Jane Velez-Mitchell

Polar bears are now in critical danger. The U.S. Geological Survey says in just 40 years there may be no polar bears left in Alaska, and more than two thirds of polar bears around the world will disappear.

The sea ice polar bears depend on to hunt and to raise their cubs is melting. And it is melting rapidly. What's worse- some experts say the polar bear's dire situation is really a warning of what could happen around the globe if we don't act now.

The Jodi Arias trial, after years of delay, will finally begin January 2, 2013.  In what many are already calling the trial of the year, Jodi is accused of brutally killing her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander. Investigators say Arias shot Alexander in the face, stabbed him at least 29 times and slit his throat from ear to ear.

Arias’ story of what happened that day has changed a few times. Originally, Jodi said she wasn’t in the apartment at all. Then she changed her story saying she was there but two masked intruders burst into the home and attacked them, killing Travis. Finally, Jodi Arias admitted to killing Travis but claims she did it out of self-defense.

Are Rihanna and Chris Brown together again? That’s what everyone is wondering after the superstars’ very public outing at the Lakers-Knicks game on Christmas Day. The two were seen cozying up to each other in courtside seats, laughing, talking, and then were spotted holding hands as they left. While no official comment has been released, many are speculating the on and off again couple might be back on.

And this isn’t the first time both singers made headlines for being together. Back in 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault of Rihanna stemming from a vicious fight as the couple drove home from a pre-Grammy party. Brown is still on probation from that incident.

With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it is easy to get caught up in the presents and parties but one man is determined to teach his daughters that those aren’t the things that matter. Greg Hanscom wants to get his family back to what the holidays are supposed to be about… not the material stuff but spending quality time with the people you love. That is why he’s said no to gifts and yes to memories. And that’s an idea that is quickly catching on.

Greg Hanscom is the Senior Editor at Grist.org.  Their idea to de-materialize Christmas is called “Shift the Gift” and he explains it to Jane Velez-Mitchell.

A man was found naked, blind, and unconscious behind a Georgia Burger King eight years ago, with no memory of who he is or how he got there.

That man now goes by the name of Benjamin Kyle. Countless people, including the police and the FBI, have tried to help him unlock his past. But not a single person he knew before he was found behind that restaurant has come forward.

The Gray Wolf, considered an endangered species only months ago in the U.S., is now being hunted and killed in the areas outside of Yellowstone National Park.  Now in Wyoming, possibly the most famous wolf in the world, a beautiful female alpha was shot and killed by a hunter. She had been tagged and studied by researchers for years and they say they learned so much about wolves and pack behavior by studying this one wolf. 

Jane Velez-Mitchell spoke to Jason Rylander, the Senior Staff Attorney for Defenders of Wildlife to find out more about this extraordinary wolf and the new danger these animals face.

Jane and her trusty sidekick Rico the Chihuahua embark on a mission to save other animals! Rico is a rescue dog, and there are so many other pets just as sweet as he is who need a home. This week, Jane and Rico are trying to find a home for Rocky.

Cullen was his name originally but the wonderful staff of Dr. Sallen's office at the Ojai Village Vet office felt he was more of a Rocky. See, Cullen/Rocky was roaming the streets of Santa Paula and was hit by a car requiring immediate surgery on his pelvis/back left leg and a lengthy stay with Dr. Sallen. He was a bit grumpy throughout this ordeal but now Cullen/Rocky has warmed up and he's a joy to have around. He recovered nicely which has created a cute limp when he walks while limiting the speed at which he runs. Some socialization with other dogs will still be necessary but he loves to sit in your lap, be carried around with you and lick your fingers. 

From the makers of “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” and “Toddlers and Tiaras”, TLC is unleashing its latest guilty pleasure show, “Cheer Perfection”.  The new show follows the colorful antics at a cheerleading studio in Arkansas.

For more on this story watch Jane Velez-Mitchell weeknights at 7pm ET on HLN. 

A man hunt is under way for two brazen bank robbers who escaped from a jail in Illinois.  The two men, Jose Banks and Ken Conley, escaped by tying together sheets and blankets and scaling down the side of the building. The two fugitives squeezed through a window only 5 inches wide.

The convicts were gone for nine hours before jail guards realized they were missing. Now there is a manhunt for the two men authorities consider armed and dangerous.  The FBI is offering a reward for any information. If you know anything call 312-421-6700