American Morning
$1.1 billion virtual border fence scrapped
(CNN) – The virtual border fence that cost over a billion dollars has been canned. The House Committee on Homeland Security called it a "grave and expensive disappointment."
The program was designed to use cameras, radar, and sensors to stop illegal crossings. A government review found it wasn't tested properly, froze the funding, and now $50 million is being moved to other projects.
On Thursday's American Morning, we spoke exclusively to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano about the fence and her push for international airport security.
CNN Special investigation: End of ACORN?
(CNN) – A once-powerful ally of the president now appears to be powerless. New election fraud charges have been filed against former ACORN workers, stemming from the 2008 presidential campaign.
In a CNN special investigation, Drew Griffin tell us the scandal-plagued, liberal activist group is crumbling.
Duncan wants ban for NCAA teams with low grad rates
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://blogs.cnn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2010/03/duncan-gi-art.jpg caption="U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan played professional basketball in Australia from 1987 to 1991."]
(CNN) – Should college basketball teams that don't graduate at least 40 percent of their players be banned from postseason play?
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan thinks so.
“Teams that fail to graduate 40 percent of their players should be ineligible for post-season competition. It's a low bar, frankly, and not many teams would be ineligible," said Duncan. "Over time, we should set a higher bar. But it's a minimum, a bright line, which every program should meet to vie for post-season honors.”
Duncan's proposal would keep a dozen teams from playing in this year's tournament, including top-seeded Kentucky.
On Thursday's American Morning, our Kate Bolduan will take a look at the issue.
What do you think? Sound off below.
The Teaser
"The Teaser” is a preview of the guests we have lined up for the next day – so you know when to tune in (and when to set your alarm!). Guests and times are always subject to change.
Here’s the lineup for tomorrow:
6:30AM: Is al-Qaeda a weaker organization because of the strikes in Pakistan? CIA Director Leon Panetta thinks so. Is he right? Former CIA Officer Gary Bernsten will break it down.
7:10AM: The hold-outs – He voted against the house bill in November, but now Rep. John Boccieri (D-OH) is undecided. What will make him vote "nay" or "yay"?
7:30AM: It was highly touted by the Bush administration, but now Janet Napolitano is knocking it down – She’ll explain why she’s stripping $50 million from SBInet – a virtual wall on the U.S.-Mexican border.
8:10AM: Extreme weather – What is Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker doing to prep his town for a possible major flood?
8:30AM: What states are the worst for teen drivers, and what states are the best? We'll look at a new U.S. News & World Report study with Editor Brian Kelly.
Got questions for any of our guests?
Tweet 'em at Twitter.com/amFIX or post them below and we'll try to use 'em!
Building Up America: Hyundai drives local growth in Alabama
(CNN) – It's been a tough couple of years for the auto industry, but one car maker is on a roll. Despite being headquartered in South Korea, Hyundai is building up America in Montgomery, Alabama. Our Tom Foreman has the story.
NOAA: A third of U.S. at risk for historic floods this Spring
(CNN) – Weather forecasters are issuing an urgent message to millions of Americans today: get ready for potentially historic flooding.
From the East, to the upper Midwest, and across the South from Texas to Florida, parts of 35 states could be in danger this Spring. Our Rob Marciano gives us a look at who is at risk and the damage the extreme weather has already left behind.
NOAA: Spring outlook
About this Show
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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