In Alaska, Santa's helpers work around the clock to deliver holiday packages
During the holidays, there are 33 delivery planes a day which fly in and out of Anchorage, Alaska, carrying about 80,000 packages.
Alaska
The challenge of holiday package delivery in Alaska
During the holiday season, there are 33 delivery planes a day which fly in and out of Anchorage, Alaska, carrying about 80,000 packages. Kris Van Cleave traveled as far north as the Alaskan city of North Pole for a look at the nonstop work done by an army of Santa's helpers to ensure that packages are delivered on time.
4 Russian warplanes spotted flying near Alaska, NORAD says
Four Russian military aircraft flew in international airspace near Alaska on Tuesday, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
'It's a bird! It's a plane!' In Alaska, it's both as pilot delivers turkeys
A resident named Esther Keim has been flying low and slow in a small plane over rural parts of south-central Alaska, dropping frozen turkeys to those who can't simply run out to the grocery store.
Carcass of massive endangered whale washes ashore in Alaska
The carcass was comparable to the width of a college basketball court and female, according to biologists.
Man wanted in staged Tennessee bear attack has been captured
In mid-October, Steven Douglas Lloyd of Knoxville was found dead in a staged bear attack that was allegedly linked to Nicholas Wayne Hamlett.
Fight in Alaska over only House seat
Alaska's race for its only House of Representatives seat appears vital this election cycle. Republican candidate Nick Begich joins CBS News and breaks down his campaign goals in the race against Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola.
Deer hunter mauled to death by bear in Alaska, troopers say
Tad Fujioka was found dead and an "investigation revealed he was the likely victim of a fatal bear mauling," officials said.
Man detained in Alaskan police building dies after fire breaks out
Mountain Village police were detaining two men on what are sometimes referred to as mental health holds, Alaska State Troopers said.
Nationwide manhunt underway for man wanted for Tennessee murder
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office in Tennessee has asked for the public's help in finding 45-year-old Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, who they said it wanted for first-degree murder.
Navy issues apology for destroying Alaska Native village in 1882
The attack on Angoon was one of a series of conflicts between the American military and Alaska Natives in the years after the U.S. bought the territory from Russia in 1867.
Trail cameras capture the magical and violent world of Alaska's wildlife
Several cameras within half a mile of an Anchorage, Alaska, neighborhood capture lynx, wolves, foxes, coyotes, eagles, and black and brown bears.
Fat bear champion "Grazer" wins again
In a fierce competition, 20-year-old bear Grazer won Alaska's Fat Bear Contest for the second year in a row, defeating fan favorite Chunk, who had killed one of her cubs earlier this summer. Grazer claimed victory by more than 40,000 votes
Mama bear beats rival that killed her cub to win Fat Bear crown
Grazer's cub died after it slipped over a waterfall and was killed by Chunk, perhaps the most dominant brown bear on the river.
Voting begins in Alaska's Fat Bear Week after grizzly killed on video
Fans can now cast their votes for the bulkiest grizzlies in Alaska's Katmai National Park, as the 2024 Fat Bear Week contest begins.
Bear death caught on camera postpones Fat Bear Week plans
A grizzly bear was killed Monday during a fight with another bear in Alaska's Katmai National Park.
Video shows Russian jet flying close to plane off Alaska: "Endangered all"
"The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all," a NORAD commander said.
Russia planes spotted near Alaska after U.S. soldiers sent to region
The Russian aircraft were detected just days after about 130 U.S. soldiers were deployed to a remote Alaska island.
Man charged with threatening Supreme Court justices
An Alaska man was federally indicted Thursday on allegations that he sent hundreds of messages threatening to kidnap and assassinate six Supreme Court justices.
Man charged over Supreme Court death threats
An Alaska man who allegedly threatened to assassinate six members of the Supreme Court has been arrested. He faces nine counts of making threats against a federal judge and additional charges.
U.S. moves soldiers to Alaska island amid Russian military activity
Eight Russian military planes and four navy vessels, including two submarines, have come close to Alaska in the past week.
Russia subs and ships shadowed by U.S. Coast Guard off Alaska
The Russian vessels consisted of two submarines, a frigate and tug boat, the Coast Guard said.
Fears grow of another landslide in Alaska
Officials say conditions could lead to more landslides in Ketchikan, Alaska, after a deadly landslide plowed across roads and into homes on Sunday. One person died and dozens of homes were evacuated.
Heavy rain triggers deadly landslide in Alaska
Alaska's governor issued a disaster declaration and evacuation orders are in effect after a deadly landslide killed at least one person and destroyed homes about 300 miles south of the capital of Juneau. It came as heavy rain was causing flooding in Hawaii and Arizona. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
At least 1 killed in Alaska landslide
A landslide in the Alaskan city of Ketchikan killed at least one person and injured three others Sunday afternoon, according to authorities there. Officials said the landslide damaged homes and downed power lines, leading to outages. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for people who live in the area and Alaska's governor declared a state of emergency.
Senate passes bill to avert government shutdown
The stopgap measure to fund the government and provide tens of billions in disaster relief passed the Senate and now goes to President Biden for his signature.
Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
Car slams into Christmas market in Germany in suspected attack
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least 2 people and injuring dozens.
Biden's top hostage envoy travels to Syria to ask for help in finding Austin Tice
Hostage envoy Roger Carstens traveled to Syria Friday, making the first known U.S. in-person contact with the caretaker government, and seeking help in finding missing American Austin Tice.
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
Here's a fact check on Trump's recent comments about the history of U.S. tariffs
Historians say Trump falsely said he was the only president to collect revenue from tariffs on Chinese goods, among other claims.
