Disasters

Smith seeks probe of natural gas price spikes during storm
Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota is calling for federal investigations into possible price gouging of natural gas in the Midwest and other regions, following severe winter storms that caused widespread power outages in the southern U.S.
Warmer weather brings some relief as cold-weary South starts cleanup
Warmer temperatures spread across the southern United States on Saturday, bringing some relief to a winter-weary region that faces a challenging clean-up and expensive repairs from days of extreme cold and widespread power outages.
Biden declares major disaster in Texas as federal aid flows
President Joe Biden is seeing his disaster management skills tested after winter storms plunged Texas, Oklahoma and neighboring states into an unusual deep freeze that left millions shivering in homes that lost heat and power — and in many cases, water.
Biden to authorize broader disaster relief for Texas
The state has for the last week suffered through a major winter storm that left many of its residents without heat, power or potable water.
Southern cities hit hard by storms face new crisis: No water
Busted water pipes ruptured by record-low temperatures have created a shortage of clean drinking water, forced the closure of the Memphis airport for passenger flights on Friday and left hospitals scrambling to maintain sanitary conditions.
Texas officials warn of price gouging as state faces food, water shortages
Houston-area residents are reporting exorbitant prices of food, water and hotel rooms while the state continues to deal with shortages of essential items after a winter storm hit the state.
'A disaster within a disaster': Carbon monoxide poisoning cases are surging in Texas
Harris County has reported at least 300 incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning from the improper use of home heating devices like grills, stoves and generators, as residents scramble to find warmth.
'Obviously a mistake': Cruz returns from Cancun after uproar
The Republican senator said he began second-guessing the trip since the moment he first got on the plane Wednesday. He said, “In hindsight, I wouldn’t have done it."
'It's life and death': Texans still without power as nation faces more winter storms
Nationwide, more than 40 deaths have been blamed on the weather this week — some who died trying to stay warm in their homes. Thousands of Texans remained without electricity or safe drinking water after winter storms wreaked havoc on the state's power grid and utilities.
Power outages linger for millions as another icy storm looms
Utility crews are racing to restore power to nearly 3.4 million utility customers around the U.S. who are still without electricity in the aftermath of a winter storm. Texas officials ordered 7 million people to boil tap water before drinking it following days of record low temperatures that damaged infrastructure and froze pipes.