Texas paid bitcoin miner $31 million to cut energy use during heat wave
To ease load on aging grid, state program offers energy credits to bitcoin miners to curtail their power consumption.
ERCOT
Texas using renewable energy amid heat wave
The state of Texas has sweltered this summer under a seemingly endless cycle of extreme heat warnings. Those high temperatures have put a strain on the state's power grid, with Texas' grid operator saying demand for energy has set seven records this summer alone. Emily Foxhall, Texas Tribune energy reporter, joins CBS News to give an update on how the state's power grid is performing.
Electricity rates in Texas skyrocket amid statewide heat wave
The price hikes come as demand for electricity in the Lone Star State has soared in recent weeks.
How Texas is keeping power on in record heat
Millions of Americans are still feeling the heat. At least 33 states saw temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, and it's a trend scientists say will likely continue. Texas Tribune energy reporter Emily Foxhall joins CBS News to discuss how the Lone Star State's power grid is keeping up with demand.
5 ERCOT board members resign
Texas lawmakers will hold a hearing Thursday to address the state's power grid failure during last week's winter storm. At least five board members from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) have resigned. It comes as the state's petrochemical plants say they may have released millions of pounds of excess pollution into the air due to failures of the power grid. Erin Douglas, the Texas Tribune's environment reporter, joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano to discuss the backlash Governor Greg Abbott is facing, as well as the communities that are likely to experience the greatest impact from the spike in air pollution.
Texas utility board members resign
Four board members are resigning from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, after last week's deadly winter storm knocked out power for millions. Dallas Morning News political writer Gromer Jeffers joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" host Elaine Quijano to discuss what comes next for the state's power plans.
Winter storm blasts snow, freezing rain and sleet across U.S.
The storm system has placed more than 100 million Americans under winter weather alerts, and over 4,000 flights had already been canceled by Thursday morning.
Texas power grid asks users to conserve amid blistering heat
With the heat index going into triple digits, ERCOT is asking Texans to raise thermostats and shut off large appliances.
Texas Attorney General says $29 million in electric bills will be forgiven
Amid the winter storm last month, one woman was billed $9,546 between February 1 to19 — 40 times more than her typical bill of $200 to $250.
Another Texas power company goes bankrupt after blackout
Some Griddy customers were charged more than $9,500 even as last month's blackout caused residents to lose power.
Texas power grid CEO getting fired in wake of deadly blackouts
Approaching ouster of Bill Magness comes after last month's outages left millions without power and head in frigid temperatures.
Suit blames ERCOT in Texas hypothermia death
A Houston family is in mourning after their loved one died of hypothermia during last week's power outages. Janet Shamlian reports on their loss and how they're trying to cope.
Texas customer sues over $9,000 power bill during blackout
Texas resident claims power provider Griddy broke price-gouging laws as winter storm knocked out power.
Blackouts push Texas to consider something new: Regulation
"We're victims of our own attempt to let free market forces work," said one lawmaker investigating last week's outages.
4 ERCOT board members to resign amid backlash over Texas storm
The board members cited concerns of "out of state leadership," as three live in other states, and one lives in another country.
Texas governor on skyrocketing energy bills
Texas Governor Greg Abbott gave an update Sunday to address how the state is dealing with the ongoing crises of skyrocketing energy bills, food shortages and lack of access to water after deadly winter weather crippled the state's infrastructure. Watch Abbott's press conference.
Live
Iran warns of "irreversible damage" to region after Trump attack threat
President Trump's threat comes after CENTCOM's commander said that Iran's ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz had been "degraded."
Poll: Most say Iran war not going well, but don't want regime left in power
Most Republicans, especially MAGA, continue to support the US action and express a lot of confidence in Trump personally.
Trump says ICE agents will assist TSA at airports as delays worsen
Wait times aren't expected to improve until government funding is restored and TSA officers receive paychecks.
Robert Mueller, former FBI director and special counsel, dies at 81
Robert Mueller served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013 and led the investigation into allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
Iranian strikes on towns near Israel's main nuclear research center injure over 100
Iran struck two communities near Israel's main nuclear research center late Saturday, leaving at least 90 people wounded in the southern part of the country.
Cuba suffers second nationwide power outage in less than a week
Humanitarian organizations began delivering aid to Cuba by air Friday, including solar panels, food and medicine.
