A sperm whale that measured up to 59 feet long and lived some 12 million to 13 million years ago used to hunt smaller whales. The species is named for Herman Melville, author of 'Moby-Dick.'

Rio Christ statue: The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro has undergone a $4 million renovation.

LeBron James, about to reach NBA free agent status as of 12:01 AM Thursday, could enjoy a normal life in New York, according to Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

AP - The first Atlantic hurricane of the year plowed ahead toward a collision with the Mexican Gulf coast and south Texas on Wednesday, whipping up high waves that frustrated oil-spill cleanup efforts and delivering tar balls and globs of crude onto already soiled beaches.

AP - Her confirmation all but assured, Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan neared the end of a final grueling day of Senate questioning Wednesday, fielding GOP challenges on abortion, gays in the military and other divisive issues while sidestepping Democrats' invitations to blast conservative decisions by the court she's hoping to join.

AP - The Senate on Wednesday unanimously confirmed Gen. David Petraeus as the new commander of the Afghanistan war, and President Barack Obama swiftly issued a statement saying Petraeus had his "full confidence."