What everyone’s talking about:
An agent working for U.S. and Saudi intelligence agencies infiltrated al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and helped foil a plot to blow up a U.S.-bound airplane, sources told CNN on Monday. The agent left Yemen with the explosive device, which is now being analyzed by the FBI. One source told CNN the device was designed to be worn in clothing. Anderson spoke to our panel of security experts who said the operation was “brilliant,” but also discussed the risks in exposing it.
North Carolina voters passed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage on Tuesday. Amendment 1 would put an existing ban on same-sex marriage into the state’s constitution, but the law’s opponents say it’s unnecessary. Before the amendment passed, a North Carolina pastor encouraged his congregation to punch their sons if they act a “little girlish” and to “crack that wrist.” CNN’s David Mattingly spoke to Pastor Harris about his sermon and his preaching against homosexuality.
Also in North Carolina: While most of the country, including top Republicans, has put the birther issue to rest, Dr. John Whitley says President Obama’s birth certificate is a forgery. Anderson pressed Whitley, who is running for Congress in North Carolina, on his statements.
One Washington D.C.-based charity vows to help disabled veterans and their families, but what did the charity do with $56 million in donations? CNN’s Drew Griffin investigated, plus he shows you the unusual response he received after the report aired. Tonight Drew has yet another update. The group’s president claims that response was not legit and says her email account was hacked. A spokesman for the Disabled National Veterans Foundation said in a statement today, “Bizarre and nonsensical communications were sent from the account when it was outside of her control.” We’re Keeping Them Honest tonight on 360.
The Arizona Senate passed legislation that would abolish the corrupt Colorado City police department comprised of FLDS members who are accused of putting the demands of convicted polygamist prophet Warren Jeffs above the law. However, the bill failed to pass in the House. CNN's Gary Tuchman reports.
Today’s Scoop:
Anderson will speak with Backpage.com’s lawyer who defended the site’s adult service section when she spoke with CNN’s Deborah Feyerick last week. Critics accuse the site of providing a platform for pimps to advertise prostitution, including underage girls who are sometimes held against their will. The conversation will be tonight on 360 at 8 and 10 p.m. ET.
President Obama made history yesterday when he said he supports same-sex marriage. Our panel of political analysts discussed how the president’s endorsement will play out in the upcoming election and how it could hurt him. And tonight Anderson will take a look at Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s stance on same-sex marriage. We’re Keeping Them Honest at 8 and 10 p.m. ET.
A look ahead:
Do you have any questions you want to ask the AC360 team? Or do you just want to hangout with Anderson? Well here’s your chance! You’re invited to the AC360 Google+ Hangout tonight. Anderson, Isha Sesay, Randi Kaye, and Producer Jack Gray will be answering your questions live at 6:45 p.m. ET on the AC360 Google+ page.
Just for laughs:
Our collection of marijuana 911 calls – a pu pu platter if you will – landed on our RidicuList! Stick around until the end because we saved the best for last.