Inside the Bureau of Prisons, a federal agency in crisis
60 Minutes went inside a federal women's prison where inmates had a message for the crisis-plagued Bureau of Prisons: "Fix it." Cecilia Vega reports.
Prison
Alabama inmate executed with nitrogen gas
In a groundbreaking and controversial move, Alabama executed an inmate using nitrogen gas, a method never before tested or used in the United States. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
First execution by nitrogen gas set for Thursday
Kenneth Eugene Smith, a death row inmate in Alabama, is expected to become the first person in the U.S. executed with nitrogen gas. Manuel Bojorquez reports.
Inmates' bodies returned to families without hearts, other organs, suit says
The family of one Alabama prisoner says his body had no heart and another inmate's family alleges his body had no internal organs at all. A lawyer for the first family calls the cases "absolutely part of a pattern."
A story of second chances
Before Bradley Arrowood took a job as a dog trainer for our lead national correspondent David Begnaud, he had served more than 20 years of a life sentence for a murder he committed in the 1990s. While in prison in California, Arrowood trained dogs to be adoptable and fit for service. In 2018, he walked out of prison a free man after then-governor Jerry Brown commuted his sentence. Begnaud caught up with both of them, and reports on how Arrowood is expanding his training business to include other former inmates also looking for a second chance.
Bangladesh court sentences Nobel laureate Yunus to 6 months in jail
The Nobel laureate, who faces charges of labor law violations and alleged corruption, told reporters Monday, "We are being punished for a crime we did not commit."
Gypsy Rose Blanchard released from prison
Gypsy Rose Blanchard was released on parole from a Missouri prison Thursday after serving more than seven years for her role in the murder of her mother, who she testified had been abusive. Blanchard's ex-boyfriend was convicted of carrying out the murder and is serving a life-sentence.
Paul Whelan pleads with Biden to secure release
Paul Whelan, the Marine veteran who was first detained by Russian authorities in December 2018, issued a desperate plea to President Biden in a phone interview with WTOP-TV on Christmas Eve from the remote Russian penal colony where he is serving a 16-year sentence. Nicole Sganga has more.
Solitary confinement ban moves forward in NYC
The New York City Council has passed a ban on most uses of solitary confinement in the city's jails. Mayor Eric Adams, however, has spoken out against the bill. Meg Anderson, a criminal justice reporter for NPR, joins CBS News with her reporting on the measure.
Man convicted in death of Tara Grinstead pleads guilty in unrelated rape cases
Bo Dukes, who is serving prison time for concealing the death of Georgia teacher Tara Grinstead, has pleaded guilty to reduced charges in two unrelated rape cases.
Putin opponent Navalny missing from prison
Vladimir Putin opponent Alexey Navalny is no longer in the penal colony in which he had been imprisoned since last year. His lawyers have raised concerns over his health and whereabouts. Lilia Luciano reports.
Ex-prison guard sentenced for failing to help inmate who later died
Prosecutors say the inmate died of blunt force trauma to the head. A medical examiner said he would have lived if he had "been hospitalized and examined at any point in his ordeal."
Palestinians freed by Israel describe imprisonment, hope for the future
One Palestinian prisoner released by Israel said he now wants to "live a decent life without occupation."
Inmates graduate from first-of-its-kind program
A group of 16 men became the first incarcerated students to graduate with a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University through the school's unique Prison Education Program. The graduates are the first in the country to earn bachelor's degrees from a top 10 university while incarcerated. Noel Brennan reports.
Ex-officer Derek Chauvin stabbed in prison
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd, was stabbed by another inmate Friday at a federal prison in Arizona.
Kaitlin Armstrong, convicted of killing pro cyclist Mo Wilson, sentenced
Kaitlin Armstrong, who was convicted of fatally shooting rising professional cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson, has been sentenced to 90 years.
Russian artist gets 7 years in prison for antiwar protest at supermarket
Sasha Skochilenko is the latest Russian citizen to be affected by the country's crackdown on free speech.
Christopher Dunn's fight for freedom
Christopher Dunn was convicted of a murder in Missouri three decades ago and remains behind bars, even though two witnesses have since admitted they lied at his trial. He’s still imprisoned due to a quirk in Missouri law: prisoners serving life sentences aren’t entitled to innocence claims in the same way that death row inmates are. CBS News and "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty explains.
Corrections officer cares for inmate's baby
Roberta Bell, a former correctional officer, made a promise to a young inmate she met while working at a Louisiana prison. Bell agreed to care for the inmate's baby. It was a decision that cost Bell her job at the prison. Bell tells CBS News lead national correspondent David Begnaud that if she had to do it all over again, she would make the same choice. It's just the first step in Bell's journey toward selflessness and giving.
