The rise of human composting
Most people choose burial or cremation, but human composting is becoming a popular alternative. Tom Harries, CEO of Earth Funeral, explains how it works and why it's different.
Funeral
Biden eulogizes Ethel Kennedy
President Biden gave an emotional eulogy for Ethel Kennedy at her funeral Wednesday, wiping his eyes several times and pausing more than once to gather himself. The president relayed how Kennedy was there for him when his first wife and daughter died, and at the end of his remarks, he told the Kennedy family that he was now there for them.
Funeral held for Turkish-American activist Aysenur Eygi
Aysenur Eygi, a Turkish-American activist who was likely killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank, was buried on Saturday.
Father renews call for U.S. probe ahead of slain U.S. activist's funeral
Aysenur Eygi's father says the U.S. isn't investigating her killing in the West Bank in an "attempt to evade" investigating its ally Israel.
Family holds funeral for toddler's pacifier
One of the marvels of being a parent is watching how quickly your children grow. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with one family to see how they handled an important milestone.
Funeral for glaciers lost to climate change
This week there was a funeral for 15 glaciers that have disappeared or are in critical danger as the planet heats up. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff has more.
Harris delivers Jackson Lee eulogy
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered the eulogy for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas Thursday. Harris recalled her time working with Jackson Lee in Congress and celebrated her career in public service that spanned more than 30 years.
Funeral service for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee held in Houston
Jackson Lee represented the 18th Congressional District.
Funeral held for former Sen. Joe Lieberman
Former Vice President Al Gore and other politicians attended a funeral service in Connecticut for former Sen. Joe Lieberman, who died Wednesday at 82. Gore remembered Lieberman, his former running in the 2000 presidential election, as a great friend who was "ready to look for ways to bridge divisions." CBS congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane takes a look at Lieberman's life and legacy.
Alexey Navalny laid to rest
The funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny took place in Moscow after authorities released his body to his family just hours before. In Russia, publicly mourning Navalny is a bold act of resistance, yet large crowds have bravely gathered in the streets, facing the threat of arrest or worse.
Navalny team announces Moscow funeral, tells supporters to "come early"
Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny's funeral will be held in his Moscow neighborhood 2 weeks after he died in a remote Arctic prison.
Funerals held for 2 U.S. soldiers killed in Jordan drone attack
Army Reserve Sgt. Breonna Moffett and Sgt. Kennedy Sanders were killed in a drone attack on a U.S. base in Jordan last month.
Funeral homes warned after undercover phone sweep finds misleading pricing
Violations of the FTC's funeral rule can result in fines of over $50,000.
John Roberts remembers Sandra Day O'Connor
Chief Justice John Roberts spoke Tuesday at the funeral of Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Roberts remembered being a part of the team that helped in O'Connor's confirmation and eventually replacing her on the bench.
Former clerk remembers Sandra Day O'Connor
Funeral services are being held Tuesday for Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. O'Connor died on Dec. 1 at 93 years old. Alexander Volokh, a professor of law at Emory University and former clerk for O'Connor, joined CBS News to discuss her legacy.
Rosalynn Carter buried in Georgia
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, the wife of former President Jimmy Carter, was laid to rest in a private funeral service in their hometown of Plains, Georgia, on Wednesday. The couple were married for 77 years.
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter honored
Tuesday's touching tribute to former first lady Rosalynn Carter brought together three presidents and all living former first ladies, complete with tears of laughter and sadness from a room full of her loved ones. A motorcade and funeral procession on Wednesday will give people a last chance to say goodbye. CBS News' Mark Strassmann reports from Plains, Georgia.
Chip Carter remembers his mother, Rosalynn
James Earl "Chip" Carter III spoke Tuesday at a tribute service honoring his mother, Rosalynn Carter. "She saved my life," Carter said of his mom, remembering how she encouraged him to enter rehab for his struggles with addiction. Rosalynn Carter died Nov. 19 at the age of 96.
Rosalynn Carter lies in repose before funeral
Leaders will gather in Atlanta Tuesday to remember former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died last week at the age of 96. Known for her active role in the Carter administration, Rosalynn Carter continued her life of service alongside her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, after leaving the White House. CBS News' Mark Strassmann reports.
Rosalynn Carter's casket starts final journey
Three days of official mourning for former first lady Rosalynn Carter began Monday in Georgia as her casket departed Georgia Medical Center to lie in repose at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Rosalynn Carter died last week at the age of 96. Historian and documentarian Andrew Och joins CBS News to discuss her legacy, and CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann reports on the ceremonies set to take place for the former first lady.
Changes coming after Arlington suspends use of horses due to health concerns
In early 2022, the deaths of two horses within 96 hours prompted an Army investigation that determined conditions were "unsafe."
