Today on CNN Newsroom
Grandparents rock 'Call Me Maybe'
You may have seen one or two of the many, many lip sync videos set to this song... but you also just may consider this one the best yet.
In honor of Grandparents Day, CNN's Fredricka Whitfield and Josh Levs shared this rendition.
Inside the world's largest surge barrier
It cost $1.1 billion, and it's the biggest part of a $14.5 billion overhaul of New Orleans' flood protection system. Authorities say it worked during Hurricane Isaac. The world is taking notice.
Here, we take you inside the Lake Borgne Surge Barrier.
Romney, Ryan make U.S. religious history
It's a history-making ticket, and a sign of how the intersection between politics and religion in the United States has changed.
CNN's Josh Levs explains how in picking Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney charted new terrain.
Also, watch to see whether this is really the first major party ticket without a Protestant - and how many voters believe President Obama is Muslim.
Read Josh's full story here.
Breaking down the turning point on same-sex marriage
President Obama's announcement that he now supports same-sex marriage came after the country reached a turning point on the issue.
For the first time last year, surveys found the majority of Americans support same-sex marriage. And while it's still close to 50-50, the nation's stance has changed dramatically over the last two decades.
What's causing the change? Coming up in the Newsroom, we'll break it down for you - and show you how the issue could play out with constituents heading into the presidential election.
What do you think?
What should become of "stand your ground" laws?
It's one of the big questions coming out of the Trayvon Martin case: What should become of "stand your ground" laws? Florida has taken a step toward answering that. The state has appointed a task force tackle the question. Read our story here.
Wondering who's on the task force? Here's the list.
The group of 17 will hold meetings across the state to hear from residents. Expect some passionate testimony and debates.
Want to read the language in the law? Here it is.
Wondering if you live in a "stand your ground" state? My colleague at hlntv.com has put together this terrific interactive piece linking to gun laws in every state.
What do you think should become of these laws?
As we note in our coverage, it's unclear how the law may ultimately play out in the Trayvon Martin case. But the case has put the law - and ones like it in other states - under the national microscope. Share your thoughts below or send us an iReport!
Prepare for emergencies now, U.S. says
As we cover the tornadoes striking parts of the country, we're taking a look at how all families should prepare for weather emergencies. The government has set up ready.gov, which talks you through critical steps to take.
There are even ways to make preparing for emergencies fun for the kids, with the help of comic characters.
Does your family have an emergency plan? Weigh in here or at Facebook or Twitter.
Study: One party is tweeting 'more effectively'
Twitter is now a "political powerhouse," and one party is doing a better job of using it in Congress, according to a new, extensive study.
Be sure to check it out to see how much our lawmakers are using Twitter to attack - and how often they're tweeting about actual legislation.
The folks at Mashable point out that the findings just may come as a surprise.
Today in the Newsroom, we're breaking it down for you.
Also, the folks at Edelman have crunched some fresh numbers to name the current leaders for "most influential" and "most popular" members of Congress on Twitter. Check out that list on Facebook.
What do you think? Weigh in here or on Facebook or Twitter.
What the new iPad says about us - and Apple
The excitement surrounding the new iPad begs a question: Why do so many people feel the need to have the latest gadget as soon as it comes out?
Our partners at Time.com have an interesting answer. Turns out there's a word for it: neophilia. Are you a neophile - or even a neophiliac? Here's a quiz to help you find out.
Meanwhile, we in the Newsroom were struck by this CNNMoney.com story exploring just how huge Apple has become. To put in perspective, check out this blog. Wow.
What do you think?
Weigh in here or at Facebook or Twitter. And to those of you who are off grabbing the latest gadgets: Enjoy.
iReports show tornadoes' devastation
In the Newsroom, we've been showing you some powerful images and amateur video from the tornadoes that ravaged parts of the country. If you can safely take photos and videos of what it's like around you, be sure to send them to CNN iReport. To help those impacted by the storms, visit our Impact Your World page.
Pet obesity: The growing epidemic
Some people think it's adorable. But it's also dangerous. More and pets across the country are overweight, and even obese, according to a new study.
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention gave CNN an advance copy of a report due out next week. It found that the majority of dogs and cats in U.S. homes are overweight. Many are dangerously obese. If they don't get help, they can suffer from all sorts of health problems, including crippling arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and much more.
From across the world, iReporters are sharing their stories about this.
What do you think? What do you want to know? Post a question at Facebook, and an expert just might write you back.
