Travel chaos at U.S. airports, severe weather cleanup, war developments and more
The major story: airport disruptions and mounting travel chaos. Tens of thousands of Transportation Security Administration officers have missed pay because of a partial government shutdown, producing a surge in sick calls and walkouts that left security lines hours long and forced some checkpoints to close. About 10% of TSA officers nationwide called out on one recent day — roughly five times a normal rate — and some airports have already reduced lanes or closed checkpoints. Atlanta saw nearly 40% of its TSA staff call out, creating multihour waits; Houston’s Bush airport recorded waits over 100 minutes, San Juan about 86 minutes, and Chicago O’Hare around an hour. Philadelphia announced that half its security checkpoints would be closed the next day. Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl warned that if callouts climb further, airports could be forced to shut down. Flyers were urged to check current wait-time information on airport websites and allow extra travel time.
Storms and extremes: cleanup and contrasting weather across the country
A powerful, cross-country storm left behind wide-ranging impacts. In the Northeast and Midwest communities battled heavy snow and hazardous travel — for example, Watertown, New York, where crashes closed an interstate, and parts of Minnesota that reported more than two feet of snow. Further south, severe thunderstorms and hurricane-force wind gusts damaged homes and downed trees, including an Atlanta family reporting a tree falling on their house and injuring a 95-year-old. Meanwhile, parts of the West faced extreme heat days before spring: some Los Angeles neighborhoods neared 100°F and city responders prepared for heat illness cases, while the Southeast faced freeze warnings and plummeting temperatures after the system passed.
Supreme Court chief justice speaks
In rare public remarks, Chief Justice John Roberts defended judicial independence, saying it is “absurd” to suggest judges carry out the views of the officials who appointed them and urging an end to personal criticism of federal judges.
U.S. political and national security developments
– A top Trump administration counterterror official, the National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent, resigned and publicly criticized the decision to attack Iran, saying Iran posed no imminent threat and alleging outside influence on the decision. President Trump dismissed Kent’s claims, saying Kent was “out” for saying Iran was not a threat. Kent’s resignation highlighted divisions among Trump supporters and within factions of the administration and right‑wing media over the U.S. posture toward Iran.
– The Republican‑run House Oversight Committee subpoenaed former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about the Jeffrey Epstein files and the Justice Department’s compliance with a law requiring release of related files; Bondi and a deputy were scheduled to meet with the committee.
– In the Middle East, a new wave of strikes and counterstrikes raised questions about who is now running Iran. Israeli strikes reportedly killed senior Iranian regime figures, including Ali Larijani (identified in reporting as Iran’s security chief), and U.S. officials reported Israeli and U.S. strikes had decimated elements of Iran’s senior leadership. The strikes prompted missile and drone barrages across the region, with Israel and other countries using advanced interceptors like Israel’s Arrow 3. Officials told CBS News more than 200 U.S. service members were wounded across seven countries, most of whom returned to duty; defense officials continued to monitor war-fighting and missile‑interceptor stockpiles closely.
Search for missing woman: new surveillance images
Investigators searching for Nancy (sometimes reported as Nancy Guthrie) who disappeared from her Tucson property said they recovered additional surveillance images from cameras installed at the home, including views of the backyard, pool area, driveway and garage. Those images included family members and workers in the weeks before the abduction but nothing deemed suspicious. The only known image of the suspect remains the doorbell camera video released earlier. Law enforcement continues forensic analysis of DNA from the crime scene; federal investigators say genetic genealogy and DNA analysis can take time and may produce multiple leads that must be checked. The FBI reported more than 1,500 tips after the family announced a reward; after 45 days, investigators kept asking the public for help.
Cuba: outages, protests and U.S. remarks
In Havana, cities faced rolling blackouts and shortages after the U.S. reduced Cuba’s access to Venezuelan oil; hundreds protested and some demonstrations turned violent. President Trump said he would “do something with Cuba very soon” and said it would be an “honor” to take the island — comments that added to tensions. Cubans on the streets described severe hardships, long power outages and a worsening crisis in daily life.
Fireball over central U.S.
A bright fireball streaked across the sky from Maryland to Michigan, producing a loud sonic boom. NASA meteor trackers said the object was a roughly six‑foot meteoroid, about seven tons, entering the atmosphere at about 45,000 miles per hour and exploding over Medina County, Ohio; some small fragments reached the ground. Bill Cooke of NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office noted that such fireballs appear over North America roughly monthly and most space rocks vaporize before reaching the surface.
New York City high‑rise fire
A renovation‑stage fire on a Manhattan high-rise roof near Times Square sent thick black smoke across the area and briefly disrupted parts of the city. Fire officials said the blaze began in rooftop HVAC equipment; three people were reported injured and firefighters brought the blaze under control.
“Grandparents’ Happy Hour” debate
In Minnesota, a senior living community was told it needed a liquor license to serve alcohol at group gatherings, prompting residents — including 95‑year‑old residents — and lawmakers to press to change state rules. A local bill was introduced to exempt assisted living social gatherings from strict licensing requirements, framing the effort as protecting residents’ freedom to socialize.
From the CBS Evening News desk
– Reporters continued tracking the unfolding aviation staffing and security crisis as the partial shutdown persists and lawmakers negotiate DHS funding, urging travelers to check wait times and plan extra time.
– Weather teams documented the large cleanup and recovery in the storm‑hit areas and the heat alerts in the West.
– International correspondents reported on the rapid changes in the Middle East after the strikes and the confusion about Iran’s leadership, and on the political consequences in Washington, including resignations and public disputes.
What to watch and do
– If you’re flying, check airport and airline updates and build in extra time for security lines; anticipate delays and possible closures if staffing shortfalls continue.
– Follow local weather alerts: heat, freeze and severe storm watches continue in different regions.
– Anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is asked to contact law enforcement; investigators continue to seek tips.
The CBS Evening News broadcast covered these developments and more, combining field reports, national security analysis, and weather and travel coverage to track the day’s fast‑moving events.