Deal reached to return the orca Lolita to "home waters" after over 50 years
Officials announced plans on Thursday to transfer the orca, now 57, from the Miami Seaquarium to "home waters" in the Pacific Northwest.
Whales
Protecting the Planet: Our impact on animals
In this episode of “Protecting the Planet,” CBS News senior environmental correspondent Ben Tracy explores how animals are being affected by climate change and human-created pollution in their habitats.
Man called "Dolphin Dave" accused of harassing whales and dolphins
"Dolphin Dave" Jimenez is accused of swimming close enough to a humpback whale to nearly touch it and chasing a pod of dolphins.
New technology helps protect whales from ship collisions
Recent years have seen record West Coast whale deaths, with the notable exception of 2020, when the pandemic all but stopped international shipping.
Is offshore wind development a threat to whales? Here's what to know.
Nine dead whales have washed ashore in New Jersey and New York in recent months. Some are blaming offshore wind energy sites, but federal officials are pushing back.
Whale death renews calls to halt offshore wind projects
"How many more will it take?" asked a coastal mayor after another dead whale washed ashore in Manasquan, New Jersey.
Hawaii researchers found fishing nets, plastic bags in stomach of dead whale
Researchers found multiple types of fishing nets, plastic bags and other debris in the stomach of a 60-ton sperm whale.
Japan firm opens whale meat vending machines to push sales
Conservationists say they are worried the move could be a step toward expanded whaling.
Newborn right whale calf found dead under North Carolina pier
The whale was last seen alive swimming alone off North Carolina's coast without its mother.
40-foot endangered sperm whale washes ashore in Oregon
The whale was found dead and covered in gashes on Saturday. A necropsy later revealed that the animal was fatally struck by a ship, officials said.
Young whale of endangered species "likely to die" after entanglement
The entanglement has left the young whale with "numerous wounds across her body and whale lice on her head," NOAA said.
Rare whale may die after getting entangled
A 4-year-old North Atlantic right whale, one of the few remaining individuals of one of the rarest whale species in the world, is at serious risk after becoming heavily entangled, experts said.
Beluga whale befriends Norway community
A beluga whale that may have been outfitted with a camera for spying showed up in Hammerfest, Norway, in 2019. Since then, he has been embraced by members of the community, who named him Hvaldimir. Now, his people are working to make sure he has a safe, fulfilling life.
21-foot killer whale dies after washing ashore on Florida beach
Video posted by the sheriff's office shows the orca lying lifeless on its side on the beach as waves crash into it.
Orca dies after washing ashore in Florida
A 21-foot killer whale has died after it washed ashore on a Florida beach, officials said. They said a necropsy will be performed.
Whale injured by ship makes her "last journey" – a 3,000-mile swim to Hawaii
Moon used only her pectoral fins to travel to Hawaii, where she is now "completely emaciated and covered in whale lice" – and according to one local professional diver, even being followed by sharks.
Whole Foods pulls Maine lobster from stores to protect whales
Retail giant "decided to follow the recommendations of misguided environmental groups," charged governor of Maine.
Blue whales are "canaries" for microplastic consumption, study finds
The estimate is conservative, one researcher said, but shows the whales are "canaries in the coal mine" for a potentially toxic problem for other animals, including humans.
Whales off the California coast consume up to 10 million microplastics every day, study finds
A new study found that blue whales off California's coast are consuming about 10,000,000 pieces of microplastics every day — an amount that could be potentially toxic to the whales and other animals that end up with the pollutants in their systems.
New species of whale named last year is "on the edge of extinction"
"Unless significant conservation actions are taken, the United States is likely to cause the first anthropogenic extinction of a great whale species," scientists said.
Hundreds of pilot whales dead in New Zealand after mass strandings
It's just the latest mass stranding event to rock the Oceania region in recent weeks.
14 young sperm whales found dead, beached on an Australian island
Government conservation experts headed to the island to conduct necropsies of the whales to try to determine what caused their deaths.
