Millions of Texans are still without power as officials grapple with crisis
The storm has been linked to at least 27 deaths in the state.
Texas
Biden approves disaster declaration in Texas
President Biden has approved a major disaster declaration in Texas, clearing the way for the state and local governments to receive additional federal aid after a winter storm knocked out power across the state. Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton joins CBSN to discuss what the agency's intervention means for the recovery efforts and Texans moving forward.
Texans without water or shelter face another foe: Price gouging
Some Houston-area residents are reporting "outrageous prices" on food and other necessities, local officials say.
Texas inmates face frigid temperatures during weather crisis
"The toilet and water had been off for 24 hours. The sinks are dirty. It's just nasty. It's just not right — it's like we're not even human," one inmate told CBS News.
Winter storm devastates Texas
Fallout continues from a catastrophic winter storm that slammed the central and southern parts of the country. It brought dangerous cold, snow and ice to Texas, which is considered the epicenter. At least 46 deaths are tied to the storm. Omar Villafranca reports.
Texans face drinking water shortage
Millions are under boil water notices while tens of thousands don't have power, down from a peak of about 4 million.
Water crisis plagues millions in Texas after deadly winter storm
Millions of Americans in the South are spending another night in freezing temperatures without clean water and food.
What's behind the extreme cold in Texas?
Meteorologists saw this extreme winter weather coming weeks in advance. Here's what is causing it.
Water crisis plagues millions in Texas after storm
Texas residents are dealing with the fallout from a major winter storm that caused widespread power outages and a water crisis. Janet Shamlian has the latest.
Texas struggles with growing water crisis
Power has been restored to millions of people in Texas, but millions more are still without clean drinking water after rolling blackouts and freezing temperatures caused pipes to burst and shut down several water purification plants. Jeff Ray, a meteorologist at CBS Dallas-Fort Worth station KTVT, joins CBSN to discuss the impact the storm has had on Texans over the past five days.
Texas governor blames power grid operator for winter disaster
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Friday placed blame for the state's widespread power outages on the grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Abbott's press conference comes as the state continues to suffer from the aftermath of a winter storm that knocked out power for millions and caused a widespread water crisis. Watch part of Abbott's remarks here.
How the Red Cross is helping Texans in need
Power has been restored to most of Texas, but now a water crisis is underway. Roughly a quarter of the state's population is under a "boil-water advisory." The rolling power outages caused pipes to burst in homes and shut down water treatment plants. Dan Halyburton, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross, joins CBSN to discuss how his organization is providing aid to those affected by this deadly winter weather.
Texas governor blames power grid operator for storm disaster
Millions of Texans were under boil water notices Friday, and in many homes, taps were dry.
Texas was "seconds and minutes" away from having blackouts for months
Some 4 million customers were without power in Texas this week. The top official at the state's power grid said it could have been worse.
Biden says he plans to visit Texas and declare major disaster
The president said he'll sign the major disaster declaration Friday, which will unlock more FEMA resources for Texas.
Why does Texas have its own power grid?
Questions are being raised about Texas' independently owned power grid after millions of people were left in the dark amid a winter storm. Erin Douglas, an environment reporter for the Texas Tribune, joins CBSN to discuss how the state was able to avoid federal regulations, plus why Republicans were wrong in blaming the outages on renewable energy.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raises $1 million for Texans
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is from New York, but the congresswoman is focusing on Texas this week after a storm left millions without power.
Texas weather woes foreshadow climate change disasters
Hot-weather infrastructure and an isolated power grid have left the state unprepared for extreme weather.
Texas faces water shortage amid power outages
As many Texans brace for more cold temperatures and prolonged power outages, they also face a lack of clean water because of water service disruptions across the state. CBS News' Omar Villafranca reports on the damage, and Joshua D. Rhodes, a researcher at the University of Texas, joins "CBSN AM" to discuss what went wrong.
As power returns, Texans face new challenges
Texas power officials say on Sunday night they were just minutes away from the entire collapse of the energy grid, which could have left millions of people in the dark for months. But now as power comes back online, Texans are facing extensive cleanup and high electricity bills. Omar Villafranca reports.
FEMA leader on Texas weather crisis
Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the weather, power and water crises in Texas.
Over 13 million Texans facing water crisis after brutal winter storm
In many homes, the tap is dry. Finding bottled water is nearly impossible. Some have resorted to boiling snow.
Ted Cruz says he went to Cancun amid Texas crisis to be "good dad"
The Republican senator returned home Thursday afternoon.
Winter storm devastates Texas as millions face water crisis
Nearly half of Texas residents don't have access to clean, running water.
How U.S. can pay for Biden's relief plan
President Biden is facing opposition from Republicans to his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. One big question: How would the nation pay for it? Professor Jeffrey Sachs, director of Columbia University's Center for Sustainable Development, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss what it would mean for the economy in the long run.
