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.
Texas
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.
Ted Cruz under fire over Cancun trip
Texas Senator Ted Cruz is facing criticism after he and his family went to Cancun, Mexico, this week as his home state struggled with the aftermath of a deadly winter storm that left millions without power. CBSN's Elaine Quijano has the details.
Texas hospitals suffer from water issues amid widespread power outages
An Austin hospital had to transport the most in-need patients to other facilities.
Texas faces water crisis as death toll climbs
Cases of carbon monoxide are rising and people are struggling to stay warm as frigid temperatures and power outages batter Texas. Janet Shamlian reports.
How you can help Texas during the winter weather emergency
The cold weather and lack of power have led to a rise in 911 calls and hospitalizations. Here's how to help.
Texas winter storm gaining new urgency
The Texas winter storm is gaining new urgency, with many people still fighting to survive in their own homes. Janet Shamlian reports.
"Mattress Mack" opens stores as shelter
The Houston furniture store owner known as "Mattress Mack" has opened up his stores to hundreds of people who are without power and heat after the deadly snowstorm. "Tough times never last, tough Texans do," he told CBS Houston affiliate KHOU-TV.
"Mattress Mack" opens Texas furniture store as shelter
"Tough times never last, tough Texans do, and we'll get through this also," the local hero said.
Multiple animals die at sanctuary after winter blast cuts power
Among the deceased animals was 58-year-old Violet, who was the sanctuary's oldest chimp.
Blame game ongoing over Texas power outages
As millions of Texas residents suffer in the miserable conditions, questions remain about who is responsible for leaving the state so vulnerable. Omar Villafranca offers a reality check on why this is happening.
Hundreds of thousands still without power in Texas
Families in Houston and all over Texas were doing anything to stay warm. Hospitals treated hundreds for exposure to the cold and for carbon monoxide poisoning as Texans fired up generators and stayed in their cars to keep warm.
Texas governor details plan to restore power to millions
Millions are without power as a large swath of the state is under yet another winter storm warning.
Don't blame wind turbines for Texas' historic power outages
Conservative politicians are blaming renewable energy for Texas' catastrophic power failures. The state's electric grid operator and independent experts say otherwise.
Texas mayor resigns after telling residents "only the strong will survive"
"No one owes you [or] your family anything; nor is it the local government's responsibility to support you during trying times like this!" said the former mayor.
Funding fight turns to the House as lawmakers look to avoid lengthy shutdown
The House is considering a revised funding package to end the partial government shutdown.
Exclusive
Savannah Guthrie's missing mom may have been abducted while she slept, sheriff says
Authorities in the Tucson, Arizona, area are searching for the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.
The notable names in the Epstein files
A slew of notable individuals appear in the latest Justice Department release of Jeffrey Epstein files.
Trump says he's not planning to rip down Kennedy Center
As President Trump prepares to shut down the Kennedy Center for renovations, sources told CBS News there has been no discussion of demolishing or gutting the building.
Immigration officers in Minneapolis will start wearing body cameras, Noem says
All federal immigration agents in Minneapolis will begin wearing body cameras, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said Monday, a policy that could be rolled out nationwide.
X office in Paris searched as prosecutor summons Musk for questioning
French officials search X's office in Paris and ask Elon Musk to answer questions about the platform amid a probe into its algorithms and AI functions.
Sens. Shaheen, Collins urge Pentagon not to sideline Havana Syndrome research
Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Susan Collins of Maine sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a letter warning against any changes that could affect victims' care.
Judge blocks DHS from ending deportation protections for 350,000 Haitians
A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from revoking Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, granting a last-minute reprieve to 350,000 immigrants who were set to lose protections on Tuesday.
Dr. Peter Attia apologizes for "indefensible" emails to Jeffrey Epstein
Peter Attia, a doctor and author well known for his research on longevity, is apologizing for what he calls "embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible" emails he exchanged with Jeffrey Epstein.
U.S.
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Voice behind Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World," Chuck Negron, dies at 83
Chuck Negron, a founding member of Three Dog Night whose lead vocals powered a string of hits for one of the top rock acts of the late 1960s and early '70s has died. He was 83.
Hennepin County, Minnesota sheriff says she feels "scapegoated" by feds
The Hennepin County sheriff is considering whether to notify ICE before releasing people accused of the "worst of the worst" crimes — murder, rape and violent felonies.
Sens. Shaheen, Collins urge Pentagon not to sideline Havana Syndrome research
Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Susan Collins of Maine sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a letter warning against any changes that could affect victims' care.
Want to see Super Bowl 2026 commercials early? These ads are already live.
Many Super Bowl 60 ads are already online, along with teasers for commercials that will be unveiled during the NFL championship on Feb. 8.
Judge blocks DHS from ending deportation protections for 350,000 Haitians
A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from revoking Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, granting a last-minute reprieve to 350,000 immigrants who were set to lose protections on Tuesday.
MoneyWatch
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Want to see Super Bowl 2026 commercials early? These ads are already live.
Many Super Bowl 60 ads are already online, along with teasers for commercials that will be unveiled during the NFL championship on Feb. 8.
United is upgrading its computers. Here's how that could impact travelers.
Starting early Wednesday, United customers won't be able to book flights and access other services as the airline upgrades its reservation system.
Target faces pressures to take a stand against ICE's actions in Minneapolis
The American Federation of Teachers called on Target CEO Michael Fiddelke to "clearly state" that the company wants ICE agents to leave Minnesota.
This week's jobs report will be delayed by government shutdown
The latest partial government shutdown is disrupting the release of closely watched economic data.
Gold and silver prices are slumping after their meteoric rise. Here's why.
Several factors are weighing on the value of gold and silver after the precious metals ascended to record highs last week.
