American Morning
Closing arguments in Michael Jackson death trial begin today – did the prosecution prove its case?
After six weeks of dramatic testimony, the involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray is coming to an end. Jurors will hear closing arguments from the prosecution and defense Thursday. Deliberations on Dr. Conrad Murray's fate expected to begin late Thursday or Friday.
Carol Costello sits down with CNN legal contributor Paul Callan to discuss the key question: did the prosecution prove its case?
Study links Chantix to increased depression, suicide – Sanjay Gupta weighs in
A new study suggests that Chantix, a drug used to help people quit smoking, should not be used as a first-line treatment for smoking cessation, due to the risk of serious adverse effects. Previous research showed a link between increased heart attack risk while using Chantix. This new study found that Chantix appears to increase the risk of suicidal behavior.
Carol Costello and Cristine Romans speak with CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta to break down the study's findings.
Can Herman Cain's campaign handle bad press around the sexual assault allegations? Our panel weighs in
Herman Cain's presidential campaign continues to descend into full blown crisis mode. A third woman has reportedly stepped forward to say she too was the victim of unwanted advances from Cain. But Cain claims that this is simply one more example of what he calls an "appalling smear campaign."
Cristine Romans sits down with republican strategist Ed Rollins and crisis communications adviser Ronn Torossian to get their thoughts on how Cain's campaign should manage the bad press.
AM Minding Your Business for Nov. 3, 2011
Today on American Morning, Christine Romans reports on the morning business news headlines.
Today we're watching:
* As of this writing, U.S. stock futures are trading sharply lower ahead of the opening bell. And world markets are down too this morning - all because of Greece, which is topping the agenda at the G20 summit that kicks off today in Cannes, France.
* In the U.S., we'll get a fresh read on the employment situation in this country later this morning. The initial jobless claims report is expected to show that 401,000 unemployment claims were filed for the first time last week. Any time this number comes in above that 400,000, it's not a good sign for the labor market.
* More bank fees. TD Bank showing no signs of fear about a customer rebellion. It's rolling out a brand new $9 fee on savings account transactions. But it only kicks in after six transactions are made during a billing cycle. The bank also plans to hike four other fees that are already in place.
* A big time place for bargains – going broke. All Syms and Filene's Basement department stores will be closed by the end of January.
* A group of lawmakers has a plan on the table to save the cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service. It would cut Saturday service within two years and close a number of post offices, while offering buyouts to 100-thousand employees.
Tune in to American Morning at 6am Eastern every day for the latest in business news.
Talk Back: Do we understand what constitutes sexual harrasment?
From CNN's Carol Costello:
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You'd think that after the nation watched the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill scandal unfold in 1991, we'd all understand by now what exactly constitutes sexual harassment. But the accusations leveled against Herman Cain have brought these questions back to the forefront.
Some, like conservative radio host Laura Graham, claim that Herman Cain's accusers have an ulterior motive.
"We have seen this movie before and we know how it ends," Graham said Monday. "It always ends up being an employee who can't perform or who under-performs and is looking for a little green."
We don't even know the accuser's name – or her version of the story. Yet she's under attack. And yes, so is Herman Cain.
But let's put politics aside and talk about an issue that still seems to confuse us.
Critics say an undue focus on sexual harassment have made workplaces too politically correct.
"There are people now who hesitate to tell a joke to a woman in the workplace, any kind of joke, because it could be interpreted incorrectly," Senator Rand Paul told the National Review.
But women's advocates say sexual harassment is the most important issue in the workplace for women. They argue that it denies them equal employment opportunity. And if they choose to file a claim, it puts them in a no-win situation.
According to its legal definition, sexual harassment can include "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical harassment of a sexual nature." But it can also mean making offensive comments about women in general to the point where it creates a hostile work environment.
Talk Back: Do we understand what constitutes sexual harrasment?
Let us know what you think. Your answer may be read on this morning's broadcast!
Molly Katchpole on her role in influencing Bank of America to abandon debit card fees
After widespread customer complaints, Bank of America announced yesterday that they are dropping its planned $5 debit card usage fee. Other banks, including Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase, have also scrapped their plans to charge fees on debit card transactions.
Activist Molly Katchpole, who started grassroots campaign against the fee, was one of the forces that influenced Bank of America's policy reversal. Three weeks ago, Katchpole canceled her savings and checking accounts with Bank of America and started an online petition against the fee that has garnered over 300,000 signatures.
Today on American Morning, Katchpole sits down with Carol Costello to discuss the role she played in influencing Bank of America to abandon the proposed fees.
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