Iran admits protest deaths, but claims situation "under total control"
As Trump mulls his options, Iran's top diplomat claims more than two weeks of deadly anti-government unrest is under control, and he's willing to negotiate.
Fed served with Justice Dept. subpoenas, Powell says
The subpoenas threatened a criminal indictment related to Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's testimony before the Senate Banking Committee in June 2025, he says.
Who won Golden Globes for 2026? See the full winners list here
The 2026 Golden Globes honored the standouts in both film and television from last year. See the full list of winners and nominees.
U.S. officials to meet with Danish officials Wednesday about Greenland, sources say
Trump administration officials are set to meet with Danish officials about Greenland on Wednesday, diplomatic sources tell CBS News.
Iran threatens protesters, U.S. troops in region, as unrest continues
As activists say Iran's anti-government unrest has seen at least 538 people killed, the nation's rulers threaten protesters and U.S. forces across the Mideast.
Omar says federal probe into Minnesota fraud is "creating confusion and chaos"
Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar denounced a surge of federal agents to Minneapolis targeting Somalis and other immigrants after a fraud scheme in the state.
Justice Department has scrapped its "Peacemakers" office
In the civil rights era, the agency formed its Community Relations Service, a group of dozens of federal specialists who were informally referred to as "America's peacemaker."
Trump warns Cuba to make a "deal" on oil after Maduro ouster
President Trump on Saturday announced that Venezuela has "started the process" of releasing its political prisoners.
Nurses strike begins in New York City as thousands walk off jobs
The largest nurses strike ever in New York City is underway as thousands walk off their jobs at major hospitals.
U.S.
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3 inmates dead, 12 hurt after "major fights" at Georgia prison, authorities say
A disturbance at a prison in northern Georgia Sunday afternoon left three inmates dead and 12 more injured along with a guard, authorities say.
Most memorable moments from the 2026 Golden Globes
From historic wins to powerful speeches, here are the highlights and most memorable moments from the 2026 Golden Globes.
Justice Dept. served subpoenas to the Fed, Powell says
The subpoenas threatened a criminal indictment related to Jerome Powell's testimony before the Senate Banking Committee in June 2025, according to the Fed chair.
U.S. officials to meet with Danish officials Wednesday about Greenland, sources say
Trump administration officials are set to meet with Danish officials about Greenland on Wednesday, diplomatic sources tell CBS News.
Maxim Naumov makes U.S. Olympic team 1 year after parents killed in crash
Maxim Naumov, a Massachusetts figure skater whose parents were killed last year in a Washington, D.C. plane crash, is headed to the 2026 Olympics.
MoneyWatch
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Barbie with autism being introduced by Mattel
Mattel is introducing a Barbie with autism as the newest member of its line intended to celebrate diversity.
Trump urges credit card companies to slash interest rates to 10% for one year
President Trump called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates late Friday, an idea that has drawn strong support from lawmakers in both parties but pushback from card issuers.
Looking for a job? Here are the best U.S. cities to find openings.
Midsize cities like Pittsburgh and Columbia, South Carolina, offer some of the best employment prospects, analysis finds.
Trump posted some U.S. jobs data the before its official release
The White House said it will review its protocols for releasing economic data after President Trump's "inadvertent public disclosure."
Some Americans say they'll go without health insurance as ACA rates spike
After the ACA tax credit lapsed in December, enrollees are opting for less robust health plans or dropping coverage altogether.
Politics
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RFK Jr.'s MAHA movement has picked up steam in statehouses
"Make America Healthy Again" policies driven by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made major strides in state legislatures, with food additives among the most common targets.
Justice Dept. served subpoenas to the Fed, Powell says
The subpoenas threatened a criminal indictment related to Jerome Powell's testimony before the Senate Banking Committee in June 2025, according to the Fed chair.
U.S. officials to meet with Danish officials Wednesday about Greenland, sources say
Trump administration officials are set to meet with Danish officials about Greenland on Wednesday, diplomatic sources tell CBS News.
