Diesel spill kills 2,300 fish and 32 birds, sickens dozens of alligators
"We weren't expecting to find so many alligators in that one area," a Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson told NOLA.com.
New Orleans
Descendants of Plessy v. Ferguson unite over pardon
Nearly 130 years later, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards granted a posthumous pardon to Homer Plessy.
Louisiana governor pardons Homer Plessy
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed a posthumous pardon for Homer Plessy, the New Orleans man whose 1892 arrest for sitting in a Whites-only railroad car led to a notorious Supreme Court decision upholding segregation laws. Watch the governor's remarks at the signing ceremony.
CBS Weekend News, May 9, 2020
Many states begin reopening as coronavirus cases continue to climb; New Orleans tries to keep the music going during pandemic
CBS Weekend News, April 5, 2020
New York hospitals stretched thin as governor says state may be nearing coronavirus apex; Los Angeles woman celebrates 110th birthday amid coronavirus pandemic.
CBS Weekend News, August 23, 2020
Gulf Coast ordering mandatory evacuations in anticipation of Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura; Family turns their love for books into virtual storytelling series about Black history.
7/13: CBS Evening News
Barry makes landfall on the Gulf Coast, downgrades to tropical storm; Jeffrey Epstein's private properties to be investigated in sex trafficking case.
COVID-19 cases surge in parts of U.S.
COVID-19 infections are on the rise in sections of the U.S., especially in the North and the West. Meanwhile, young children can get the lower-dose Pfizer vaccine. Dr. Mark Kline, physician-in-chief at Children's Hospital New Orleans, joins CBSN to discuss the latest coronavirus headlines.
New Orleans to pay teens $350 a month in financial literacy push
City officials believe a $3,500 annual payout to young people could help solve the "unbanked" problem plaguing the Big Easy.
BET News special to focus on virus impact
The coronavirus has hit black Americans harder than any other group, which is why BET, BET Her and BET’s Facebook pages are focusing on the pandemic in a primetime special that “CBS This Morning” co-host Gayle King will anchor Wednesday night. "COVID-19: Black America's Fight" will have interviews about the devastating impact with the mayors of San Francisco, Chicago and New Orleans, as well as changemakers in the black community and White House officials like Dr. Deborah Birx.
Coronavirus explodes across Southern states
The coronavirus is exploding across the South with 60,000 confirmed cases. Louisiana has the second highest death rate in the U.S. where more than 70% of coronavirus deaths are African Americans. Janet Shamlian has a look at the numbers.
N.Y. hospitals stretched thin amid apex
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo offered a glimmer of hope on Sunday, saying the state may be near the coronavirus apex. The virus is also attacking other cities like Chicago and Detroit at an alarming rate. Meg Oliver reports.
3 cities where conditions may worsen next week
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams told CBS News that New Orleans, Chicago and Detroit are likely to see conditions worsen next week. The National Guard could be called in to set up beds in Illinois and Michigan. Dean Reynolds reports.
Mardi Gras may have fueled Louisiana outbreak
Louisiana has seen coronavirus cases skyrocket, particularly in New Orleans, the city at the center of the state's outbreak. Officials estimate the city could run out of ventilators by the first week of April. Doctors and elected officials believe that New Orleans' annual Mardi Gras celebrations helped accelerate the virus' spread. Omar Villafranca speaks to a woman who believes her husband was infected during the event.
New Orleans groups begin anti-flooding projects
New Orleans has seen several tropical storms and hurricanes this year. Now Black-led community organizations are breaking ground on green infrastructure projects to combat severe flooding. Angela Chalk, the executive director of Healthy Community Services, joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with more on the efforts.
Louisiana zoo animals are getting COVID vaccine
Gorillas and orangutans at the Audubon Zoo are in the process of getting their first dose.
When will COVID vaccine be OK'd for kids?
The Wall Street Journal reports that it may be November before the the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for children aged 5 through 11. Meanwhile, as states impose vaccine mandates for health care workers, some employees are resisting. Dr. Toni Gross, chief of the emergency department at Children's Hospital New Orleans, joins CBSN to discuss the latest COVID-19 headlines.
House floats replace Mardi Gras parade floats
For the people of New Orleans, Louisiana, Mardi Gras is more than just the world's biggest free party. It is the throbbing, pulsing, beating heart of the city's culture. But the coronavirus pandemic put much of that on hold after the city of New Orleans announced on Friday that the city would close all bars, ban the sale of to-go drinks, and halt all large gatherings from February 12 to February 16. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, the ever-creative residents of New Orleans have found a whole new canvas for their artistic expression. Jamie Wax has the details.
