Today on CNN Newsroom
"If I'd treated Cedric that way at home, I'd be in jail."
Parents and foster parents told their horror stories to members of congress at a hearing on the abuses of school children, many with disabilities, at the hands of teachers. The cases were detailed in a report by the Government Accountability Office. When we heard Toni Price's heart-breaking testimony about the death of her foster son Cedric we knew you would want to hear more from her. Watch Kyra's interview with Ms. Price and find out what she says needs to happen to abusive teachers. We're pushing this story forward in the CNN NewsRoom starting at 1pm eastern Wednesday as we track down what's happened to Cedric's teacher since his death was ruled a homicide.
Kidnappings, Violence, Drug Cartels in the U.S.
One U.S. city has had more than one reported kidnapping every day since 2007. It’s the kidnapping capital of America – just part of the fallout from Mexican drug cartels extending their reach into U.S. cities and towns. CNN.com has put together a fascinating spread that gives us all new insight into this huge problem, its perpetrators and its victims. Eliott McLaughlin, reporting from Phoenix, also got tape of kidnappers’ phone call to the wife of a hostage. You can hear the hostage scream. (It’s not blood-curdling, but it is a scream. We warn you when that’s coming, so if you want to hit mute for those few seconds, go for it.)
Here’s our conversation with Eliott about kidnappings, violence, drug cartels – and the underground operations in cities and towns all over the country. We even show you how to learn about what’s happening in your city.
How can I get better gas mileage NOW?
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/05/19/lambo.dotcom.jpg caption="Photo: Duncan Stewart"]
President Obama announced a new timetable for making the cars Americans drive more fuel efficient. By 2016 passenger cars will be required to get 39 miles per gallon.
What can you do get get more miles per gallon right now? If you need a car now, which would give you the best mileage for your driving style?
We found a great website by the U.S. Department of Energy where you can find out. Check it out. My personal favorite is the section on best and worst mileage cars. Who knew a Lamborghini Murcielago got only 8 miles per gallon?
Special ed students, teachers - and cases of abuse
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS MAY HAVE THE TOUGHEST JOB IN THE BUSINESS.
AS A FATHER OF A CHILD WITH AUTISM, MY FAMILY'S BEEN BLESSED WITH A WONDERFUL TEACHER THIS YEAR.
BUT NEXT YEAR MIGHT BE DIFFERENT.
IN SOME SCHOOLS, TEACHERS MAY NOT HAVE THE BEST TRAINING, OR CLASSROOM STRESS MAY LEAD THEM TO MAKE POOR DECISIONS.
TODAY, THE HOUSE EDUCATION AND LABOR COMMITTEE IS PRESENTING A GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORT DETAILING ABUSES IN SPECIAL ED CLASSROOMS.
LAWMAKERS ARE LOOKING AT SETTING NATIONAL STANDARDS ON WHAT TEACHERS CAN AND CANNOT DO IN DEALING WITH DISRUPTIVE KIDS.
YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT THIS AT CNN.COM.
BUT WE'D ALSO LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU ON THIS ISSUE.
POST YOUR OPINIONS AND YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES.
BY PHIL RILEY
SENIOR WRITER
Mexican Drug Cartels Infiltrating the U.S.
Drugs, violence and kidnappings are sweeping through parts of the United States as Mexican drug cartels extend their reach into the country. In the 11 a.m. ET hour of the Newsroom today, we’ll show you a new spread from CNN.com that lets you see how your area is being impacted. Josh Levs will talk to writer/producer Eliott McLaughlin who went to Phoenix to cover the story. We also want to hear your thoughts, concerns, or questions?
Are You Worried?: Swine Flu and you
New worries about swine flu this morning:
We've been asking you - are you concerned that someone in your family will get sick with the H1N1 virus?
And do you think the government has been handling the crisis well?
Here are some new numbers from a CNN/Opinion Research poll:
May 14-17
Worried About Someone in Your Family
Getting the H1N1 Flu?
Worried now 17%
Was worried in the past 20%
Never worried 63%
Sampling error: +/-4.5% pts
Then we wanted to know how people are reacting - men vs. women:
May 14-17
Worried About Someone in Your Family
Getting the H1N1 Flu?
Men Women
Worried now 14% 19%
Was worried in the past 15% 26%
Never worried 71% 55%
Sampling error: +/-6% pts
Plus - we asked what you are thinking, about the goverment response:
Government Response
To H1N1 Flu
Appropriate 54%
Overreacted 39%
Sampling error: +/-4.5% pts
Let us know what you think. Are you still worried? Or are you worried - all over again??
Leave your comments below!
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