Justice Department has scrapped its "Peacemakers" office
In the civil rights era, the agency formed its Community Relations Service, a group of dozens of federal specialists who were informally referred to as "America's peacemaker."
Omar says it is "not acceptable" to make early judgments on Minneapolis shooting
"If they're saying we shouldn't believe our eyes, then let the investigation take place before you characterize this mother of three as a domestic terrorist," Rep. Ilhan Omar said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
HealthWatch
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Nurses strike begins in New York City as thousands walk off jobs
The largest nurses strike ever in New York City is underway as thousands of NYSNA members walk off their jobs at major hospitals.
RFK Jr.'s MAHA movement has picked up steam in statehouses
"Make America Healthy Again" policies driven by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made major strides in state legislatures, with food additives among the most common targets.
"Enough": Oprah Winfrey on her weight-loss lessons
Oprah Winfrey is one of the best-known, most-admired and successful people on the planet. But for years she seemed powerless to conquer her fluctuating weight problem … until new medications, and a new attitude about her weight, gave her a breakthrough, which she describes in "Enough," a new book she has co-written with Dr. Ania Jastreboff. They talk with Jane Pauley about an individual's genetically-influenced weight range, and how to reset it. Winfrey also relates the long road she traveled since she began her TV career in Nashville, facing sexism, racism, and comments about her weight.
NYC nurses strike looms as negotiations pass midnight deadline
The potential for a major nurses strike in New York City is growing by the minute, with major hospitals and the New York State Nurses Association failing to get a deal done before Sunday's midnight deadline.
State of denial: How insurance companies impact health care today
As millions of Americans struggle with paying for health care, doctors and health experts discuss how medical care is being eroded by insurers denying necessary tests and treatment, making it "more difficult to be healthy in the United States."
World
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Iran admits protest deaths, but claims situation "under total control"
As Trump mulls his options, Iran's top diplomat claims more than two weeks of deadly anti-government unrest is under control, and he's willing to negotiate.
Bride and groom among 8 killed in gas explosion at wedding
The father of the groom said his wife and sister-in-law were also killed in the explosion, BBC News reported.
U.S. officials to meet with Danish officials Wednesday about Greenland, sources say
Trump administration officials are set to meet with Danish officials about Greenland on Wednesday, diplomatic sources tell CBS News.
Human heads displayed at Ecuador tourist beach in warning to gangs
Images on social media showed five heads tied with ropes on two wooden posts at a popular whale watching destination in Ecuador's southwest.
Greenland conquest "would be disastrous," Sen. Tim Kaine says
"I think Congress will stop [President Trump', both Democrats and Republicans," Sen. Tim Kaine about any plans to take Greenland by military force.
Entertainment
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Most memorable moments from the 2026 Golden Globes
From historic wins to powerful speeches, here are the highlights and most memorable moments from the 2026 Golden Globes.
Who won Golden Globes for 2026? See the full winners list here
The 2026 Golden Globes honored the standouts in both film and television from last year. See the full list of winners and nominees.
Remembering the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir
Andres Gutierrez looks back at the life and career of Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir, who has died at 78.
Extended interview: Carrie Coon
In this web exclusive, actress Carrie Coon, star of the TV series "The Gilded Age" and "The White Lotus," talks with Jim Axelrod about her return to Broadway in the play "Bug," written by her husband, Tracy Letts. She also talks about the state of Broadway today.
Extended interview: Tracy Letts and Carrie Coon
In this web exclusive, actor and playwright Tracy Letts, and actress Carrie Coon, star of the TV series "The Gilded Age" and "The White Lotus," talk with Jim Axelrod about their marriage, and their collaboration in the new Broadway production of "Bug."
Technology
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Technology
How to outsmart cybercriminals and protect your data
In his new book "Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime," former FBI Counterintelligence Operative Eric O'Neill describes the art of outsmarting cybercriminals and protecting your data and wallet. O'Neill spoke with CBS News' Major Garrett about steps people can take to stay safe online.