Brandon Scott has the remarkable story of one of the Big Easy’s brightest and youngest new talents
New Orleans is famous as a cradle of American music and creative cooking. But it’s also a rich source of inspiration for visual arts. Brandon Scott has the remarkable story of one of the Big Easy’s brightest and youngest new talents.
New Orleans readies for storm surge
Preparations for Hurricane Nate are underway along the Gulf Coast. A state of emergency has been declared for 29 counties in Florida as well as Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Orleans. Those areas are home to almost 12 million people. Michelle Miller reports.
Controversy over COVID booster shot plan
Two senior U.S. vaccine regulators who are leaving the FDA have come out against the White House plan to roll out COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. A group of international scientists published research in The Lancet on Monday concluding that while a third dose is beneficial to the immunocompromised, the average person does not need it yet. Dr. Mark Kline, physician-in-chief at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, joined CBSN to discuss the controversy.
Hurricane Ida death toll jumps to 82
Louisiana health officials announced an additional 11 storm-related deaths on Wednesday, bringing the total number of deaths from Hurricane Ida to 82.
Death toll from Ida increases to 68 as many remain without power
At least seven deaths in New Orleans were of nursing home residents who had been evacuated to warehouses.
Hurricane Ida evacuees urged to begin returning to New Orleans
The mayor encouraged residents to return to the city as their power comes back, saying they could help the relief effort by taking in neighbors and family who were still in the dark.
Biden visits hurricane-devastated Louisiana
Days after Hurricane Ida ripped through Louisiana, President Biden touched down in Air Force One to survey the widespread damage. CBS News correspondent Mireya Villarreal reports from New Orleans, and Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng joins CBSN's Lana Zak to talk about the desperation on the ground.
China's Xi warns Trump about "conflicts" if Taiwan isn't "handled properly"
President Trump is in Beijing meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders aiming to stabilize their trading relationship after last year's trade war.
Exclusive
DHS chief on ICE's role at World Cup: "We're not there to go round up" people
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin told CBS News that ICE arrests at the FIFA World Cup are not off the table, but the agency will not be at the global sporting event for the purpose of immigration arrests.
Exclusive
Hero pilot recounts crash landing in Atlantic Ocean
Ian Nixon, a veteran pilot from the Bahamas, put the plane he was flying down in the ocean without anyone suffering serious injuries.
Ukraine says Russia launches "virtually nonstop" strikes on Kyiv
More than 1,500 Russian drones and dozens of missiles were launched in the last two days, according to Ukrainian officials.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
Live
Trump and Xi agree Strait of Hormuz "must remain open"
President Trump and China's Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday, while Israel and Lebanon resumed peace talks in Washington.
Senate adopts resolution to withhold senators' pay during shutdowns
The Senate unanimously agreed to adopt a resolution on Thursday that will withhold senators' pay during a lapse in funding for any federal agency.
FBI sought to interview top election official in Wisconsin's Milwaukee County
The FBI attempted to interview the director of elections in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, the county clerk's office said in a statement.
Kouri Richins sentenced in husband's fentanyl-laced cocktail murder
Utah mom Kouri Richins was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on Wednesday, after a jury convicted her of murder and other charges in her husband's 2022 death.
U.S.
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Senate adopts resolution to withhold senators' pay during shutdowns
The Senate unanimously agreed to adopt a resolution on Thursday that will withhold senators' pay during a lapse in funding for any federal agency.
Oklahoma executes inmate convicted of killing ex-girlfriend and her baby
Oklahoma executed a death row inmate Thursday morning. He had been convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and her 7-month-old baby in 2007.
FBI sought to interview top election official in Wisconsin's Milwaukee County
The FBI attempted to interview the director of elections in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, the county clerk's office said in a statement.
South Carolina governor expected to call special session on redistricting
As Republicans seek to retain control of the U.S. House, leaders of both parties nationwide have sought to redraw their congressional maps to net more seats for their parties.
Exclusive
Hero pilot recounts crash landing in Atlantic Ocean
Ian Nixon, a veteran pilot from the Bahamas, put the plane he was flying down in the ocean without anyone suffering serious injuries.
MoneyWatch
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Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Rare blue-green diamond sells for record $17.3 million at auction
The 5.5-carat "Ocean Dream" was found in Central Africa in the 1990s.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Musk flew to China near end of OpenAI trial, after judge warned he could be recalled
Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, as his $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI's Sam Altman played out. But a judge told Musk last month he may be recalled to a California courtroom for further testimony at the request of OpenAI lawyers.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
Politics
More Politics
Senate adopts resolution to withhold senators' pay during shutdowns
The Senate unanimously agreed to adopt a resolution on Thursday that will withhold senators' pay during a lapse in funding for any federal agency.