Senate blocks voting bill's amendment on trans athletes during weekend session
Democrats are expected to eventually block the broader legislation.
More than 230 rescued amid severe floods in Hawaii; more rain expected
Raging waters lifted homes and cars and prompted evacuation orders for 5,500 people north of Honolulu, though they were later lifted.
Possible meteorite crashes into Houston area home, officials say
A possible meteorite crashed into a Houston area house on Saturday night, tearing through the roof and two stories of the home, officials said.
U.S.
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Signs of the times: Removing stories of America's past from our national parks
Following an executive order from President Trump, the Department of the Interior has removed dozens of educational signs at our national parks that the administration claims promote "divisive narratives" and "corrosive ideology."
How iNaturalist app users have fun while aiding science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss.
Poll: Most say Iran war not going well, but don't want regime left in power
Most Republicans, especially MAGA, continue to support the US action and express a lot of confidence in Trump personally.
Supreme Court to consider deadlines for late-arriving mail ballots
The Supreme Court will consider whether states can count mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after.
Possible meteorite crashes into Houston area home, officials say
A possible meteorite crashed into a Houston area house on Saturday night, tearing through the roof and two stories of the home, officials said.
MoneyWatch
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Jury finds Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during Twitter purchase
A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company.
CBS News Radio to shut down after nearly a century of broadcasting
CBS News announced Friday that CBS News Radio will be shutting down this spring after nearly 100 years of broadcasting, citing "challenging economic realities."
Getting ready to fly? Here are 3 ways to track TSA wait times.
Security lines are stretching up to 2 hours at some airports amid TSA staffing shortages. Here's how to check wait times before you leave.
Are the Trump administration's efforts to lower oil and gas prices working?
With gas closing in on $4 a gallon, the Trump administration is pulling multiple levers to tame energy prices. The results have been mixed.
Nearly 90,000 bottles of children's ibuprofen recalled across the U.S.
A pharmaceutical company issued the recall after receiving complaints of "gel-like mass and black particles" in the product, the FDA said.
Politics
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Poll: Most say Iran war not going well, but don't want regime left in power
Most Republicans, especially MAGA, continue to support the US action and express a lot of confidence in Trump personally.
Supreme Court to consider deadlines for late-arriving mail ballots
The Supreme Court will consider whether states can count mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after.
Senate blocks voting bill's amendment on trans athletes during weekend session
Democrats are expected to eventually block the broader legislation.
Robert Mueller, former FBI director and special counsel, dies at 81
Robert Mueller served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013 and led the investigation into allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
Trump says ICE agents will assist TSA at airports as delays worsen
Wait times aren't expected to improve until government funding is restored and TSA officers receive paychecks.
HealthWatch
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More parents are refusing routine newborn preventative care, study finds
Doctors fear that skepticism, fueled by anti-science sentiment and mistrust, is extending beyond vaccines to other proven, routine care.
Complex procedure saves officer with chest pain, heart condition
Transit Officer Paul DeGeorge thought his son was lying on him. Then he realized something much scarier was happening.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
World
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Poll: Most say Iran war not going well, but don't want regime left in power
Most Republicans, especially MAGA, continue to support the US action and express a lot of confidence in Trump personally.
Iranian strikes on towns near Israel's main nuclear research center injure over 100
Iran struck two communities near Israel's main nuclear research center late Saturday, leaving more than 100 people wounded in the southern part of the country.
Cuba suffers second nationwide power outage in less than a week
Humanitarian organizations began delivering aid to Cuba by air Friday, including solar panels, food and medicine.
2 skiers killed, 5 hurt in northern Italy avalanche
A total of 25 skiers were on the mountainside where the avalanche occurred, but most had escaped.
BTS kicks off global tour with South Korea concert
Local reports estimate that roughly 40,000 people gathered across central Seoul to watch K-pop band BTS reunite.
Entertainment
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Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
In 2005, the "Friends" star played Valerine Cherish, a washed-up sitcom actress, in the HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback.
Extended interview: Lisa Kudrow
In this web exclusive, Emmy-winning actress Lisa Kudrow talks with Tracy Smith about "Friends," and her HBO show "The Comeback."
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
"Friends" star Lisa Kudrow played a washed-up sitcom actress, Valerie Cherish, in the 2005 HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and then returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback for a third season. Kudrow talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about her love for playing Phoebe Buffay; her aptitude for "cringe comedy"; and how she found solace following the death of "Friends" castmate Matthew Perry.
