Today on CNN Newsroom
What Are You Going to Be for Halloween?
Bernie Madoff’s supposed to be one of the most popular masks this year. Michael Jackson’s up at the top too. Two guys in Florida made iPhone costumes out of their 42-inch plasma TVs.
But we know you can top all those.
Tell us what you’re going to be for Halloween and TJ will read some of your answers on air during the Newsroom show – 9am to 11am ET.
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Post by: Filed under: Heidi Collins |
Silent Witnesses
It's one of the biggest stories of the week: What police call the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in Richmond, California outside her high school homecoming dance.
Six people have now been arrested in what a Richmond police lieutenant calls one of the most brutal crimes he's seen in his 15 years on the job.
Four of the suspects, all teenagers, were arraigned Thursday. One pleaded not guilty. The others did not enter a plea.
Police say many people stood around and watched while the girl was raped, and did nothing.
Right now, it doesn't look like the bystanders will be charged with anything, but do you think they should be?
This Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, we're dedicating a special hour to explore why someone would stand by and watch a heinous act like this and remain silent.
We would like to hear from you, so please leave us your questions and comments.
Family Wins Aluminum Bat Lawsuit
A Montana jury says baseball players aren’t being adequately warned about the dangers of aluminum bats. Brandon Patch died in 2003 after a ball hit off an aluminum bat hit him in the head. His family sued the maker of Louisville Slugger bats, arguing that aluminum bats are dangerous because they cause baseballs to travel at higher speeds. The jury sided with the family, and awarded them $850,000. Debbie Patch says she hopes this decision will make more youth baseball leagues switch to using wooden bats.
Post your thoughts on this story here. Heidi will read some of them on the air during the show, 9am to 11am et.
Your Thoughts about Medical Marijuana
We received hundreds of responses from you last week regarding our special hour on medical marijuana.
Here's a recap of what some of you had to say.
Americans Losing Lifelines
As CNNMoney.com is reporting, the Senate is one step closer to extending jobless benefits. In the Newsroom, we're explaining where the legislation stands, and how it would help the millions of Americans struggling with unemployment.
Looking for work? Check out our Economy Tracker, and find more info at cnn.com/jobs.
Unforced Error: Agassi Admits Meth Use
Tennis superstar Andre Agassi says he used the drug crystal meth in 1997, before spiraling to 141st in world tennis rankings later that year. The stunning admission comes in an upcoming autobiography.
In a excerpt published in the Times of London, Agassi says he lied to tennis officials after failing a drug test, saying he accidentally drank from an assistant's soda spiked with the highly addictive drug. They believed him.
Agassi is not the first star athlete/role model to abuse dangerous drugs and lie about it - and certainly won't be the last. We want to know what you think. Are you shocked by the news, or is it just another celebrity-gone-bad story? Share your thoughts and comments.
Flying Sick
According to a new poll, 51% of air travelers say they’d rather fly while infected with the flu than pay a $150 flight change fee. Tripadvisor.com conducted the survey, and 2,327 people responded.
What do you think?
Post your comments here and Heidi will read some of them on air during the show – 9am to 11am ET.
FDIC Phishing/Scam Alert
Just found this in the ol' inbox. If it turns up in yours, hit 'delete'. (While this scam's pretty topical, the FDIC says its name has been used in phishing schemes for about five years now.)
From: FDIC [mailto:consumeralerts@fdic.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 1:38 AM
Subject: you need to check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage
You have received this message because you are a holder of a FDIC-insured bank account.
Recently FDIC has officially named the bank you have opened your account with as a failed bank, thus, taking control of its assets.
You need to visit the official FDIC website and perform the following steps to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage:
• Visit FDIC website: (link removed)
• Download and open your personal FDIC Insurance File to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage
Public Option: States to Decide?
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said yesterday he’ll add a public insurance option to the Senate health care reform bill, but allow states the right to opt out of it. (Read the full story here.) Sen. Reid’s proposal is a compromise between more liberal Senate Democrats who have lobbied hard for a public option and more conservative Senate Democrats and Senate Republicans who have lobbied hard against it.
What do you think about letting states decide whether or not they’ll participate in a public insurance option?
Post your comments here and Heidi will read some of them in the Newsroom from 9a-11a ET.
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