Q&A on the News

Q: Regarding the article on the death of the woman (Miep Gies) who sheltered Anne Frank, I’m curious about the four individuals, in addition to the Frank family, who she helped shelter.

Dr. Robert Derro, Duluth

A: A week after the four members of the Frank family (Otto Frank, Edith Frank, Margot and Anne) went into hiding in July 1942, they were joined in the shared annex by Hermann van Pels, wife Auguste and their 15-year-old son Peter, according to an account from Gies’ on her official Web site. Hermann van Pels had been working in Otto Frank's company since 1938. The eighth person, Fritz Pfeffer, who was an acquaintance of both families and was Gies’ dentist, joined them in November 1942. Gies, who died Jan. 11 at the age of 100, was among a group of people who hid the eight individuals in the Secret Annex during World War II and brought them food and other supplies.

Q: What happened to “Three Rivers” on CBS? Is it on hiatus for the winter?

Lynda Johnson, Fayetteville

A: The medical drama has been canceled, CBS President Nina Tassler confirmed earlier this month. There has been no decision on if or when the unaired episodes of the show, about an organ transplant team, will be shown. It was put on hiatus in November.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).