Chef Ruthie Rogers on the comforts of food and conversation
The River Cafe in London has had a Michelin star since the late 1990s, thanks to co-founder, owner, acclaimed chef and podcaster Ruthie Rogers, whose new book, "Table 4 at the River Cafe," celebrates conversations and comfort food.
Chef Ruthie Rogers: Food and conversation
The River Cafe in London has had a Michelin star since the late 1990s, thanks to co-founder, owner and acclaimed chef Ruthie Rogers. Seth Doane talks with the American-born Rogers about her fabled Italian restaurant, her new book, "Table 4 at the River Cafe," and her podcast, all of which celebrate the connections brought about by conversations and comfort food.
Technology
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How iNaturalist app users have fun while aiding science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss.
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
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.
Jury finds Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during Twitter purchase
A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company.
White House unveils AI framework for Congress
The White House unveiled a national framework for how it wants Congress to address concerns about artificial intelligence. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss the outline and AI concerns.
Science
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Science
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
Crime
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Couple on unusual activity at neighbor's home: "I think they finally killed him"
When Gary Herbst, described by his Minnesota neighbors as confrontational, disappeared on July 8, 2013, it appeared he walked out on his wife and teenage son. Years later, a startling discovery would confirm what neighbors thought they might have witnessed.
Wife of Joseph Duggar charged with child endangerment after his arrest
Kendra Duggar was charged with multiple misdemeanors a day after husband Joseph Duggar's arrest.
5 more defendants plead guilty in Feeding Our Future fraud scheme
Five people who were charged in connection to the Feeding Our Future scheme pleaded guilty to wire fraud this week.
See police bodycam video of Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest on Long Island
Bodycam video footage of Justin Timberlake's June 2024 DWI arrest on Long Island was released to the media Friday.
Justice Department subpoenas James Comey
Federal prosecutors in Miami subpoenaed former FBI Director James Comey as part of a probe into Obama-era intelligence officials, two sources familiar with the investigation tell CBS News. Jake Rosen reports.
Space
More Space
Possible meteorite crashes into Houston area home, officials say
A possible meteorite crashed into a Houston area house on Saturday night, tearing through the roof and two stories of the home, officials said.
Eileen Collins on breaking barriers in space
Retired NASA astronaut and Air Force Col. Eileen Collins joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her groundbreaking journey to become the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle and the first to command a Space Shuttle mission.
Repaired moon rocket heads back to launch pad for April 1 blastoff
After a trip back out to the launch pad, NASA's Artemis II rocket will be readied for a historic flight to the moon.
Video shows meteor streaking across the sky
A meteoroid was spotted streaking across the sky in 10 states. In some areas, there was also a loud boom, similar to an explosion. NASA says the meteor, which was traveling 45,000 mph in the sky, fragmented - causing the bright fireball and loud boom.
7-ton meteor identified as likely cause of boom heard across Ohio
Some residents immediately feared the sound was an explosion, according to CBS affiliate WOIO, but weather service officials say it appears to have been a meteor.
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
Extended interview: Lisa Kudrow
In this web exclusive, Emmy-winning actress Lisa Kudrow talks with Tracy Smith about "Friends," and her HBO show "The Comeback."
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
"Friends" star Lisa Kudrow played a washed-up sitcom actress, Valerie Cherish, in the 2005 HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and then returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback for a third season. Kudrow talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about her love for playing Phoebe Buffay; her aptitude for "cringe comedy"; and how she found solace following the death of "Friends" castmate Matthew Perry.
Chef Ruthie Rogers: Food and conversation
The River Cafe in London has had a Michelin star since the late 1990s, thanks to co-founder, owner and acclaimed chef Ruthie Rogers. Seth Doane talks with the American-born Rogers about her fabled Italian restaurant, her new book, "Table 4 at the River Cafe," and her podcast, all of which celebrate the connections brought about by conversations and comfort food.
The prospects for "boots on the ground" in Iran
As the war with Iran enters its fourth week, much of its stockpile of enriched uranium is believed to lie buried deep inside the Isfahan Mountain complex. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin talks with physicist David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, about the risks of seizing that near-weapon grade material.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including action movie icon Chuck Norris, star of the TV series "Walker, Texas Ranger"; and former FBI director Robert Mueller, who investigated Russian interference in U.S. elections.