Good to be with you. I’m Tony Dokoupil. Breaking tonight: day six of the search for Nancy Guthrie. The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office say they have received what they’re calling a “new message” and are actively inspecting it for authenticity. Investigators previously confirmed they received an unverified ransom note demanding Bitcoin and setting deadlines; it passed with no further contact. Law enforcement has been tight-lipped about how the home was entered, saying entry and exit details are critical to the case. There was about a 41‑minute window from when the doorbell camera disconnected to when Guthrie’s pacemaker app on her phone, left behind, disconnected; software detected movement during that period. No suspect has been identified; authorities say “nobody’s ruled out” and are urging the public to call hotlines with tips.
Extreme cold continues to grip much of the country. A major crash in Pennsylvania left multiple vehicles mangled and at least one dead. FDNY crews rescued people who fell through thin ice in Jamaica Bay. Cities are still dealing with snow from earlier storms; the Northeast has recorded multiple deaths during the deep freeze. Another round of Arctic air will make wind chills dangerously low—many areas under extreme cold warnings with wind chills 15–40 degrees below zero and gusts above 50 mph, raising risks for downed trees and power lines. Snow totals will vary from dustings to several inches, but the big story is the cold through early next week.
Politics: President Trump’s social posts drew controversy after a Truth Social repost that included an animation placing Barack and Michelle Obama’s faces onto dancing apes. The White House initially described it as an internet meme but later deleted the post and said it was erroneously posted by a junior staffer after widespread condemnation, including from Republican Senator Tim Scott, who called it “the most racist thing” he’s seen from the White House. CBS News reports the president called Senator Scott after the criticism and the post was removed; Trump has not apologized.
Markets: the Dow closed at a record high, passing 50,000 for the first time. Yet many Americans say they aren’t feeling the gains: a CBS News poll finds large majorities say it’s harder to buy a home, raise a family, or get a good job, and most believe opportunities are improving for the wealthy while declining for the middle class.
Sports and events: With Super Bowl LX 48 hours away, authorities described a massive security operation around Levi’s Stadium, with more than 35 local, state and federal agencies involved, bomb‑sniffing dogs, screening checkpoints and aerial surveillance. Organizers say they have no credible or specific threats; ICE agents will not be patrolling the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the Winter Olympics opening ceremony took place across Milan and the mountains of Cortina. Caldrons were lit simultaneously. Athletes and fans noted the excitement; Lindsey Vonn practiced on the slopes as she continues her comeback.
Crime and courts: Luigi Mangione, accused in the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting, objected in court after a judge scheduled a state trial date, calling it “double jeopardy” as he faces both state and federal charges. In Houston, police chased a stolen truck that crashed, caught fire and left the suspect resisting arrest.
Community story: In Detroit, a licensed bus driver began giving free rides to walking kids during a deep freeze. Livestreamed by the driver, Darrell Beaver, the effort drew many requests and attention from the school district; because of safety rules about unauthorized vehicles, Beaver stopped giving rides and has begun fundraising to buy a van and form a nonprofit that could legally help students.
Human interest: Steve Hartman visited Joe Macken, a truck driver who began carving balsa wood buildings in his basement and never stopped. What started as a model of Rockefeller Center grew into a painstaking scale model of nearly all of Manhattan—almost a million structures carved by one person over decades. Joe’s “Little Apple” goes on display at the Museum of the City of New York, showcasing every stadium, bridge, and site across five boroughs. Hartman asked if Joe ever thought he’d gone too far; Joe said never, planning to keep building.
Other headlines: Police and officials continue to seek information in many local and national investigations, and meteorologists urge people to stay indoors and heed warnings as the extreme cold and winter weather persist.
From CBS News headquarters in New York, I’m Tony Dokoupil. Thank you for joining us. Have a safe weekend.