FBI sought to interview top election official in Wisconsin's Milwaukee County
The FBI attempted to interview the director of elections in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, the county clerk's office said in a statement.
South Carolina governor expected to call special session on redistricting
As Republicans seek to retain control of the U.S. House, leaders of both parties nationwide have sought to redraw their congressional maps to net more seats for their parties.
Live
Trump and Xi agree Strait of Hormuz "must remain open"
President Trump and China's Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday, while Israel and Lebanon resumed peace talks in Washington.
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
HealthWatch
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Sponsored
Activities that challenge your mind may help maintain brain health
Challenging your mind, through games and learning new skills, may help reduce your risk of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Jake Rosmarin is one of the 16 Americans at the University of Nebraska Medical Center being monitored for signs of hantavirus. Ian Lee spoke with him and has more details.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
New Yorker describes hantavirus quarantine experience after cruise ship outbreak
A New York native is among 16 American passengers who are quarantining in Nebraska after being on the cruise ship that is at the center of the deadly hantavirus outbreak.
World
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Ukraine says Russia launches "virtually nonstop" strikes on Kyiv
More than 1,500 Russian drones and dozens of missiles were launched in the last two days, according to Ukrainian officials.
U.K. health secretary resigns in scathing letter, setting up leadership fight
Health Secretary Wes Streeting quit embattled British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Cabinet in what is expected to be a precursor to challenging his leadership.
Sailors from doomed 1845 polar expedition identified through DNA
The identification of the remains also resolved a decades-long debate about the worst disaster in the history of British polar exploration.
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Rare blue-green diamond sells for record $17.3 million at auction
The 5.5-carat "Ocean Dream" was found in Central Africa in the 1990s.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Survivor" contestants on double elimination
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" reveals the castaways voted off during Wednesday's episode of "Survivor 50" in another double elimination. They discuss being part of the franchise and their legacies in the game.
National Recording Registry adds Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ray Charles, more
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Geena Davis talks new series "The Boroughs"
Actor Geena Davis talks about starring in the new series "The Boroughs," if there are parallels between herself and the character she plays, and why she's drawn to supernatural projects. She also addresses representation in the entertainment industry.
"Top Gun" celebrates 40 years
The action movie "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, was released 40 years ago. To celebrate its anniversary, the film and its sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," are returning to AMC theaters nationwide for one week. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Technology
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Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
China's most critical issue: Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called Taiwan "the most important issue" between his country and the U.S. About 10% of the population in Taiwan wants to reunify with mainland China, and there are real fears that it will fall under communist control. Tony Dokoupil and Anna Coren break down its importance to China and the U.S.
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.
Companies hiring humans to train AI platforms
AI training is an emerging job market where those with specialized skills are paid to train bots to be more accurate and human-like in their responses. The CBS News MoneyWatch team spoke with multiple hiring platforms that pair human experts with AI training jobs. Megan Cerullo has more.
How AI is changing travel
Almost every industry worldwide is integrating artificial intelligence into its operations, and the airline industry is no different. Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel joins "The Takeout" to discuss AI's impact on travel.
Science
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NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
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Crime
Huge twist in Alex Murdaugh case
Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murder, will get a new trial and have his convictions overturned, the state's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. CBS News' Eva Pilgrim reports.
Feds arrest tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered seal's head
The tourist sparked outrage after a witness recorded him chucking a coconut-sized rock at "Lani," a beloved Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach.
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
Alex Murdaugh to be tried again
Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial drew national attention, but three years later, South Carolina's Supreme Court tossed aside his conviction. Mark Strassmann reports on the new developments.
Why Alex Murdaugh is getting a new trial
Three years after Alex Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife and son, the South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the verdict and granted Murdaugh a new trial. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Space
More Space
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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5/16: The Uplift
David Begnaud meets a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby for 79 years in a row – and his dying wish to make it there one last time.
Xi mentions "Thucydides trap" theory
During remarks in a private meeting, according to reports, Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned an obscure political theory that may suggest how China wants the U.S. to act. CBS News analyst Aaron MacLaean has more.
More on potential conflict over Taiwan
China is warning the U.S. of a potential conflict over Taiwan if the issue is not handled correctly. CBS News contributor H.R. McMaster joins with more insight on what a U.S.-China conflict may look like.
Aflac CEO on how family built company
Aflac CEO Dan Amos joined CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more on his historic tenure atop the insurance company and how the industry has changed over time.
Sponsored
Mental exercises to keep your brain healthy
Exercising your brain, through games and learning new skills, may help reduce your risk of dementia. Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Joanne Pike joins "CBS Mornings" with tips on challenging your mind as part of a three-part series "Brain Health: From Awareness to Action." Learn more about their "6-Step Challenge" and the "(re)think your brain" initiative at rethinkyourbrain.org (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association)