Newscast for Monday, August 30, 2010

Afghan refugees in Pakistan face risks in flood recovery
In Pakistan, waters levels in some southern regions have begun to recede. But the Indus River remains dangerously high and 6 million people are still homeless and more face risks from water born diseases. An estimated 20 million people are affected by the flooding. And some of the most vulnerable are Afghan refugees. FSRN’s Nathan Moore reads for our reporter in Pakistan, Gabe Mathews.

New Orleans marks 5 year Katrina anniversary with calls for government action
Five years after the levees broke in New Orleans, speeches, commemorations and even celebrations took place throughout the region. President Obama visited the area on Sunday and pledged that the federal government would stick with New Orleans through its recovery "until the job is done."

In the Lower 9th Ward, one of the areas hardest hit by Katrina, residents gathered to commemorate. They also called for federal accountability and community renewal. Zoe Sullivan was there for FSRN.

Feds investigate New Orleans police orders to 'shoot looters' after Katrina
And as local residents and officials commemorate the fifth anniversary of Katrina, federal investigators are looking into police conduct in those first few days after the levees broke. Investigators are now responding to allegations that New Orleans police commanders gave orders to shoot looters. The latest action is spurred by new details that came to light last week from an investigation by the Times-Picayune, ProPublica and PBS Frontline. The report draws on current and past police officers in New Orleans who describe a confusing atmosphere. During that period 11 civilians were shot by police.

For more on the investigation, we're joined by AC Thompson, staff reporter with ProPublica and PBS Frontline correspondent.

For ProPublica’s series, Law and Disorder: http://www.propublica.org/nola/

To watch the PBS Frontline video: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/law-disorder/

Activists from West Virginia call for end to mountain top removal during DC visit
The coal company that owns the West Virginia mine where 29 were killed in an April explosion is now facing a growing coalition that wants an end to mountain top removal mining. Coal giant Massey Energy was already besieged with mine safety complaints and penalties from a range of industry violations. But now people from West Virginia coal country are asking President Obama to abolish mountaintop removal. Tanya Snyder reports.

Beck calls on nation to “return to God” as counter rally draws on King’s “dream” for inspiration
Over the weekend, right-wing political commentator and radio host Glen Beck gathered prominent leaders from the Tea Party movement, including former Vice-President nominee Sarah Palin, to speak on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The day of the rally, Saturday August 28th also marked the 47th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, held in the same location. The Reverend Al Sharpton organized a march titled “Reclaim the Dream” to provide a counter view. Brad Kutner has the story.