American Morning
Washington's streetcar battle
(CNN) – If the gridlock on Capitol Hill doesn't drive you crazy, the gridlock trying to drive in to D.C. will. That's why city officials are looking to a new version of an old fix for all that congestion: Streetcars.
But not every one in Washington is on-board with this retro idea. Our Kate Bolduan has the AM original report.
Elena Kagan makes the rounds on Capitol Hill
(CNN) – It's become the modern day ritual for a Supreme Court nominee. The meeting, greeting and smiling. Now it is Elena Kagan's turn.
She's back on Capitol Hill today for another round of courtesy calls. A tsunami of press, following her like she's Tiger on the back nine, and dying for her to exercise her First Amendment rights. But they probably won't get much. Our Dana Bash takes a look at the process like you've never seen it before.
LIVE Blog: Chat with us during the show
Editor's Note: Welcome to American Morning's LIVE Blog where you can discuss the "most news in the morning" with us each and every day. Join the live chat during the program by adding your comments below. It's your chance to share your thoughts on the day's headlines. Keep in mind, you have a better chance of having your comment get past our moderators if you follow our rules: 1) Keep it brief 2) No writing in ALL CAPS 3) Use your real name (first name only is fine) 4) No links 5) Watch your language (that includes $#&*).
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/05/13/bp.oil.leak.art.jpg caption="Oil and gas stream from the riser of the Deepwater Horizon well May 11, 2010. "]
BP releases video of spewing oil & gas
(CNN) – We are getting our first look today at the source of the oil leak now menacing the Gulf coast. BP is finally releasing a 30-second clip that puts a face on the enemy. More than 4.5 million gallons of crude have spilled so far. The president is now calling on Congress for $58 million in new emergency funding to fight this looming catastrophe.
In a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi requesting congressional approval of the package, Obama said oil giant BP – which owns the leaking well at the source of the Gulf of Mexico spill – was responsible for all clean-up costs. In addition, Obama said, the government would seek full compensation for all damages from BP.
"We cannot allow the potentially protracted pursuit of claims to prevent us from swift action to help those harmed by this spill," Obama said in the letter.
Jeff Liebman, the acting deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, said the package called for an additional $118 million in spending. Read more
Arizona bans ethnic studies in public schools
Fresh on the heels of a new immigration law that has led to calls to boycott her state, Arizona's governor has signed a bill banning ethnic studies classes that "promote resentment" of other racial groups.
Gov. Jan Brewer approved the measure without public statement Tuesday, according to state legislative records. The new law forbids elementary or secondary schools to teach classes that are "designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group" and advocate "the overthrow of the United States government" or "resentment toward a race or class of people."
The bill was pushed by state school Superintendent Tom Horne, who has spent two years trying to get Tucson schools to drop a Mexican-American studies program he said teaches Latino students they are an oppressed minority. There was no immediate response from the Tucson Unified School District, the law's main target. Read more
Sound off: We want to hear from you this morning. Add your comments to the LIVE blog below and we'll read some of them on the show.
Oil slick threatens oyster business
(CNN) – In the next three minutes, about the time it will take for you to watch this report, nearly 500 more gallons of fresh crude oil will have spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, making the massive oil slick that much more of a menace.
The growing environmental threat has been well-documented, but now we're beginning to see the economic fallout. Our Reynolds Wolf reports from the Mississippi coast where an oyster processing plant has suddenly become a shell of its former self.
What caused Beau Biden's health scare?
(CNN) – Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden is alert and stable after suffering a mild stroke yesterday. The vice president's eldest son is talking and has all of his motor skills. Although he's expected to recover, he's staying under the watchful eye of doctors at a Philadelphia hospital.
Our chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta joined us on Wednesday's American Morning to discuss Biden's condition and what may have caused his symptoms.
Read more: Beau Biden suffers apparent mild stroke, doctors say
Senator Inhofe discusses opposition to Kagan
(CNN) – Just hours after the president announced Elena Kagan as his pick for the Supreme Court, Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Inhofe made his opposition clear.
He says Kagan has a "lack of impartiality" with those who disagree with her, has demonstrated "poor judgment" as the head of Harvard's law school, and he's concerned that she's never been a judge.
Sen. Inhofe joined us from Capitol Hill on Wednesday's American Morning to discuss his stance against Kagan.
Read more: Kagan to meet with senators amid Republican criticism
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