Trump says if Iran kills protesters, U.S. will "come to their rescue"
As U.S.-Iran tension soars, Trump warns violence against protesters could bring an American intervention: "We are locked and loaded and ready to go."
Potential ISIS-inspired attack thwarted in North Carolina, officials say
The FBI's field office in Charlotte, North Carolina, said the potential attack was inspired by ISIS.
Tony Dokoupil: Don't just trust me. Make me earn it.
"You come first," declares the new anchor of the Evening News. "Not advertisers. Not politicians. Not corporate interests — including the new owners of CBS."
9 Minnesota child centers in viral video "operating as expected," officials say
Nine of the Minnesota child care centers that were discussed in a viral video, prompting allegations of fraud, were operated as expected when state investigators conducted on-site checks this week, officials said on Friday.
Swiss bar fire started by sparklers, investigators say, amid efforts to ID victims
Many of those killed and injured by a fire that tore through a bar in Switzerland's Crans-Montana ski resort were teenagers celebrating the new year.
Judge orders alleged D.C. pipe bomber to remain detained pending trial
The suspect, Brian Cole, has not yet entered a plea to the charges stemming from two bombs found near Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters nearly five years ago.
Prominent Jan. 6 defendants plan march to Capitol to mark 5 years since attack
House Democrats will also be holding a hearing on the five-year mark of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Grok let users post altered photos of minors in "minimal clothing"
Grok, the chatbot developed by Elon Musk's company xAI, said it is fixing "lapses in safeguards" after social media users said it was generating sexualized photos of minors.
Earthquake rattles Mexico City and popular resort town, killing 2
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.5 with the epicenter near the Pacific coast resort town of Acapulco.
U.S.
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Diane Crump, first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby, dies at 77
Diane Crump died Thursday night in hospice care, her daughter said. The 77-year-old was diagnosed in October with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Officials: 9 child centers discussed in viral video "operating as expected"
Nine of the Minnesota child care centers that were discussed in a viral video, prompting allegations of fraud, were "operating as expected" when state investigators conducted on-site checks this week, officials said on Friday.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Jan. 4)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, featuring guest host Lee Cowan.
Ohio police seek suspect in fatal shooting of dentist and his wife
Officers in Columbus, Ohio, were dispatched to the couple's home on the morning Dec. 30 for a welfare check and found them dead at the scene.
California could impose a billionaire tax. Here's how it would work.
Proposed California ballot initiative would impose a one-time 5% tax on billionaires, with the revenue funneled toward health care and education.
MoneyWatch
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California could impose a billionaire tax. Here's how it would work.
Proposed California ballot initiative would impose a one-time 5% tax on billionaires, with the revenue funneled toward health care and education.
What to know about Greg Abel, the new CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
Abel, 63, takes the helm of Berkshire Hathaway after a six-decade run by Buffett.
Grok let users post altered photos of minors in "minimal clothing"
Grok, the chatbot developed by Elon Musk's company xAI, said it is fixing "lapses in safeguards" after social media users said it was generating sexualized photos of minors.
Tesla sales drop for a second year in a row amid headwinds
Tesla's electric vehicle sales fell 9% in 2025 from a year ago amid the expiration of a $7,500 EV U.S. tax credit.
U.S. reduces proposed tariffs on Italian pasta, Italy says
Steep U.S. import duties targeting 13 Italian pasta makers will be sharply reduced, Italy's foreign ministry said on Jan. 1.
Politics
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Officials: 9 child centers discussed in viral video "operating as expected"
Nine of the Minnesota child care centers that were discussed in a viral video, prompting allegations of fraud, were "operating as expected" when state investigators conducted on-site checks this week, officials said on Friday.
Judge orders alleged D.C. pipe bomber to remain detained pending trial
The suspect, Brian Cole, has not yet entered a plea to the charges stemming from two bombs found near Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters nearly five years ago.
Prominent Jan. 6 defendants plan march to Capitol to mark 5 years since attack
House Democrats will also be holding a hearing on the five-year mark of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Maduro says Venezuela open to U.S. talks on drug trafficking
In a pretaped interview on state TV, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro evaded a question about a U.S. strike at a docking area that the Trump administration believed was used by drug cartels.
Trump says if Iran kills protesters, U.S. will "come to their rescue"
As U.S.-Iran tension soars, Trump warns violence against protesters could bring an American intervention: "We are locked and loaded and ready to go."
HealthWatch
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Price hikes hit ACA health insurance plans as subsidies expire
Enhanced tax credits that have helped Americans offset the cost of Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired overnight.