Meta signs 3 deals for nuclear energy to power AI data centers
Facebook parent Meta has reached nuclear power deals with three companies as it continues to look for electricity sources for its artificial intelligence data centers.
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.
U.K. could ban X if platform can't "get a grip" on AI sexualized images
Britain's leader says all options on the table if Musk's X platform doesn't stop Grok AI tool being used to generate non-consensual sexualized images.
Privacy impact of Gmail tools driven by AI
Millions of Americans who use Gmail are getting a new package of tools, driven by artificial intelligence. Google says it's trying to make Gmail more like a personal assistant as it brings more of its Gemini AI to your inbox with three updates. The changes come with some privacy concerns. Jo Ling Kent explains.
Science
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
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3 inmates dead, 12 hurt after "major fights" at Georgia prison, authorities say
A disturbance at a prison in northern Georgia Sunday afternoon left three inmates dead and 12 more injured along with a guard, authorities say.
Arrest made in Ohio dentist murder mystery
Michael McKee, 39, is accused of shooting and killing his ex-wife, Monique, and her husband, Spencer Tepe. The couple was found dead in their Columbus, Ohio, home last month. Ali Bauman reports.
A young mom was near death from lead poisoning. Who was trying to kill her?
Hannah Pettey, 22, a married mother of two from Alabama, suffered debilitating pain and lost more than 45 pounds as her health rapidly declined. Doctors suspected either her mother or her husband were trying to poison her.
Cold case murder victim was a bridesmaid in killer's wedding
The investigation into the 1995 murder of Texas teacher Mary Catherine Edwards went cold for years. Advances in forensic science and tireless work by investigators would reveal the startling connection between the victim and her killer.
Chicago man arrested in murders of Ohio dentist and his wife, police say
Michael McKee is the ex-husband of Monique Tepe, according to court records obtained by CBS News. Tepe and her husband, Spencer, were shot and killed in Columbus on Dec. 30.
Space
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Astronaut says early return to Earth is "right call," but "bittersweet"
Mike Fincke thanked NASA for making crew health the agency's top priority.
NASA hopes to return Crew 11 to Earth next week over medical issue
NASA officials reported Thursday that an unidentified member of Crew 11 was dealing with "a medical situation" that would require the crew to return to Earth sooner than anticipated.
NASA cutting ISS mission short
Four crew members aboard the International Space Station will be brought home more than a month early in the coming days as NASA cuts its mission short due to health concerns. NASA says the ailing astronaut is stable and while it is not an emergency, weeks more in space are not in the best interest of their health.
ISS crew returning early due to medical issue
The crew at the International Space Station will return home early because of what NASA is calling a medical concern with a crew member. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
NASA postpones spacewalk for medical concerns
NASA on Thursday postponed a scheduled spacewalk on the International Space Station due to a "medical concern." CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Remembering the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir
Andres Gutierrez looks back at the life and career of Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir, who has died at 78.
Reporter remembers L.A. wildfire animal rescue
One year after the devastating L.A. wildfires, CBS Los Angeles' Jasmine Viel remembers when she and her photographer rushed in to help a woman desperate to save her pet chickens and ducks as flames closed in on her home.
Suspect in custody in Mississippi synagogue attack
A suspect is in custody after the oldest synagogue in Mississippi, and the only synagogue in the city of Jackson, was set on fire in a suspected arson attack. Shanelle Kaul has more.
Noem: More federal agents coming to Minnesota
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says hundreds more federal agents are being sent to Minnesota as protests continue there and across the country, demanding justice after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good. Nicole Sganga has more.
Sources: Trump briefed on Iran military options
President Trump has been briefed on new military options for a strike against Iran amid widespread protests and a government crackdown on communications for Iranians, a senior U.S. official tells CBS News. Willie James Inman has more.