Dead, pregnant endangered fin whale found on bow of Alaska cruise ship

Draped over the massive cruise vessel's bow was the body of a 61-foot pregnant endangered fin whale, prompting a federal investigation into what officials believe was a fatal vessel strike.

Texas leaders approve Bible stories as required reading in schools

The Texas Board of Education has approved controversial changes to required reading lists for Texas public school students. They now include Bible passages.

Massachusetts House passes bill protecting libraries from book bans

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are hoping to put into law a bill to give librarians more authority to protect against book bans in schools and libraries. 

Colorado mom allegedly bought alcohol daily for 16-year-old daughter found dead with 173 empty bottles

A Colorado mother has been charged in connection with the death of her 16-year-old daughter, who prosecutors say drank herself to death and had 173 empty alcohol bottles hidden in her bedroom.

Mistrial declared after jury deadlocks in Palisades Fire trial

A federal judge declared a mistrial in the trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man charged with setting a fire that officials said eventually became the Palisades Fire.

Giraffe that escaped Texas ranch spotted by helicopter, manager says

A giraffe that escaped a ranch in the Texas Hill Country two weeks ago has been located, according to the manager of the ranch.

More Buc-ee's locations announced in national expansion

Popular mega-gas station chain Buc-ee’s opened up their first location in Arizona this week, bringing their nationwide total to 56 locations across 13 states. 

SNAP junk-food purchase restrictions take effect July 1 in Arkansas — See what other states have bans

Arkansas is implementing restrictions on food purchases by SNAP recipients and banning them from using their taxpayer-funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food, joining other states too.

Brothers accused of mishandling dozens of decomposing bodies at Colorado funeral home

Former Pueblo County Coroner Brian Lee Cotter and his brother, Christopher Aaron Cotter, were arrested in Colorado and face 125 counts of abuse of a corpse, with a judge setting their bond at $1 million.

Trump speaks to farmers, ranchers at White House
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We are watching this Thursday as President Donald Trump hosts farmers, ranchers, cattlemen and agricultural producers from across the country for dinner at the White House. The Trump administration is working to spotlight an industry that has long been a cornerstone of both the U.S. economy and the president's political base. Thursday's gathering will coincide with the first official day of the Great American State Fair that kicked off on the National Mall this week to celebrate the 250th Independence Day. 

SCOTUS greenlights Trump admin immigration policy
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We are watching this Thursday as the Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration to potentially revive an immigration policy once used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. LiveNOW’s Anna Marsick is speaking with NPR legal affairs correspondent, Nina Totenberg as the justices overturned a lower court order blocking the practice used by presidents of both parties. Advocates said the tactic created a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people settled in unsafe makeshift shelters to await their turn. 

Jane Doe found in Mississippi River identified more than 50 years later

Iowa authorities have identified a teenage girl whose body was found in the Mississippi River more than 50 years ago, solving the state's longest-unidentified "Jane Doe" case.

Police: Texas woman shot, stabbed, and dismembered partner before dumping remains

A 31-year-old woman has confessed to violently killing and dismembering a man with whom she lived, following an anonymous tip that led detectives to a Texas landfill, police said Thursday.

TSA finds hidden smoke grenades at Indianapolis airport

TSA officers at Indianapolis International Airport recently intercepted two live smoke grenades hidden inside a traveler's checked luggage.

David Clayton-Thomas, lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, dies

David Clayton-Thomas, the lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears who was known for hits including “Spinning Wheel" and “And When I Die," has died at 84.