Good to be with you. I’m Tony Dokoupil. Breaking tonight: it’s day six of the search for Nancy Guthrie. The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office say they have received what they are calling a “new message” and are examining it to determine its authenticity. Investigators had previously confirmed an unverified ransom note demanding Bitcoin and setting deadlines; that note arrived, then contact ceased. Authorities have declined to disclose how the home was entered, saying details about entry and exit are critical to the investigation. Law enforcement says there was roughly a 41‑minute window between when the doorbell camera went offline and when Guthrie’s pacemaker app, left behind on a phone, disconnected; during that interval software detected movement. No suspect has been identified; officials stress that “nobody’s ruled out” and are asking anyone with information to contact tip hotlines.
Extreme cold continues to grip much of the country. A major crash in Pennsylvania left multiple vehicles damaged and at least one person dead. FDNY crews pulled people from freezing water after they fell through thin ice in Jamaica Bay. Cities that were hit by earlier storms are still digging out, and several deaths in the Northeast have been attributed to the deep freeze. Another surge of Arctic air is on the way, with wind chill advisories in place across wide areas—forecasters warn wind chills could range from 15 to 40 degrees below zero and gusts may top 50 mph, increasing the risk of downed trees and power lines. Snow accumulations will vary from a dusting to several inches in places, but the dominant story through early next week will be the extreme cold.
In politics, President Trump’s social media activity sparked controversy after a repost on Truth Social showed an animation that superimposed Barack and Michelle Obama’s faces onto dancing apes. The White House initially called it an internet meme, then deleted the post, saying it was posted in error by a junior staffer after widespread condemnation. Republican Senator Tim Scott described the image as “the most racist thing” he’s seen from the White House. CBS News reports the president spoke with Senator Scott following the backlash; the post was removed and Trump has not issued an apology.
Markets: the Dow closed at a record high, topping 50,000 for the first time. Despite the milestone, many Americans say they aren’t feeling the benefits. A new CBS News poll finds large majorities reporting it’s harder to buy a home, raise a family, or find a good job, and most respondents believe opportunities are improving for the wealthy while declining for the middle class.
Sports and events: With Super Bowl LX just 48 hours away, authorities detailed an expansive security operation around Levi’s Stadium involving more than 35 local, state and federal agencies, bomb‑sniffing dogs, screening checkpoints and aerial surveillance. Officials say there are no credible or specific threats; Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will not be patrolling the event. Meanwhile, the Winter Olympics opening ceremonies were held across Milan and the mountain venues in Cortina, with caldrons lit simultaneously. Athletes and fans celebrated the start of the Games, and Olympic veteran Lindsey Vonn was seen practicing on the slopes as she continues her comeback.
Crime and courts: Luigi Mangione, charged in the shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, objected in court after a judge set a state trial date, arguing it created a double jeopardy problem because he also faces federal charges. In Houston, police pursued a reported stolen truck that crashed and caught fire; the suspect resisted arrest after the vehicle was disabled.
Community story: In Detroit, licensed bus driver Darrell Beaver drew attention for giving free rides to children walking to school during the deep freeze. He livestreamed the effort, and while it prompted many requests and district interest, safety rules about unauthorized vehicles forced him to stop providing lifts. Beaver has since begun fundraising to buy a van and establish a nonprofit that could legally transport students in extreme weather.
Human interest: Steve Hartman visited Joe Macken, a truck driver who began carving buildings from balsa wood in his basement and never stopped. What began as a model of Rockefeller Center grew into an almost complete scale model of Manhattan—nearly a million structures painstakingly carved over decades. Joe’s “Little Apple” will be displayed at the Museum of the City of New York, showing stadiums, bridges and landmarks across all five boroughs. When asked whether he’d ever thought of stopping, Joe said he hadn’t and plans to keep building.
Other headlines: investigators continue to seek tips on several local and national matters, and meteorologists urge people in affected regions to stay indoors and heed weather warnings as the cold snap persists.
From CBS News headquarters in New York, I’m Tony Dokoupil. Thank you for joining us. Have a safe weekend.