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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
House Ethics Committee will keep Matt Gaetz report under wraps — for now
The panel's ranking Democrat, Rep. Susan Wild, said there was "no consensus" on the issue and the committee agreed to reconvene on Dec. 5.
Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
How could the U.S. military be used for Trump's mass deportation plan?
Trump signaled this week that he would enlist the help of the U.S. military for his massive deportation operation.
Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted, judge rules
Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of first degree murder in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
Deadly bomb cyclone batters Northwest, causing widespread outages
A major storm swept across the northwestern U.S., battering the region with strong winds and rain, causing widespread power outages and downing trees that killed at least two people.
4 Trump Cabinet picks have sexual misconduct allegations in their past
Four men chosen by President-elect Donald Trump for top positions have been accused of varying degrees of sexual misconduct.
Dolphin strandings on Cape Cod at an all-time high
The waters off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts are teeming with life, especially dolphins. More than ever, these animals are getting stranded on the shore, with the number spiking this year.
American dies in Laos amid reports that several tourists suffered alcohol poisoning
The American died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos, the State Department confirmed.
U.S.
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Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
U.S. indicts Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in $265 million bribery scheme
Gautam Adani, one of the world's richest people, is accused of concealing that a solar energy project was being facilitated by an alleged $265 million bribery scheme.
Dolphin strandings on Cape Cod at an all-time high
The waters off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts are teeming with life, especially dolphins. More than ever, these animals are getting stranded on the shore, with the number spiking this year.
MoneyWatch
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Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
Sheetz is cutting gas prices by 40 cents a gallon before Thanksgiving
As millions of Americans get ready to hit the road ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Sheetz is offering a deal on fuel.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
Has life in the U.S. become too political? You can buy a house in Italy for $1.
A village in Sardinia is trying to entice politics-weary Americans to buy cheap homes in Italy.
Politics
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Analysis: Election conspiracies persist, even with different outcomes
Conspiracies persist, although it is effectively impossible to steal a major election in the United States.
How could the U.S. military be used for Trump's mass deportation plan?
Trump signaled this week that he would enlist the help of the U.S. military for his massive deportation operation.
House Ethics Committee will keep Matt Gaetz report under wraps
Rep. Susan Wild said there was "no consensus" on the issue and the committee agreed to reconvene on Dec. 5.
4 Trump administration picks have sexual misconduct allegations in their past
Four men chosen by President-elect Donald Trump for top positions have been accused of varying degrees of sexual misconduct.
Here's what experts say about the chances of another stimulus check
Some voters are hoping President-elect Donald Trump may send out another stimulus check. Here's what the experts say.
HealthWatch
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Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
McDonald's pulls espresso drinks from some U.S. menus
Lattes and other espresso-based drinks may not be available at some McDonald's restaurants due to a glitch with coffee machines.
Florida Gov. DeSantis' Canadian drug import plan goes nowhere after FDA approval
Florida sued the FDA over what it said was a "reckless delay" in approving its drug importation plan. Now, nearly a year after the FDA gave the state the green light, the program has yet to begin.
As "walking pneumonia" spreads, ER visits surge for sick babies
CDC data shows rates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae have surged in babies.
Trump taps Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead key Medicare and Medicaid agency
Dr. Mehmet Oz unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2022. Now he's Trump's choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
World
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American dies in Laos amid reports that several tourists suffered alcohol poisoning
The American died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos, the State Department confirmed.
U.S. indicts Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in $265 million bribery scheme
Gautam Adani, one of the world's richest people, is accused of concealing that a solar energy project was being facilitated by an alleged $265 million bribery scheme.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
3 police officers, 4 cartel suspects killed near U.S. border
Drug cartel gunmen also attacked a funeral convoy of cars accompanying the body of one of the victims in the first attack, officials said.
China admits spy plane violated Japanese airspace, Tokyo says
China said the airspace violation occurred when the plane's pilot took emergency measures due to turbulence, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.
Entertainment
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Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMAs but Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year
Chris Stapleton took home four Country Music Association Awards and hardly left the stage on Wednesday night, while an absent Morgan Wallen won the night's biggest prize, entertainer of the year.
Paul Mescal on what he learned from working with Denzel Washington
Paul Mescal discusses his experience working with Oscar winner Denzel Washington in "Gladiator II," and what it was like to work on intense scenes together.
Clay Aiken on his new holiday album
Award-winning singer Clay Aiken, who rose to fame on American Idol, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about his new holiday album, "Christmas Bells Are Ringing," and his rendition of Bing Crosby's "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Paul Mescal on "Gladiator II"
Paul Mescal joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his role as Lucius in "Gladiator II," the son of Maximus and Lucilla, who is thrust into the arena to fight for the Roman Empire 15 years after Maximus' death.
Paul Simon says group's steps toward hearing loss cure gives him hope
CBS News' Anthony Mason joins Paul Simon on a trip to the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss, to explore how researchers are getting closer to finding answers about repairing and preventing hearing loss.
Technology
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Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
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.
Deepfakes of Elon Musk contribute to billions in fraud losses
A study found that Elon Musk is the most common celebrity used in deepfake scams.
SpaceX successfully tests Starship
SpaceX successfully launched its Super Heavy-Starship rocket from Texas for its sixth test flight Tuesday with its CEO Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump looking on. CBS News correspondent Jason Allen has more on the launch.
Science
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How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
Carcass of massive endangered whale washes ashore in Alaska
The carcass was comparable to the width of a college basketball court and female, according to biologists.
Energy Secretary Granholm on Trump presidency
Former leaders and climate experts have issued a letter calling the U.N.'s annual climate meeting "no longer fit for purpose." Recently, CBS News spoke with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about the summit and what the incoming Trump presidency means for clean energy and climate change. The conversation took place before the president-elect made his pick for energy secretary.
Crime
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Crime
Man convicted of murder in slaying of Laken Riley
A judge Wednesday found a Venezuelan migrant guilty on all counts in the murder earlier this year of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Manuel Bojorquez has the latest.
Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted, judge rules
Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of first degree murder in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
Florida man arrested in alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange
South Florida native Harun Abdul-Malik Yener was charged with attempted use of an explosive to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce.
"Rust" movie premieres in Poland
The "Rust" film premiere in Poland occurred three years after the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Alec Baldwin was not present. CBS News' Chris Livesay reports.
Laken Riley's killer Jose Ibarra sentenced
The Georgia judge who convicted Jose Ibarra for charges related to the death of nursing student Laken Riley sentenced the undocumented immigrant to life in prison without the possibility of parole. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports and Jessica Levinson breaks down the verdict.
Space
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Space
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Johnson implements transgender restroom ban
House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday took aim at incoming Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride, the first ever transgender member elected to Congress, with his decision to bar transgender people from using bathrooms in the Capitol Complex that do not align with their sex assigned at birth. Scott MacFarlane has more.
How mass deportations could affect food
President-elect Donald Trump confirmed that he plans to address illegal immigration in the U.S. through a mass deportation program. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady discusses how such a plan could affect the food industry.
Who is Linda McMahon?
President-elect Donald Trump announced he plans to nominate former wrestling executive Linda McMahon as education secretary. Washington Post political investigative reporter Beth Reinhard joins "The Daily Report" to discuss her qualifications and plans.
Can Democrats fill 44 judicial vacancies?
President-elect Donald Trump is urging Republicans to slow down President Biden's judicial nominations before January. There are currently 44 vacancies, and 14 of Mr. Biden's nominations await Senate approval. Wall Street Journal Supreme Court correspondent Jess Bravin joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.