are reacting to the recent shooting at Ft. Hood military base, where it has been reported that 12 were killed and 31 wounded. User americalatina07, a Fort Hood resident, just posted her first YouTube video ever because her house in under lock down and she has no way to communicate with the outside world. She also mentions that YouTube and Twitter are her only sources of information, as she doesn't own a television. Watch her account of what's happening here:



For more citizen reaction videos from around the country, see this playlist, which we'll be updating:

PBS Probes the Issue of Hunger in America

This month, as Thanksgiving approaches, YouTube is shining the spotlight on hunger in America. This video from Bill Moyers and PBS digs into food bank shortages in the United States and provides excellent context around the hunger issue. If you can spare 13 minutes, it's worth a watch:

Iran protests turn violent (again) on 30th Anniversary of U.S. Embassy Invasion

A slew of videos were uploaded to YouTube again today documenting protests on the streets of Tehran. This time, the protests marked the 30th anniversary of the United States embassy takeover by Iranian students on November 4, 1979. Many protesters used the opportunity to both commemorate the anniversary and voice their dissent of the current Iranian government led by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Familiar scenes were documented on camera as police forces clashed with members of the opposition movement, releasing tear gas into the crowds.

This footage, captured by a witness from a window above, shows riot police forces assaulting some protesters on the street:

This video shows a man reportedly injured during a protest:

And here's a playlist of other videos that were supposedly taken in Tehran today and uploaded to YouTube:

Reactions to Maine's same-sex marriage decision on YouTube

Yesterday, Maine voters passed "Question 1" to repeal the new state law to allow same-sex marriages. The measure, which passed with 53% of the vote, delivered a major blow to equal rights activists pushing for the legalization of gay marriage around the country.

We've seen dozens of people turning to YouTube to share their reactions and reflections.

Here's a playlist:

Post-Election Day, Citizens React Through YouTube

Yesterday, American citizens headed to the polls to cast their votes. Today, the results are in, and citizens are voicing their opinions about election outcomes through YouTube.

With big wins in New Jersey and Virginia, many are saying that it was a good day for the Republican party. User tailgatetalk, a conservative, disagrees, saying that people came out to support smaller government, not a particular party:



On the other side, Jared from Portland, Maine, woke up at 3:47 this morning to post this vlog, bemoaning the passage of Proposition 1, which outlaws gay marriage:



And user SuzannahArtist, a New York City resident created artwork to express her misgivings about Mayor Bloomberg's third-term win:

Shot for news?

Reporters Without Borders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting freedom of the press around the world, has posted a provocative new video to their YouTube channel as part of a campaign to raise public awareness around the importance of press freedom.

The video, which is meant to be shocking, shows a man get shot while reaching for a newspaper on a city street. According to Reporters Without Borders, 850 journalists have lost their lives in the last 15 years over seeking and providing access to information.

Take a look at the video, and visit www.rsf.org for more information.

Election Day in VA and NJ: A YouTube wrap-up

With the nation's political radar focused on the gubernatorial races today in Virginia and New Jersey, here's a last look at the YouTube campaigns run by the candidates in each race.

Virginia

Democrat Creigh Deeds: 74 total videos

Most viewed video: "Fired Up" (23,900 views). A clip of President Obama's rally for Deeds, uploaded on October 21.



Toughest moment on YouTube: Getting his tounge tied on taxes.

Republican Bob McDonnell: 75 total videos

Most viewed video: "Sheila" (8,596 total views.) Famous billionaire CEO and Democrat Sheila Johnson makes a surprise endorsement of the GOP candidate in the race.



Toughest moment on YouTube: When Sheila Johnson attacked Creigh Deeds ability to "articulate" in a campaign rally for McDonnell; many said her attack went over the line.

New Jersey

Democrat Jon Corzine: 205 videos

Most viewed Video: "If" (122,500 views). An attack ad on opponent Chris Christie, claiming he got off easy on traffic charges and used his power to skirt punishment.



Toughest moment on YouTube: Well, this isn't a YouTube challenge in the strictest sense, but this comedic parody depicting Corzine as "The Tax Man" got some traction (17K views).

Republican Chris Christie: 120 total videos

Most viewed video: "A message for President Obama" (19,800). Christie takes his anti-tax message straight to the President with a YouTube video direct straight at Obama during a visit he made to New Jersey.



Toughest moment on YouTube: A DNC attack piece using footage from the Hill and a townhall, depicting Christie as a loose cannon.

Vodka Perishes in Tragic Warehouse Accident

Via Gizmodo, an unfortunate incident involving a warehouse employee, a forklift, and the destruction of about $250,000 worth of Russian vodka:

Help the Hungry This Thanksgiving

On World Food Day, we asked you to donate to feed the billion hungry people in the world and your response was incredible: over 140,000 children got meals because of you. Thank you.

Now, we're looking at the facts close to home: one in eight Americans don't have enough food to eat, a fact that becomes even harder to digest at this time of year, as we prepare for Thanksgiving, a celebration of food and family.

Through Video Volunteers, we're hoping you can make a video for any nonprofit tackling the issue of hunger in America. You could create a video profiling the work your local food bank is doing or even volunteer to serve a meal at a shelter and record your experience. Hear more from David Arquette, our guest curator for this month's edition of Video Volunteers:



The top three videos submitted on the YouTube Video Volunteers channel will be featured on the YouTube homepage around Thanksgiving, alongside a video from our partner in this effort, Feeding America. Videos must be submitted by November 21 for consideration.

Drew Blames Cancer, Beats Cancer

Drew Olanoff, who created the site "Blame Drew's Cancer" (where citizens can blame Olanoff's cancer for their problems) skyrocketed to techno-stardom when Drew Carey offered him $100,000 for his @drew Twitter handle. Afterwards, Carey offered to match up to 1 million dollars in donations to the LiveStrong Foundation, Lance Armstrong's cancer research org.

Today, Olanoff announced that he had his final chemo today and beat cancer. See the video:

British Taxman heads to YouTube to chase down the scallywags

The UK's tax agency, HM Revenue and Customs, is using YouTube to chase down those who think they can skit paying taxes. Dave Hartnett, the agency's permanent secretary for tax, puts it bluntly in the 2 minute video.

"For some people, offshore bank accounts and tax havens typically conjure up images of exotic and faraway places, well out of the reach of the taxman at home... well, life's just not like that any more. And here's a blunt message from HM Revenue and Customs: times have changed. The taxman now has more powers and more information."

For all those British tax dodgers logging into YouTube from a Cayman Island Internet cafe... watch out. This message is meant for you.