Politics
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Hennepin County, Minnesota sheriff says she feels "scapegoated" by feds
The Hennepin County sheriff is considering whether to notify ICE before releasing people accused of the "worst of the worst" crimes — murder, rape and violent felonies.
Sens. Shaheen, Collins urge Pentagon not to sideline Havana Syndrome research
Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Susan Collins of Maine sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a letter warning against any changes that could affect victims' care.
Don Lemon says he offered to turn himself in but agents were sent for him
Don Lemon says he offered to turn himself in to face charges over his coverage of a protest at a church but federal agents were sent for him anyway.
Judge blocks DHS from ending deportation protections for 350,000 Haitians
A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from revoking Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, granting a last-minute reprieve to 350,000 immigrants who were set to lose protections on Tuesday.
Clintons agree to testify to House Oversight ahead of expected contempt vote
The Clintons made a last-ditch effort to avoid a contempt vote.
HealthWatch
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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.
A cop thought he had a muscle cramp. He ended up fighting for his life.
Sgt. Chris Johnson was told that his heart condition had nearly been "instantly fatal." Rapid medical care and rigorous therapy helped him recover.
World
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Boy swims 2.5 miles to save family swept out to sea: "Superhuman"
"The waves are massive and I have no life jacket on. … I just kept thinking 'just keep swimming, just keep swimming,'" Austin Appelbee said.
X office in Paris searched as prosecutor summons Musk for questioning
French officials search X's office in Paris and ask Elon Musk to answer questions about the platform amid a probe into its algorithms and AI functions.
Trump lowers tariffs on India, saying Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil
President Trump announced that he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to a trade deal that will lower tariffs and halt India's purchase of Russian oil.
Elephant kills tourist in Thailand, 3rd fatality linked to same animal
The victim's wife managed to escape after park rangers scared the animal away, officials said.
Norwegian princess' son accused of assault ahead of trial on rape charges
Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son hit with new criminal charges as she apologizes for "poor judgment" over Epstein ties.
Entertainment
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Voice behind Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World," Chuck Negron, dies at 83
Chuck Negron, a founding member of Three Dog Night whose lead vocals powered a string of hits for one of the top rock acts of the late 1960s and early '70s has died. He was 83.
Trump says he's not planning to rip down Kennedy Center
As President Trump prepares to shut down the Kennedy Center for renovations, sources told CBS News there has been no discussion of demolishing or gutting the building.
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.
Behind-the-scenes on the Grammys red carpet
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King spoke to Grammy nominees, winners and other stars on the award show red carpet.
Highlights from the Grammy Awards
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King breaks down the big winners and special moments from Sunday's Grammy Awards.
Technology
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Technology
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.
Alarming report on Amazon AI training
A new report from Bloomberg says Amazon found hundreds of thousands of cases of suspected child sex abuse material in its AI training data. Bloomberg tech reporter Riley Griffin joined CBS News to discuss.
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.
How the gramophone changed music
While Thomas Edison's cylinders were the first to play recorded sound, they were impractical – leading Emile Berliner to come up with a better way to play music: The gramophone, invented in 1887, which played flat discs. Jane Pauley reports.
Uber looks to cash in on self-driving cars — but not by driving them
The rideshare company is getting into the business of providing real-world driving data to autonomous vehicle developers. Here's why.
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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X office in Paris searched as prosecutor summons Musk for questioning
French officials search X's office in Paris and ask Elon Musk to answer questions about the platform amid a probe into its algorithms and AI functions.
Latest on Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says he believes Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Sheriff thinks Guthrie's mother was abducted
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News Monday that he believes Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted from her Arizona home while she slept. Jarred Hill reports.
Man who had affair with au pair found guilty of murdering wife, another man
Brendan Banfield, who was having an affair with the family's Brazilian au pair, was found guilty on Monday of murdering his wife and another man.
Latest details on Savannah Guthrie's mom
Authorities said Monday they are investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie, as a crime. CBS News senior coordinating producer Anna Schecter has the latest.
Space
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NASA crewed moon launch off until March at earliest due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed craft on a flight around the moon and back due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the huge Artemis II rocket that would lift the craft into space.
After more than 50 years, NASA astronauts are going back to the moon
More than 50 years after NASA's last human mission to the moon, four astronauts, three Americans and a Canadian, are set for the 10-day Artemis II mission to the far side of the moon.
Inside NASA's Artemis II mission
Artemis II echoes the Apollo-era missions that paved the way for the first moon landing — and sets the stage for what comes next.
Moon rocket fueling test on tap to clear way for launch
If the countdown and fueling test go well, four astronauts will set their sights on a Super Bowl Sunday launch to the moon.
NASA's Artemis II slated to be a series of firsts
Extreme cold has forced NASA to reschedule its next moon mission. On Saturday, the massive Artemis II rocket stands on launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. Like Apollo 8 in 1968, it won't land on the lunar surface. Mark Strassmann has more on why the latest mission is considered groundbreaking.
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
Super Bowl week begins
Super Bowl LX is less than a week away with the Seattle Seahawks set to face the New England Patriots. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos has more.
Mass government exit of Ph.D. science experts
More than 10,000 experts with doctorate degrees in science and related fields left their government jobs last year, according to the White House Office of Personnel Management. Jeffrey Mervis, senior correspondent for Science Magazine, joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Survivors blast DOJ over Epstein file redactions
After another trove of Epstein files was released, some survivors, like Dani Bensky, are blasting the Justice Department for withholding potentially millions of additional pages from the files while also mistakenly releasing images and identities of survivors. Scott MacFarlane has more.
Man who had affair found guilty in double murder
A Virginia man having an affair with the family's au pair was found guilty Monday of murdering his wife and another man. Elaine Quijano has details.