Rare blackout hits Dominican Republic, snarling traffic and shutting down businesses
A rare blackout hit the entire Dominican Republic on Tuesday, snarling traffic and paralyzing businesses in the country of nearly 11 million people.
Dominican Republic
At least 28 dead as Hurricane Melissa leaves Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba reeling
People across the northern Caribbean were digging out from the destruction of Hurricane Melissa on Thursday as deaths from the catastrophic storm climbed.
Hurricane Melissa bearing down on Jamaica as a Category 5
Hurricane Melissa strengthened into a Category 5 storm on Monday, unleashing torrential rain and threatening to bring catastrophic flooding to the northern Caribbean.
Hurricane Melissa begins assault on Jamaica
Category 4 Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring "life-threatening and catastrophic" flash flooding and landslides to Jamaica, the southern parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic over the next few days. Jason Allen has a report from Kingston and meteorologist Andrew Kozak has a look at the forecast.
Boat destroyed by U.S. held 1,000 kilos of cocaine, Dominican Republic says
Authorities in the Dominican Republic said they have confiscated cocaine transported by a speedboat that was destroyed recently by the U.S. Navy.
Parents kill 4 children in Dominican Republic amid spate of such murders
Four children were murdered by their parents over the weekend in the Dominican Republic, which has suffered a spate of such killings.
Feds: Scam targeting grandparents eliminated
Federal law enforcement officials say they have taken down a coordinated scam ring that targeted grandparents. CBS News Boston's Kristina Rex has the details.
Former U.S. Embassy worker smuggled cocaine in cigarettes and sweets, DOJ says
Jairo Eliezer Arias Caceres, 35, recruited couriers to smuggle cocaine from the Dominican Republic to the United States, federal prosecutors allege.
Dominican authorities find 1.5 tons of coke after 12-hour boat chase
It's one of the Caribbean country's biggest seizures in history, a spokesperson for the country's Anti-Drug Agency said.
Owner of Dominican nightclub whose roof collapsed arrested
A government-appointed committee that includes international experts is still investigating what caused the roof to collapse.
Death of U.S. teacher in Dominican Republic
The death of an American teacher in the Dominican Republic is being investigated as murder. Police say they found Patricia Anton in her apartment in Puerto Plata. Her hands and feet were bound. Officials say the 63-year-old was strangled. Jericka Duncan reports.
Octavio Dotel, former MLB pitcher, dies in Dominican nightclub roof collapse
Former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco died after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Pérez.
Hopes fade of finding survivors of roof collapse at Santo Domingo nightclub
Rescue crews in the Dominican Republic dug through the remains of a legendary nightclub whose roof collapsed, but hopes of finding survivors were slim.
Recovery effort in deadly roof collapse
A roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic killed more than 200 people. One woman is waiting for word on multiple family members, including her father. She told CBS News, "My dad is my hero, like I, I can't live without him."
Dominican Republic collapse recovery
Officials in the Dominican Republic declared a rescue mission at the scene of the nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo where nearly 200 people died. CBS News' Cristian Benavides reports.
Death toll tops 100 in roof collapse at nightclub in Dominican Republic
The roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed on a crowd, killing at least 184 people and leaving many others injured or trapped under rubble.
Dominican Republic club rescue efforts
Loved ones are standing by as they seek more details about their family members who may still be stuck under the rubble of a Santo Domingo nightclub roof collapse that killed more than 100 people. CBS News' Cristian Benavides reports from the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Republic collapse deaths rise
Search and rescue crews continue digging out bodies from the rubble of a roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. It is not clear how many people were at the Jet Set nightclub at the time of the incident. CBS News' Cristian Benavides reports.
Death toll rises from nightclub roof collapse
Dozens of people died early Tuesday when a roof collapsed at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic's capitol of Santo Domingo. Yamell Canaán, journalist and anchor at Noticias SIN, reports.
Deadly Dominican Republic roof collapse
At least 27 people have died and more than 100 are injured after a roof collapse at a Dominican Republic nightclub. CBS News' Meg Oliver reports.
Latest clues in the search for U.S. student who vanished in Punta Cana
Here are the latest updates on what's known about Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Latest on Konanki's disappearance
The Dominican Republic is investigating the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki as an accident, according to the country's president. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports.
Updates on missing Pitt student
A judge has ruled that Joshua Riibe is "free to leave" the Dominican Republic, but Riibe is still without his passport, which was confiscated by authorities last week. Riibe was seen in video walking with Pitt student Sudiksha Konanki and is presumed to be the last person who saw her alive. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez reports.
