Right Whales Born 2009 Sets Record

Scientists have counted 39 right whale calves born this year off the southeast coast. That breaks the previous record of 31 set in 2001. According to a story in the New York Times, this is first time in centuries things are looking up for the right whale. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Georgia’s Wildlife Trust intensely monitor the mammals. They say the numbers show conservation efforts have a large impact. Recent changes in shipping practices seem to be preventing large vessel collisions with the whales, and fishing regulations are reducing the amount of whales caught in nets. The mammals have long been protected by the international community. The League of Nations made it illegal to hunt them in 1935 after they became extinct in European waters. Scientists guess roughly 300 to 400 remain.

Superdelegate Lewis denies NY Times report

A report in Friday's New York Times -- also carried in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- said U.S. Representative John Lewis (D) is shifting his support for a Democratic presidential nominee from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama.

Lewis' press secretary Brenda Jones denies the change in allegiance, calling the report "not accurate."

Lewis is one of Georgia's 13 superdelegates, or leading party members, who can cast a vote for any candidate at the party's nominating convention. In recent weeks, Democratic presidential candidates have lobbied hard for superdelegates' support from across the U.S.