What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
More than 119 million U.S. holiday travelers expected to hit roads, skies
More than 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year's Day, which would top the previous holiday-season high set in 2019, according to AAA.
8 convicted of terrorism charges in teacher's 2020 beheading in France
Samuel Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.
U.S.
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Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
MoneyWatch
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Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
What would a government shutdown mean for flights and air travel?
Here's what the anticipated record number of holiday travelers should know about how a government shutdown could affect trips.
Politics
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Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
Here's a fact check on Trump's recent comments about the history of U.S. tariffs
Historians say Trump falsely said he was the only president to collect revenue from tariffs on Chinese goods, among other claims.
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
Mayorkas warns of "serious" consequences for Homeland Security if government shuts down
The warning came before the House passed a last-minute stopgap funding bill with bipartisan support Friday night, sending it to the Senate.
Biden issues likely last round of student debt forgiveness before leaving office
The Biden administration is canceling federal student loans for another 55,000 workers to the tune of $4.28 billion in what's expected to be the last such round before he leaves office.
HealthWatch
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Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
Frito-Lay recalls some Lay's chips over "life-threatening" allergy risk
Some 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips may contain an undeclared allergen, according to the snack company.
"Sleepmaxxing" trend has young adults optimizing their sleep
Sleep optimization, or "sleepmaxxing," is a popular trend among a younger demographic, but experts share a few words of caution.
World
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8 convicted of terrorism charges in teacher's 2020 beheading in France
Samuel Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.
Car slams into Christmas market in Germany in suspected attack
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least 2 people and injuring dozens.
Hip-hop star reportedly shot dead in parking garage in Sweden
In a video, seemingly filmed with a camera worn by the shooter, a person carrying a handgun can be seen firing multiple shots in a parking garage.
7 killed in prison riot as officers try to transfer 2 dangerous inmates
One of the inmates with a gun held out for about three hours, protected by 20 fellow prisoners, officials said.
7-year-old killed, 6 other people wounded in stabbing attack at Croatia school
A 7-year-old girl was killed and at least five other students and a teacher were wounded in a knife attack at a school in Croatia, police said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The untold WWII story of "Six Triple Eight"
Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington team up on the film "Six Triple Eight," spotlighting the only all-Black women's battalion in Europe during WWII. Washington stars as Charity Adams, the highest-ranking Black female officer.
Alicia Keys surprises students at her former high school
The 16-time Grammy winner returned to the Professional Performing Arts School in New York, where she first began her career, and shares advice with current students.
Quirky Guinness World Records of 2024 include a skateboarding cat
As 2024 comes to a close, we took a look at some of the oddest Guinness World Records of the year.
Alicia Keys surprises students at alma mater
Sixteen-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys celebrates her Broadway musical "Hell's Kitchen" earning a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. In an exclusive interview, she revisits her alma mater to honor the teacher who inspired her and surprises students.
Apollo Theater honored by Kennedy Center
For 90 years, the Apollo Theater has shaped American culture, launching icons like James Brown and Aretha Franklin. This year, it became the first institution honored by the Kennedy Center, cementing its legacy as a hub of innovation.
Technology
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Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Science
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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
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Crime
Dozens injured in Germany Christmas market attack
At least two people are dead and dozens more injured after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Authorities say the driver of the car was arrested and that it appears to be a deliberate attack. Elaine Cobbe has details.
German Christmas market attack update
At least two people were killed and over 60 were injured after a car crashed into a Christmas market in eastern Germany. Authorities arrested a suspect, saying they believe he acted alone in the deliberate act. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more details.
Toddler killed in German market attack, police say
At least two people, including a toddler, were killed, and at least 60 more hurt, after a car crashed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, in what authorities said appeared to be a deliberate attack. German police said a Saudi man has been arrested, but a motive has not yet been determined. CBS News reporter Anna Noryskiewicz has more.
Details on suspect in crash at German market
More than 60 people were injured and at least two killed Friday after a driver rammed into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The driver is in custody and local government officials say they suspect the crash was deliberate. CBS News reporter Haley Ott has the latest details.
JonBenét Ramsey's dad on key evidence
John Ramsey, JonBenét Ramsey's dad, says he thinks DNA technology will lead to an answer in his daughter's brutal murder. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty breaks down her latest reporting on the case.
Space
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Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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The Uplift: A weather wonder
A 22-year-old forecasting the weather out of his bedroom is praised for helping people during natural disasters – and gets a big surprise from David Begnaud. And Santa comes early to two U.S. cities to bring Christmas magic to children in need. Plus, more uplifting news.
Eye on America: Inside human smuggling rings
In California, we speak to an anthropologist whose new book offers firsthand accounts from human smugglers helping people cross into the U.S. illegally. And in Nebraska, we hear from experts raising the alarm that road barricades aren’t strong enough against heavier electric vehicles. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.
A unique spin on the classic holiday eggnog
It's the time of year when we indulge in some favorite holiday treats and drinks like eggnog. Chef JJ Johnson, the founder of fast-casual restaurant Field Trip NYC, joins CBS News to showcase several holiday recipes.
Sports' biggest moments in 2024
2024 marked a sensational year in the world of sports. Some highlights included another Super Bowl win for the Kansas City Chiefs and the rise of women's sports on the college and professional level. Cbssports.com writer Austin Nivision breaks it all down.
Drone expert unpacks mysterious sightings
A string of drone sightings across parts of the Northeast has prompted federal officials to ban drone flights temporarily in 22 towns throughout New Jersey and some neighborhoods around airports in New York City. Michael Innella, drone photographer and founder of North Jersey Drone Shots, joins CBS News to discuss the logistics behind the aircraft.