Dianne Feinstein honored at memorial service
San Francisco City Hall hosted a memorial service Thursday for California Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The afternoon included remarks from other trailblazing women in politics -- including Vice President Kamala Harris and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. CBS News correspondent Elise Preston has more.
Increased security for Feinstein's funeral
Mourners are gathering in San Francisco to remember the late trailblazing lawmaker Dianne Feinstein. CBS News correspondent Elise Preston has more on the security measures in place ahead of the funeral service.
Ireland says goodbye to Sinéad O'Connor
On Tuesday, members of the Irish public lined the streets and laid flowers outside of the former home of Sinéad O'Connor.
Human composting: The rising interest in natural burial
Natural organic reduction (or human composting), a natural process that transforms the body into soil, has become a recognized alternative to embalming, and a climate-friendly option compared to cremation.
Biden signs government funding bill, averting a shutdown
The stopgap measure will fund the government and provide tens of billions in disaster relief.
Death toll in attack at German Christmas market rises to 5; 200 injured
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people - including a 9-year-old - and injuring 200 others.
House Ethics Committee expected to release Matt Gaetz report on Monday
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
Rickey Henderson, MLB Hall of Famer, dies at 65
Rickey Henderson is widely considered to be one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers in baseball.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JC Penny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
U.S.
More U.S.
Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? Her dad believes DNA could reveal killer
A look back at how "48 Hours" covered the 1996 Christmastime murder of JonBenét Ramsey in 2002, and what her father John Ramsey says about the unsolved Colorado case nearly 28 years later.
Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
Will convicted wife killer Scott Peterson get a new trial?
After California man's death sentence is overturned, there's a renewed push to clear him.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
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.
Politics
More Politics
Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
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.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
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.
World
More World
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Pope Francis tells Vatican staff to stop gossiping in Christmas speech
Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."
At least 38 dead after crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil
In 2024, more than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Rocket from Yemen strikes Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people
Inside Gaza, mourners held funerals for 19 people, 12 of them children, killed in Israeli strikes.
What we know about suspect in Christmas market attack in Germany
The suspect, identified by local media as 50-year-old Taleb A., was arrested after plowing a black BMW into a Christmas market crowded with holiday shoppers in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and wounding more than 200 others.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Blake Lively accuses co-star of sexual harassment
Hollywood star Blake Lively is accusing her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment in a new lawsuit. His attorney has denied the allegations.
Blake Lively accuses "It Ends with Us" co-star of sexual harassment
The lawsuit lays out Blake Lively's allegations against Justin Baldoni during their time working on "It Ends with Us."
Young dancers take on lead roles in Christmas classic "The Nutcracker"
The New York City Ballet has been performing "The Nutcracker" for decades. Each year, young dancers make their mark on the ballet.
How Robert Eggers revives "Nosferatu"
Director Robert Eggers' highly-anticipated horror film "Nosferatu" will hit theaters on Christmas Day. The acclaimed director sat down with CBS Saturday Morning to talk about bringing the classic vampire tale to a new audience.
The man behind method acting
50 years ago, "The Godfather Part II" was playing in theaters nationwide. The film catapulted Lee Strasberg, whose namesake form of acting preparation was used by some of the film's leads, to stardom. Dozens of the entertainment industry's biggest stars have trained at his institute, learning the techniques of method acting. Michelle Miller went behind the scenes to learn more about "The Method Man."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
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
More Science
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
More Crime
Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? Her dad believes DNA could reveal killer
A look back at how "48 Hours" covered the 1996 Christmastime murder of JonBenét Ramsey in 2002, and what her father John Ramsey says about the unsolved Colorado case nearly 28 years later.
Will convicted wife killer Scott Peterson get a new trial?
After California man's death sentence is overturned, there's a renewed push to clear him.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
CEO killing sparks concerns about extremism
Luigi Mangione, now held in a New York City lock-up, could face the death penalty if convicted of the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The killing is sparking new concerns about violent extremism bubbling across the country.
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.
Space
More Space
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
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
"CBS Weekend News" headlines for Dec. 21, 2024
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Weekend News" with David Wade.
Boy's own newspaper brings neighborhood together
Many kids will be getting tablets or video games this holiday season. But this Boston boy has put down the gadgets and lifted up his entire neighborhood. David Wade reports.
Chicago elf brings joy to children in hospitals
The Chicago group Holiday Heroes seeks to bring joy and light to brave children at 18 different hospitals. Noel Brennan has more.
Blake Lively accuses co-star of sexual harassment
Hollywood star Blake Lively is accusing her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment in a new lawsuit. His attorney has denied the allegations.
Trump takes aim at Canada, Trudeau
President-elect Donald Trump this week once again issued several taunts directed at America's largest trading partner, Canada, and Justin Trudeau, its prime minister. Christian Benavides has the latest.