Before AC360 Later tonight
The sports superstars that kids look up to are doing commercials selling everything from McDonald's to Papa John's to Oreos and soda. Now a new Yale study, published in the journal 'Pediatrics,' researchers looked at endorsement contracts for 100 professional athletes.. and found that the food and drinks they're hawking are mostly junk.
That's the topic of tonight's conversation on Before AC360 Later.
Submit your questions and comments starting at 8:45pm E.T.
The live video chat begins at 9:15pm E.T.
Anderson announces CNN Heroes top ten
Anderson introduces you to the remarkable everyday people who will be honored this year on "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute."
Each of the ten finalists will receive $50,000.
You can help select which one will be named as the CNN Hero of the Year and receive an additional $250,000.
Vote for your favorite Hero now at CNNHeroes.com or from your mobile device. The winner will be revealed during the tribute show, which will be hosted by Anderson Cooper at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
New questions about cops during NYC SUV attack
New York Police say at least two undercover officers were riding their motorcycles the afternoon that some of the bikers in their group got into a confrontation with the driver of an SUV. The cops were off-duty at the time, and today one of them was charged with assault. As members of law enforcement, what were their responsibilities that day? Former NYPD Detective Sergeant Jerry Kane joins the AC360 Later panel.
American adults lagging behind on basic skills
A new study finds American adults are lagging behind other countries when it comes to basic skills like reading and math. The Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies tested about 166,000 people in more than 20 countries, and Americans scored below average. What does this say about the U.S. education system? What does that say about America's ability to compete in the world? Amanda Ripley, author of the book 'The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way,' joins the AC360 Later panel.
What happens if there is no debt ceiling deal?
Time is running out for lawmakers to strike a deal before the U.S. reaches the debt limit. Some are predicting a financial catastrophe worse than the 2008 economic meltdown. Others say it might actually be good for the country. David Walker, former U.S. Comptroller General and head of the Government Accountability Office, weighs in.
Shutdown Day 9: "Sliver of a glimmer of a possible deal?"
Word today Democrats and Republicans may have found some common ground on a possible short term extension to the debt ceiling deadline. But it comes nine days into the shutdown, at a time when there are no formal talks between the two parties. Dana Bash joins the panel with the latest on the standoff.
AC360 Exclusive: Anderson's conversation with Nairobi Mall survivor Elaine Dang
26-year-old American Elaine Dang is lucky to be alive. She was judging a children's cooking competition when al-Shabaab militants stormed Nairobi's Westgate Mall. 67 people died during the four day siege. Dang was wounded, but managed to escape. Anderson spoke with Elaine, her mother Leeanne and her sister Mary.
Please click here to help pay for Elaine's medical expenses, follow ups, counseling and therapy.
Web Exclusive: Obamacare’s web site crash
The government shutdown cannot stop Obamacare from moving forward. But technical glitches and online errors are stopping plenty of Americans from signing up for coverage. After years of political infighting over the Affordable Care Act, many are questioning why the government wasn't better prepared? Anderson spoke with Slate columnist David Auerbach.
AC360 Exclusive: What really happened to Kendrick Johnson? Part 2
Kendrick Johnson was a high school student in Georgia. His body was found upside down inside a rolled up wrestling mat in the school gym last January. Investigators ruled his death an accident, but his parents believe someone killed their son and the truth is being hidden. Tonight Victor Blackwell looks at disturbing evidence that recently emerged in the case.
Watch Part 1 of Victor Blackwell's report here
NYC police detective facing felony charges in SUV attack
A New York City police detective was arraigned today, accused of being part of the group of motorcyclists who pulled the driver out of his SUV and beat him. The officer is facing felony charges. He is one of seven people arrested in the incident. CNN's Susan Candiotti has the latest.
