The AC360 Weekly Buzz: Oscar Pistorius, Jackson's $750,000 fraud, gun violence in Chicago, Mindy McCready,sexual assault in the military

What everyone’s talking about:

In a dramatic courtroom scene, Oscar Pistorius was granted bail today. Earlier in the week, South African police pulled the lead investigator, Hilton Botha, from the case because he’s currently accused of attempted murder for a 2011 incident. Pistorius is accused of  premeditated murder in the death of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius claims he accidentally shot Steenkamp because he thought she was an intruder. CNN’s Jake Tapper spoke with Steenkamp’s brother, Adam, who said his family was uncertain whether she was intentionally murdered. “It could be either way. We just don’t know until the truth comes out,” said Adam.  And while criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos believes the case against the “Blade Runner” is already unraveling, forensic scientist Lawrence Koblinsky says the trajectory of the bullets will be a key piece of evidence.

The March 1 forced spending cuts deadline is fast approaching and Congress is unlikely to act before the automatic cuts kick in. Lawmakers’ own salaries won’t be affected. We’re Keeping Them Honest. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer spoke to Sen. Rand Paul about the deadline and the consequences.

Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife pleaded guilty to allegations of using campaign funds for some surprising personal expenses, including elk heads, fur capes and memorabilia of the late martial arts star Bruce Lee. The Jackson’s $750,000 tab could land Jackson in prison for up to five years. CNN’s Jake Tapper spoke with journalist Lynn Sweet who was in the courtroom on Wednesday.

Only hours after Pres. Obama spoke in Chicago about gun violence, Janay McFarlane, 18, was killed in the city. Her family believes she was not the intended target. CNN’s Ted Rowlands reports.

Country singer Mindy McCready died on Sunday of an apparent suicide weeks after her boyfriend killed himself. Dr. Drew Pinsky knew McCready from his time counseling her on his show “Celebrity Rehab.” He said McCready feared the stigma of mental illness.

CNN’s Drew Griffin and TIME dug in to an issue that affects most Americans. Watch their two-part investigation into outrageous hospital bills.

Today’s Scoop: 

Kirby Dick’s documentary “The Invisible War,” about sexual assaults in the United States military, is nominated for an Oscar this weekend. CNN’s Jake Tapper speaks with Dick and Kori Cioca, one of the women featured in the documentary tonight at 8 p.m. ET.

At 10 p.m. ET, watch Randi Kaye’s special report on Oscar Pistorius’ case “Blade Runner: Murder or Mistake?” We’ll take a look at Pistorius’ past, his relationship with Steenkamp and the latest on the courtroom drama.

Looking ahead: 

Join us for a special AC360 documentary on the movement to prevent bullying in America’s schools. “The Bully Effect” premieres Thursday, February 28 at 10 p.m. ET.

Just for laughs:

Our very own AC360 Producer Jack Gray has published a new, hilarious book “Pigeon in a Crosswalk: Tales of Anxiety and Accidental Glamour.” Jack sat down with Anderson and revealed the reason he mocks his boss in the book, the story behind the title, and the rejected title he chose to forego for the sake of a hypothetical women’s basketball coach out there…somewhere. You can buy Jack’s book online and in book stores!

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