I was surprised by the big P.R. push prior to the launch. I read a couple articles about the 'big changes' coming through for CNN. Realistically it's just a facelift with more lipstick.
Does seem the new iReport aspect should provide easy access for link bait and link juice. I guess we'll see how that goes.
my eye goes straight to the red, yet for the most part it's a block of dead space with the lonely CNN logo. i'd prefer a more subdued header so the cover stories can pop.