American Morning
Gut Check: Race Relations
The NAACP-Tea Party debate has at times escalated into name-calling and accusations of racism. It's ugly – and a far cry from those days when many Americans thought we had turned a corner on race relations with the election of America's first African-American president. Observers say it's the same racial stalemate America's been stuck in for years. Still, not so long ago, Americans were hopeful.
Gulf animal shelters packed with abandoned pets
Many have seen the heart-breaking images of pelicans and turtles in the gulf covered in crude and choking for air, but there are many new victims of the oil spill. Hundreds of pets in Louisiana are being abandoned by their owners. Sadly with jobs vanishing and money tight, people simply can't afford to feed them. Local Louisiana shelters are swamped. Randi Kaye reports.
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Editor's Note: Welcome to American Morning's LIVE Blog where you can discuss the "most news in the morning" with us each week day. Join the live chat during the show by adding your comments below. It's your chance to share your thoughts on the day's headlines. 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 $#&*).
No oil leaking as BP conducts critical pressure tests in Gulf oil well
New Orleans, Louisiana (CNN) - A highly anticipated test designed to measure pressure within BP's ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well finally began Thursday, and for the first time in nearly three months, oil stopped flowing into the Gulf.
The move was lauded by a variety of officials as a positive step, accompanied by a strong note of caution that the cutoff was simply part of the test, as BP and government experts try to assess how the well is holding up.
The test got under way after two days of delays, first as government scientists scrutinized testing procedures and then as BP replaced a leaking piece of equipment known as a choke line.
The data are being particularly closely scrutinized at six-hour intervals. Higher pressure readings mean the well is containing the oil, while lower pressure means some is leaking out.
The "well integrity" test could end after one of the six-hour periods, if the results are disappointing. But it could go on for 48 hours. The longer it goes, the better indications are that the well is holding with a custom-made sealing cap. Read More
Wall Street reform: On to Obama
WASHINGTON (CNNMoney.com) - The Senate on Thursday afternoon passed the most sweeping set of changes to the financial regulatory system since the 1930s, sending the Wall Street reform bill to President Obama.
The Senate voted 60 to 39 to pass the reforms, ending more than a year-long effort to pass legislation in response to the 2008 financial crisis. Obama is expected to sign the bill into law next week.
The bill aims to strengthen consumer protection, rein in complex financial products and head off more bank bailouts.
To secure enough votes, Senate Democrats made lots of deals, which watered down the bill. For example, Wall Street banks will get wiggle room to make limited risky bets, which is tougher than the current law, but weaker than earlier drafts. Read More
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Tea Party vs. NAACP: Tea Party activist denies racism
Members of the tea party are fighting back after the head of the NAACP demanded they denounce the racists members of the movement. Reverend C.L. Bryant is a member of the tea party, who also used to be a chapter president for the NACCP, spoke with American Morning Thursday.
iPhone 4: There's not an app for that
Apple hoping to quiet the serious static over complaints its new I-phone 4 loses reception when you touch the antenna on the lower left-hand side. The company will hold a press conference tomorrow. but little else is known.So what can we expect? CNN.com technology writer John Sutter spoke with American Morning Thursday.
Watch 
BP replaces leaking line, back on track with critical tests
New Orleans, Louisiana (CNN) - BP replaced a leaking piece of equipment Thursday and hoped to resume procedures leading up to a vital well pressure test that could put an end to the oil that has been gushing into Gulf of Mexico for the last 12 weeks, said a top company official.
The "integrity" test is intended to measure pressure readings from inside the well. If the pressure readings are satisfactory, the valves on the new containment cap could remain closed, preventing oil from flowing into the sea.
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