Ex-Trump State Dept official sentenced to nearly 6 years in Jan. 6 case
Trump political appointee and Marine Corps veteran Federico Klein was sentenced to almost six years in prison for attacking law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Investigation probes how 2 men escaped Philadelphia prison
Ameen Hurst, now 19, and Nasir Grant, 24, escaped from the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center in northeast Philadelphia on May 7.
Imprisoned "apostle" of Mexican megachurch charged with federal child pornography
The leader of a Mexican megachurch who is serving more than 16 years in a California prison for sexually abusing young followers has been charged with two federal crimes involving a 16-year-old girl.
Prison employees accused of mocking injured female inmate are fired
Other inmates at the Topeka Correctional Facility said the injured inmate spent two hours crawling back to her cell after hurting herself.
Watch: Dash cam video shows exonerated Florida man's struggle with deputy
Leonard Cure was trying to make up for lost time in the three years since his release from prison after Florida officials concluded he had been wrongfully convicted of armed robbery.
6 Ecuadorian suspects in presidential candidate's assassination killed
The six inmates were being kept at Ecuador's biggest — and considered its most dangerous — prison, Litoral Penitentiary.
Gaetz ethics report says his drug use, sex with a minor violated state laws
A report by the House Ethics Committee found former Rep. Matt Gaetz paid multiple women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex.
Who are the 3 federal death row inmates whose sentences Biden didn't commute?
President Biden left in place the capital punishment sentences of just three federal inmates: Robert Bowers, Dzhokar Tsarnaev and Dylann Roof.
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to state murder, terrorism charges
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Monday to state charges in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Prosecutor drops appeal to reinstate "Rust" charges against Alec Baldwin
The appeal asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
6 key takeaways from the Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee released its highly anticipated report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use and obstruction. He denies wrongdoing.
Greenland's leader says "we are not for sale" after Trump suggests U.S. takeover
President-elect Donald Trump also seemed to suggest the Panama Canal should belong to the United States.
Bill Clinton hospitalized for "testing and observation" after developing fever
Former President Bill Clinton remains in "good spirits," a spokesman said.
NYC police charge man with murder of woman set on fire on subway
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was charged with murder and arson after a woman sleeping on the New York City subway was set on fire and died, police say.
Biden commutes sentences of 37 of 40 federal death row inmates
President Biden is granting clemency to 37 of the 40 federal inmates facing death sentences. Their sentences will be commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
U.S.
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Prosecutor drops appeal to reinstate "Rust" charges against Alec Baldwin
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
How a Georgia county official stood up to a Russian ransomware ring
The Russian-based ransomware syndicate LockBit took responsibility for the cyberattack, which temporarily crippled the Georgia county's online infrastructure.
Here's what to know about the Corporate Transparency Act ruling
The Corporate Transparency Act, or CTA, requires businesses to register with FINCEN, or face fines. Here's what to know.
Denzel Washington gets minister's license at Harlem church
Just shy of his 70th birthday, Denzel Washington has a new line to add to an already impressive résumé.
Bill Clinton hospitalized for "testing and observation" after developing fever
Former President Bill Clinton remains in "good spirits," a spokesman said.
MoneyWatch
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Here's what to know about the Corporate Transparency Act ruling
The Corporate Transparency Act, or CTA, requires businesses to register with FINCEN, or face fines. Here's what to know.
Dairy farmers struggle to cover expenses as American appetites change
The work never ends on a dairy farm. The job is "rewarding spiritually, not always financially," New York farmer Nate Chittenden says.
Starbucks strike expands to more cities just days before Christmas
Starbucks baristas and Amazon delivery drivers are on strike in handful of U.S. cities as they seek wage increases.
Nordstrom to go private in $6.25 billion deal with Nordstrom family
Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal.
Walmart accused of illegally opening costly accounts for drivers
Walmart and Branch Messenger, a payments platform, accused of deceiving workers about pay from retailer for two years.
Politics
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Bill Clinton hospitalized for "testing and observation" after developing fever
Former President Bill Clinton remains in "good spirits," a spokesman said.
Ex-D.C. police officer convicted of lying about leaks to Proud Boys leader
A retired police officer in the nation's capital has been convicted of lying to authorities about leaking confidential information to the leader of the Proud Boys extremist group.
Who are the 3 federal death row inmates whose sentences Biden didn't commute?
President Biden left in place the capital punishment sentences of just three federal inmates: Robert Bowers, Dzhokar Tsarnaev and Dylann Roof.
Read the full Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee has released its long-awaited report on allegations of misconduct by former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Read the full report here.
6 key takeaways from the Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee released its highly anticipated report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use and obstruction. He denies wrongdoing.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
How to stay healthy during holiday gatherings
Seasonal illnesses are increasing just days away from the holidays. The CDC reports positive flu tests are up 9% in the most recent week and cases of whooping cough are six times last year's rate. Dr. Susannah Hills, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Columbia University Medical Center, explains how to stay safe.