Some states ban junk food from SNAP benefits
In 2026, several states are set to prohibit individuals from purchasing certain junk food items using their federal benefits. Meg Oliver has the details.
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
World
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Earthquake rattles Mexico City and popular resort town, killing 2
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.5 with the epicenter near the Pacific coast resort town of Acapulco.
Nigeria police charge Anthony Joshua's driver after fatal crash
Boxer Anthony Joshua's driver was charged with "dangerous driving causing death" and driving without a license, among other charges.
Angelina Jolie meets Palestinian refugees, aid workers at Rafah crossing
The Rafah border crossing was set to reopen under the ceasefire in effect in Gaza since October, but has so far remained closed.
Maduro says Venezuela open to U.S. talks on drug trafficking
In a pretaped interview on state TV, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro evaded a question about a U.S. strike at a docking area that the Trump administration believed was used by drug cartels.
"Like a horror movie": Survivors, witnesses describe Swiss ski resort fire
As a deadly fire tore through the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski town of Crans-Montana, young people trapped inside tried desperately to escape.
Entertainment
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Victoria Jones, daughter of Tommy Lee Jones, found dead in San Francisco hotel, officials confirm
A woman who was found dead in San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel on New Year's Day has been identified as Victoria Jones, daughter of actor Tommy Lee Jones, officials said.
Rosé talks rise in music industry and doubts
K-pop star Rosé is up for three Grammy nominations, including Record and Song of the Year. She spoke with "CBS Mornings" about her rise to fame and the doubts she still has at times.
France defends granting George Clooney and his family French citizenship
George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, were granted French citizenship because "they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France's international influence and cultural outreach," the French government said.
Notable works entering the public domain in 2026
Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
Noah Wyle on authenticity of "The Pitt"
The hit series "The Pitt" has earned praise for its realistic look at the pressures facing health care workers. Chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook spoke to the star of the show, Noah Wyle, for "CBS Sunday Morning." Wyle talked about how the cast prepared for their roles beyond learning their lines before shooting the series even began.
Technology
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Technology
More on lewd images from Grok AI tool
Grok, the artificial intelligence tool created by Elon Musk, posted online about "lapses in safeguards" that led to the generation of lewd images involving children. Journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News with more.
Grok let users post altered photos of minors in "minimal clothing"
Grok, the chatbot developed by Elon Musk's company xAI, said it is fixing "lapses in safeguards" after social media users said it was generating sexualized photos of minors.
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.
Economic oasis emerges in the Arizona desert
Arizona is fast becoming a major hub for computer chip production thanks to what's being called the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history. Kris Van Cleave takes us to a sprawling campus in Phoenix that is providing thousands of jobs while reducing America's reliance on overseas products.
OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
Science
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Science
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Crime
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Crime
Details on thwarted New Year's Eve attack
Federal authorities in North Carolina announced charges against an 18-year-old, who they say was planning to carry out a New Year's Eve terror attack in support of ISIS. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga reports.
Ohio police seek suspect in fatal shooting of dentist and his wife
Officers in Columbus, Ohio, were dispatched to the couple's home on the morning Dec. 30 for a welfare check and found them dead at the scene.
Teen planned terror attack, official says
U.S. officials announced that 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant has been charged after allegedly planning to carry out an ISIS-inspired terror attack in North Carolina on New Year's Eve. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and Jessica Levinson have more.
ISIS-inspired attack prevented, officials say
Justice Department and FBI officials announced Friday that a planned terror attack in North Carolina on New Year's Eve was thwarted. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said the suspect, who was allegedly inspired by ISIS, was 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Epstein suvivors' lawyers on files remaining
Lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein survivors are alleging that a large number of files have yet to be released by the Department of Justice. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
Here Come The Humanoids | Sunday on 60 Minutes
60 Minutes gets a look at the first real-world test of Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot Atlas, offering a glimpse of a future coming faster than you might think.
Woman killed in suspected mountain lion attack
A woman hiking on a trail in Colorado was found dead after a suspected mountain lion attack, authorities said. Carter Evans reports.
New Year's Eve terror attack thwarted, police say
A potential New Year's Eve terror attack inspired by ISIS was thwarted in North Carolina, authorities announced. A suspect is in custody, accused of planning to attack a grocery store and a fast food restaurant in the town of Mint Hill, which is located near Charlotte. Scott MacFarlane has the latest.
Ohio dentist and his wife found shot to death
Police in Columbus, Ohio, are asking for the public's help as they search for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a dentist and his wife on the city's Near East Side. Lacy Crisp of CBS Columbus affiliate WBNS has details.
Sparklers likely caused deadly Switzerland fire
Investigators said that the deadly fire that tore through a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana early on New Year's Day was caused by sparklers on Champagne bottles, which ignited the bar's ceiling. Ramy Inocencio reports.