(CNN) – The lesson of the film "The Blind Side" is that one act of kindness is all it takes to turn a life around. Actor Quinton Aaron starred with Sandra Bullock in the Oscar-winning film, and he's taking that lesson to heart. He's in Washington today promoting the nonprofit group, "Children Uniting Nations," which pairs at-risk and foster kids with mentors. He joined us on Wednesday's American Morning, along with Beatrice Franklin who was mentored through the program.
A U.S. Navy MZ-3A manned airship provides logistical support for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. (U.S. Navy photo via Getty Images)
(CNN) – Rough seas, high winds and thunderstorms are the last thing cleanup crews in the Gulf of Mexico need right now. It's challenging enough to spot oil slicks and skim them off the ocean surface in calm conditions. But a new tool is helping crews put a small dent in this enormous disaster. It's a blimp, and we have been granted exclusive access to climb aboard. Our Rob Marciano and Amber Lyon report. Watch
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/POLITICS/07/21/agriculture.employee.usda/t1main.sherrod.02.cnn.jpg caption="The agriculture secretary will review the case of former employee Shirley Sherrod, who resigned after controversy over a video about her work with a white farmer."]
(CNN) – A black former Agriculture Department official who resigned under pressure after a video clip surfaced of her discussing a white farmer said Wednesday the agency's decision to review her case is "bittersweet," but said she isn't sure she would accept her job back if it is offered.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said early Wednesday that he will review the case of Shirley Sherrod, who resigned Monday after the video clip first appeared on a conservative website and later on Fox News.
In the video, Sherrod, the former USDA director of rural development for Georgia, seems to tell an audience at an NAACP function in March that she did not do her utmost to help a white farmer avoid foreclosure.
However, Sherrod later said the clip only shows part of her comments, and that she tells the story of her experience - from nearly a quarter century ago when she was not a federal employee - to illustrate the importance of moving beyond race.
"I am, of course, willing and will conduct a thorough review and consider additional facts to ensure to the American people we are providing services in a fair and equitable manner," Vilsack said in a statement.
The USDA's decision is "bittersweet," Sherrod told CNN's "American Morning" on Wednesday. Watch
Members of the Tea Party movement protest on May 25, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Getty Images)
(CNN) – There will be a big "tea party" on Capitol Hill today. The newly-minted congressional Tea Party Caucus holds its first official meeting on Wednesday. How will the new status impact the growing Tea Party movement? Our Jim Acosta takes a look. Watch
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack testifies on Capitol Hill July 22, 2009. (Getty Images)
(CNN) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said early Wednesday that he will review the case of a former Agriculture Department official who resigned after a video clip surfaced of her discussing a white farmer.
"I am, of course, willing and will conduct a thorough review and consider additional facts to ensure to the American people we are providing services in a fair and equitable manner," Vilsack said in a statement.
Shirley Sherrod – an African-American – resigned Monday under pressure after the video clip first appeared on a conservative website and later on Fox News. In the video, she seemed to tell an audience she did not do her utmost to help a white farmer avoid foreclosure. However, Sherrod later said the clip only shows part of her comments, and that she tells the story of her experience - from nearly a quarter century ago when she was not a federal employee - to illustrate the importance of moving beyond race. Watch