What everyone’s talking about:
Our Keeping Them Honest reports on the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF), a non-profit organization that claims to collect donations for veterans, have gotten the attention of lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Anderson spoke with Sen. Max Baucus and CNN’s Investigative Reporter Drew Griffin, who has been working on this story with CNN Producer David Fitzpatrick for a couple years. Sen. Baucus and fellow Senate Finance Committee member Sen. Richard Burr have launched an investigation to determine if the charity is abusing its tax-exempt non-profit status.
A North Carolina pastor said gays and lesbians should be rounded up and confined in an electrified fence until they die off. Keeping Them Honest, Pastor Charles Worley also made anti-Obama remarks in his sermon, which could be a violation of the church’s tax-exempt status. Anderson spoke to one of Worley’s supporters who defended the pastor’s comments, and CNN’s Gary Tuchman talked with a lesbian mom who has attended his sermons in the past and was saddened by the pastor’s words.
The Pakistani doctor, Shakeel Afridi, who helped the United States find Osama bin Laden was sentenced by a tribal court to 33 years in jail for treason. Anderson spoke with CNN National Security Contributor Fran Townsend about the trial. She said the current Pakistani investigation could lead to the death penalty if Afridi is charged with treason in the federal court.
Today’s Scoop:
Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng tells Anderson about his suffering while detained, his harrowing escape, and his new life as a law student in the United States. He also expresses concern for family and friends still in China. Hear Chen tell his story of defiance and survival for the first time since arriving in New York.
We told you about a Massachusetts school that uses electric shocks to try to control the behavior of students, including some who are autistic. The Judge Rotenberg Center’s (JRC) website says the shock therapy is FDA approved. We’re Keeping Them Honest on that claim. Earlier in the week, Anderson asked the Director of Research at JRC about the medical research supporting the method. Tonight, Anderson will speak with Massachusetts State Sen. Brian Joyce who is opposed to the school’s practices of aversive therapy. Tune in at 8 and 10 p.m. ET.
A look ahead:
You don’t want to miss our special report “Arab Spring: Revolution Interrupted” Friday at 8 p.m. ET. Anderson will talk to CNN International correspondents Arwa Damon, Ivan Watson, Nic Robertson and former CIA officer Bob Baer about the progress and trouble in the Middle East.
Just for laughs:
Ever danced to tunes spun by a Royal DJ? You may get the chance. Find out who landed on our RidicuList!