Family of missing college student asks police that she be declared dead
Missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki disappeared in the Dominican Republic resort town of Punta Cana almost two weeks ago.
Konanki family requests death declaration
The family of Sudiksha Konanki has requested that she be declared deceased, the Loudoun County sheriff's office in Virginia tells CBS News. Konanki disappeared in the Dominican Republic earlier this month while on spring break. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez is in Punta Cana with more.
Trump signs funding bill to end shutdown after package clears House
The House on Tuesday voted 217 to 214 to fund major parts of the government and end the partial shutdown.
Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Clintons will testify in Epstein probe after contempt threat, House panel says
Hillary Clinton will appear for a deposition on Feb. 26, while former President Bill Clinton will appear on Feb. 27, according to the House Oversight Committee.
Watchdog shares whistleblower complaint involving Gabbard with Congress after delay
The complaint was closed administratively by the intelligence community inspector general's office in June 2025, under prior leadership, watchdog says.
Blood found inside home of Savannah Guthrie's mother, source says
Investigators are combing through the house of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy, in search of clues to the 84-year-old's disappearance.
Top Minnesota corrections official questions when immigration agencies will draw down forces
In the week-and-a-half since federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota, the state's top corrections official told CBS News it's not clear when the government will start drawing down forces.
Judge skeptical of Pentagon's efforts to punish Sen. Kelly over "illegal orders" video
A federal judge expressed skepticism over the Pentagon's effort to downgrade the pay and rank of Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly after he urged service members not to follow unlawful military orders.
U.S. shoots down Iranian drone that approached aircraft carrier, military says
U.S. Central Command said the drone "aggressively" approached the USS Abraham Lincoln as it was crossing through the Arabian Sea.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
U.S.
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Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Judge restricts use of tear gas, projectile munitions at Portland protests
The ruling comes just days after federal agents launched tear gas at a crowd of demonstrators, including young children, that local officials described as peaceful.
Power outages collide with boil-water advisories after winter storm
In Mississippi, more than 36,000 homes and businesses have now gone a second week without electricity after a historic winter storm.
Sen. Mitch McConnell hospitalized with "flu-like symptoms"
A spokesman for Sen. Mitch McConnell said the Kentucky Republican's "prognosis is positive."
Lawyers for alleged Charlie Kirk killer again ask to have prosecutors removed
Tyler Robinson's attorneys want the entire Utah County Attorney's Office disqualified because one of the prosecutors has a daughter who was present at the rally where Kirk was shot.
MoneyWatch
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More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
SBA shuts out non-U.S. citizens from its main lending program
Starting March 1, the SBA will no longer guarantee loans for small businesses owned by foreign nationals, including green card holders.
PepsiCo cuts prices of Cheetos, Doritos and other snacks
PepsiCo said the price cuts are aimed at making its products more affordable as consumers struggle with affordability.
Disney names parks chief Josh D'Amaro to succeed CEO Bob Iger
Josh D'Amaro, who oversees Disney theme parks and dozens of resort hotels worldwide, will become the next Disney CEO.
Consumer Reports' top 10 vehicles for 2026 — see which cars made the list
For the first time, the top 10 cars on Consumer Reports' annual list of best new vehicles also include electric or hybrid models.
Politics
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Top Minnesota corrections official questions when immigration agencies will draw down forces
In the week-and-a-half since federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota, the state's top corrections official told CBS News it's not clear when the government will start drawing down forces.
Judge restricts use of tear gas, projectile munitions at Portland protests
The ruling comes just days after federal agents launched tear gas at a crowd of demonstrators, including young children, that local officials described as peaceful.
Sen. Mitch McConnell hospitalized with "flu-like symptoms"
A spokesman for Sen. Mitch McConnell said the Kentucky Republican's "prognosis is positive."
Judge skeptical of Pentagon's efforts to punish Sen. Kelly over "illegal orders" video
A federal judge expressed skepticism over the Pentagon's effort to downgrade the pay and rank of Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly after he urged service members not to follow unlawful military orders.
Trump suggests Republicans should nationalize voting
President Trump has continued to claim without evidence that there is widespread fraud in U.S. elections.
HealthWatch
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Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in the coming months and years, but doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
Extended Interview: Mel Robbins
In this web exclusive, author and podcaster Mel Robbins talks with Norah O'Donnell about "The Let Them Theory."
Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
World
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Boat crew tosses 115 kilos of cocaine in Pacific while fleeing Colombian navy
The seizure was announced on the same day that Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with President Trump at the White House.