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Are you contagious? Here's when you're most likely to spread COVID, flu, RSV
How long are you contagious after getting COVID, flu, RSV, pneumonia and more? Here's what to know to keep others safe this holiday season.
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.
World
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Photos show well-preserved remains of baby mammoth found in Siberia
Yana is estimated to have been only about one year old when she died. She weighs more than 397 pounds and measures about 4 feet and 200 centimeters long.
Legendary drug lord deported to Colombia after release from U.S. prison
Fabio Ochoa arrived at Bogota's El Dorado airport on a deportation flight on Monday, wearing a grey sweatshirt and carrying his personal belongings in a plastic bag.
Burt, the famous croc from "Crocodile Dundee" movie, dies in Australia
Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile that appeared alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the hit movie, was believed to be more than 90 years old.
Greenland's leader says "we are not for sale" after Trump suggests U.S. takeover
President-elect Donald Trump also seemed to suggest the Panama Canal should belong to the United States.
Australia approves extradition of former U.S. Marine
Former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan will be extradited from Australia to the United States over allegations that he illegally trained Chinese aviators.
Entertainment
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Prosecutor drops appeal to reinstate "Rust" charges against Alec Baldwin
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
Denzel Washington gets minister's license at Harlem church
Just shy of his 70th birthday, Denzel Washington has a new line to add to an already impressive résumé.
Burt, the famous croc from "Crocodile Dundee" movie, dies in Australia
Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile that appeared alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the hit movie, was believed to be more than 90 years old.
Meet the man behind Bergdorf Goodman's iconic holiday windows
This year's holiday displays at Bergdorf Goodman honor Fifth Avenue's bicentennial and will be on display through Jan. 6.
Samara Joy on new album, family tour
Samara Joy, the 25-year-old jazz sensation and three-time Grammy winner, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about her new album "Portrait" and her holiday tour with family.
Technology
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Technology
Researchers develop robot to help people walk
A robotic exosuit may seem like science fiction, but a team of South Korean researchers is turning the concept into reality. CBS News' Leah Mishkin explains how the new tech is helping people with disabilities walk on their own.
Holiday shoppers on the lookout for big TVs
TVs are some of the most popular items to fly off store shelves during the holidays. But this year, experts say shoppers are going bigger than ever. CBS News' Jeff Wagner explains.
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.
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
Alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones.
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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Prosecutor drops appeal to reinstate "Rust" charges against Alec Baldwin
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
CEO murder suspect pleads not guilty in state case
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges in New York state court Monday. Prosecutors allege he shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the back and leg in Manhattan earlier this month. Lilia Luciano has more.
Legendary drug lord deported to Colombia after release from U.S. prison
Fabio Ochoa arrived at Bogota's El Dorado airport on a deportation flight on Monday, wearing a grey sweatshirt and carrying his personal belongings in a plastic bag.
Mangione lawyer concerned about fair trial
The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson remains behind bars after pleading not guilty to murder and terrorism charges Monday morning in New York. Luigi Mangione's lawyer argues that the multiple state and federal investigations conflict with his right to a fair trial. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano reports.
NYC police charge man with murder of woman set on fire on subway
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was charged with murder and arson after a woman sleeping on the New York City subway was set on fire and died, police say.
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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Latest CBS News Videos
Elusive Chicago pizza maker has altruistic motive
Once a month, a pie slinger in Chicago sells pizza out of a truck in an alley. His thin crust pizza is so popular, it usually sells out within minutes — raising plenty of dough for a good cause. Charlie De Mar reports.
How a Georgia official took on a ransomware ring
2024 could go down as the worst year yet for ransomware attacks, in which hackers gain access to a computer server, lock up all the files and then demand payment to get the victims back online. For "Eye on America," Ash-har Quraishi has the inside story of how a public official in Atlanta stared down some of the world's most destructive cybercriminals.
How Israel pulled of its exploding pagers plot
CBS News' "60 Minutes" got an inside look at how Israel pulled off one of the most daring and sophisticated intelligence operations in history. In the so-called pager plot, devices worn by members of the Hezbollah militia were turned into miniature bombs. Lesley Stahl spoke with two recently retired Israeli agents who spent years masterminding the plan.
What's in the Matt Gaetz House ethics report?
Just before leaving Washington, D.C., for the holidays, the House Ethics Committee released a long-awaited and damning report on the conduct of former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. Scott MacFarlane has the latest from Capitol Hill.
Biden commutes sentences of 37 death row inmates
With less than a month to go in his term, President Biden granted executive clemency to 37 of the country's 40 federal death row inmates. The move reduces their sentences to life without the possibility of parole and makes them immune to President-elect Trump's promise to resume federal executions. Ed O'Keefe has more.