American Morning
9/11 first responder: Health bill is 'bittersweet,' a 'seven' on scale of 10
(CNN) - A compromise bill to provide free medical treatment and compensation to first responders of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack won final approval Wednesday from the House and Senate, sending it to President Barack Obama to be signed into law. The bill passed on a voice vote in the Senate, and then on a 206-60 vote in the House on the final day of the lame-duck session of Congress. Jubilant Democrats hailed the last-minute approval as a $4.2 billion triumph for firefighters, police officers and other emergency personnel who put themselves in harm's way to help others in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attack.
Today on American Morning, 9/11 first responder John Feal, FealGood Foundation, who lost half a foot during the rescue effort from Sept. 11, 2001, and still suffers from respiratory and post-traumatic stress issues, talks to AM's John Roberts and Carol Costello.
Watch the interview to see why he says the bill is better than any Christmas present.
Overcoming a fear of flying
By Allan Chernoff, CNN Sr. Correspondent
Laura Edmonds has a look of horror on her face as she turns to look out the airplane window. "I'm not crazy about that shake," she exclaims before putting her hand on her heart and closing her eyes. "I'm going to think about my good place," which for Edmonds is her memory of bonding with her son right after his birth.
Edmonds, a 44-year-old realtor from Connecticut, has an intense fear of flying. It's not the threat of terrorism that worries her, but rather the possibility of mechanical failure. She says she imagines the plane plunging to the ground because the engines may fall off. So every few minutes she glances out the window to make sure they're still attached.
It is a fear that has gripped her for 18 years, since her wedding day when she says she obsessed about the flight she would take the following day for her honeymoon to Italy.
"I couldn't enjoy my wedding day. I had this wonderful wedding surrounded by love and family but the only thing I could think about was the next day," says Edmonds.
Theater critic calls 'Spider-Man' show a 'trainwreck'
New York (CNN) - The stage musical "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" will have new safety protocols when it reopens Wednesday night, following an accident in which a performer fell and suffered serious injuries during a preview, officials said. Christopher Tierney, 31, is listed in serious condition, said Bellevue Hospital spokesman Steven Bohlen.
Prior to these recent setbacks, the musical was already the most expensive Broadway show in history.
Today on American Morning, New York Post Theater and Arts Critic Michael Riedel refers to the show as a "trainwreck" and "chaos." He explains to AM's John Roberts and Carol Costello why actors he knows involved in the show are concerned about the safety of the stunts.
Former UConn women's basketball player reacts to winning streak record
The last team to beat Geno Auriemma’s University of Connecticut Huskies was the Stanford Cardinals all the way back in April of 2008.
The UConn women won their 89th consecutive game Tuesday night giving them the longest winning streak in NCAA Division I basketball history. Their new record bested the record set by UCLA's Bruins under John Wooden in the early 1970's.
Renee Montgomery played with the Huskies last season and currently plays with the WNBA's Connecticut Sun. She joins American Morning's John Roberts today to talk about her former team's incredible feat and their coach Geno Auriemma.
Cady Coleman from space: Try your hardest, 'real people do have their dreams come true'
American Morning has been following NASA astronaut Cady Coleman's journey to space for over a year now. We've spent time with her at her home in Massachusetts. We've watched her as she trained for the mission in zero gravity across the globe in bases in Russia, Japan, and here in the United States.
Today on American Morning, Coleman is with us live from aboard the International Space Station with fellow NASA astronaut Paolo Nespoli. Coleman talks with John Roberts, Carol Costello, and John Zarrella about her incredible adventure.
Watch the interview to hear her talk about what she brought along with her, how she's keeping in touch with family, and how her dreams are coming true up in space.
Worried winter weather could ground your travel plans? Pack these tips
We've seen some wild weather coming out of Europe this past week. Snow caused closures and airport delays at London's Heathrow airport, leaving thousands trapped and unsure of their holiday travel plans. With snow a possibility in parts of the country this weekend what can you do in case you get stuck? What rights do you have in terms of ticket refunds and hotel vouchers?
Today on American Morning, Carol Costello talks to Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor, Travelocity, for the best troubleshooting tips if your holiday trip becomes a holiday nightmare
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Welcome to the American Morning blog where you can get daily news updates from American Morning's reporters and producers. Join us for "the most news in the morning," weekdays from 6-9 a.m. ET, only on CNN.
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