American Morning
Red Cross Spokesperson in Japan: 'It really is a scene from hell'
Japan's coastal town of Otsuchi was one of the hardest hit by the quake and tsunami. The rescue and relief effort is underway there, as officials believe more than half the town's population of 19,000 could be buried under rubble.
Patrick Fuller, the International Red Cross' designated spokesperson in Japan, speaks to Kiran Chetry and Christine Romans about what he's seeing on the ground in Japan.
Third blast rocks Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant
(CNN) Spent fuel rods containing radioactive material may have burned in Tuesday's fire at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant - causing a spike in radiation levels, the plant's owner said.
The blaze started Tuesday morning but was later extinguished, Tokyo Electric Power Company said. It was unclear how much radioactive material may have been emitted, or what kind of health threat that could pose.
Glenn Sjoden, Nuclear Engineering Professor at Georgia Tech University, talks to Kiran Chetry and Christine Romans about the potential effects of the blasts.
Rep. Markey calls for moratorium on new U.S. nuclear plants
In the wake of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) is calling for a moratorium on new nuclear facilities in the United States.
American Morning's Kiran Chetry talks to Rep. Markey about the disaster in Japan and nuclear plans in the U.S.
Japan officials work to cool reactor after overnight explosion
Officials in Japan are working to contain any potential dangers after an explosion occurred overnight at a nuclear facility.
CNN Contributor and International Security Analyst Jim Walsh talks to Christine Romans on American Morning.
CNN Heroes: 'Mother Robin' delivers for poor women in Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia (CNN) - At dawn, two women rise after sleeping on mats outside an Indonesian hospital.
They've waited all night for a chance to see their newborn babies, whom the hospital is holding until the medical bills are paid in full.
"Holding babies until payment is common in Indonesia," said Robin Lim, a midwife who founded birthing clinics in Aceh and the island of Bali.
At this particular hospital in Bali, mothers who don't pay are allowed in twice a day to feed their baby and change their baby's diaper. Those fortunate enough to find the money may take their babies home. Others might relinquish their parental rights and place their babies up for adoption, Lim explained.
"You worry, 'Will I be able to deliver this baby safely into the world?' But you shouldn't have to worry, 'How will I pay for it?' " said Lim, 54.
"Mother Robin," or "Ibu Robin" as she is called by the locals, is working to change that with her Yayasan Bumi Sehat (Healthy Mother Earth Foundation) health clinics. These birthing sanctuaries offer free prenatal care, birthing services and medical aid to anyone who needs it.
And the needs are vast in Indonesia. The average family earns the equivalent of $8 a day, according to the International Monetary Fund, but a normal hospital delivery without complications costs around $70. A Caesarian section can cost more than $700.
Wis. Republicans vote, pass Budget Repair Bill without Democrats
Wisconsin's State Senate Republicans passed a bill that would strip public workers of most of their collective bargaining rights Wednesday.
The Wisconsin Republicans found a way to pass the bill without Democrats present–most are out of state in opposition to the bill– by removing certain parts of the bill that would have required a quorum. Democrats are calling the move a violation of law but the bill will go to the Assembly Thursday where it will likely pass.
State Senator Jon Erpenbach (D) talks to American Morning's Kiran Chetry from Chicago about Wednesday's vote.
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