Evening News Online, 10.21.09

Elyse Saugstad, one of the survivors of an avalanche triggered during a backcountry ski trip in Washington, explained to Bill Whitaker what it was like being swallowed by tons of snow and how her airbag backpack saved her life.

John Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth, creating one of the most historic events in modern history. Now, 50 years later, Glenn celebrates the occasion by looking to the future of space exploration. Bill Plante reports.

The parents in a California school district could be the first to successfully use a controversial new law that allows them to take over a failing school if changes aren't made. Ben Tracy reports on how this fight may become a model for the nation.

A group of expert skiers were enjoying a day of pristine backcountry skiing when suddenly the snow started to shift beneath them, triggering an avalanche killing three of them and one other elsewhere. Bill Whitaker spoke with Elyse Saugstad, who attributes her survival to the inflatable airbag backpack she was wearing.

Ranking member of the Armed Services Committee Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) spoke with Scott Pelley on whether the United States should have a role supporting those fighting in Syria's uprising.

The UN began a new round of inspections on Iran's nuclear research and uranium enrichment facilities, just as the Iranian military launched four days of war games practicing its defense of the nuclear sites. David Martin reports.