Russia hammers Ukraine on eve of peace talks
A day before Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. teams meet to talk peace, Putin's forces pounded Ukraine's energy infrastructure with dozens of drones and missiles.
U.S. shoots down Iranian drone that approached aircraft carrier, military says
U.S. Central Command said the drone "aggressively" approached the USS Abraham Lincoln as it was crossing through the Arabian Sea.
As Iran and the U.S. eye talks, a protester asks Trump to "keep his word"
As Iran declares willingness to negotiate with the U.S., a woman who joined the recent protests says Iranians want their leaders out, and they want the U.S. to help.
Teen from Alabama among 3 junior hockey players killed in Canada crash
Caden Fine, 17, from Birmingham, Alabama, and two of his teammates were killed when their vehicle collided with a semi-truck in Canada.
Entertainment
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Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Activists on inspiring next generation
Activist Gloria Steinem, who has fought for the rights of every woman, is on a mission to inspire the next generation. She is collaborating with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Leymah Gbowee, who helped end the civil war in Liberia, on a new children's book. They talk to "CBS Mornings" about their experiences in their fight for equality and deciding to collaborate.
Westminster dog show winners on preparation
Three former winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and their handlers join "CBS Mornings" ahead of this year's Best in Show title being awarded Tuesday. They talk about how they prepared to compete and what retirement is like now.
Gabrielle Union talks new film "Goat"
Gabrielle Union talks about starring in the new animated movie "Goat," working with her husband and the real life issues portrayed in the movie.
Disney names parks chief Josh D'Amaro to succeed CEO Bob Iger
Josh D'Amaro, who oversees Disney theme parks and dozens of resort hotels worldwide, will become the next Disney CEO.
Technology
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More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
Tech executive breaks down AI agents
Scott Hanselman, vice president of developer community at Microsoft, joins CBS News to explain the difference between an LLM like ChatGPT and an AI agent. He also explains how AI agents could become assertive if given too much access.
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.
AI agents are using a social media platform
Moltbook, a social media platform for AI agents to interact, is growing. The Verge senior AI reporter Hayden Field joins CBS News with more details.
Inside the new social media platform for AI
Moltbook was launched last week by a software developer and mirrors the template of Reddit, but it's not for humans. Instead, it allows artificial intelligence agents to post written content and interact with other chatbots through comments, up-votes and down-votes. Tyler Cowen, professor of economics at George Mason University, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Lawyers for alleged Charlie Kirk killer again ask to have prosecutors removed
Tyler Robinson's attorneys want the entire Utah County Attorney's Office disqualified because one of the prosecutors has a daughter who was present at the rally where Kirk was shot.
Details on Nancy Guthrie ransom note
The Pima County sheriff tells CBS News that they received a ransom note related to the apparent abduction of Nancy Guthrie. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez and Anna Schecter have more.
Study finds significant crime decrease in 2025
A new study from the Council on Criminal Justice finds that crime rates are dropping across the U.S., with some areas reaching their lowest levels in decades in 2025. Alex Piquero, professor of criminology at the University of Miami, joins to assess the findings.
Clintons push to testify publicly on Epstein
Bill and Hillary Clinton will testify before lawmakers behind closed doors later in February about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House Oversight Committee was preparing to hold them in contempt for refusing to appear. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
Space
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Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
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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Latest CBS News Videos
Teen boy recalls grueling swim to save family
A 13-year-old boy is credited with saving the lives of his mother and two younger siblings with an hourslong swim after the family was swept out to sea off the Australian coast. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Leaks delay Artemis II moon mission until March
NASA announced the long-awaited flight to send four astronauts on a trip around the moon was being delayed to March after a test launch ran into a variety of problems and ultimately was called off. Mark Strassmann reports.
First on CBS
Extended: Jane Doe in R. Kelly trial speaks
Reshona Landfair, who testified as Jane Doe at R. Kelly's 2022 federal trial, speaks to Jericka Duncan in her first TV interview about her new memoir, "Who's Watching Shorty?". Kelly is now behind bars after being convicted of racketeering and sex crimes in two separate federal trials in 2021 and 2022. But Kelly's legal troubles started long before that, including when a tape that he had filmed performing sex acts on a 14-year-old girl — now identified as Landfair — leaked in 2001.
Renee Good's brothers testify on Capitol Hill
Renee Good's brothers were among several people who testified on Capitol Hill about federal agents and their use of force. Nicole Sganga has the latest.
Federal presence in Bay Area for Super Bowl
Some Bay Area residents are concerned that there will be an increase in federal agents focused on immigration enforcement ahead of Super Bowl LX. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos has the details.