
Texas congressman says emergency aid will help Texans pay high energy bills charged after deep freeze
CNN
Federal emergency funds meant to help Texans recover from a deep freeze will also be used to help some residents pay exorbitantly high energy bills they were charged as a result of the recent snow storm, a Republican congressman from the state said Sunday.
"Yes, that's the current plan with the federal assistance -- be able to help the homeowners both repair, because we have a lot of water leaks, a lot of water damage, pipes bursting, but also their electricity bills as well," Texas Rep. Michael McCaul told CNN's Dana Bash on "State of the Union" when asked if some of the disaster funds would be used to help residents pay the bills. Residents in the state have been reporting unusually high energy bills following the freeze, something officials in the state have said that they are investigating, with Gov. Greg Abbott convening an emergency meeting to look into the situation.
5 things to know for March 16: War with Iran, Oscar winners, Travel chaos, Severe weather, US airmen
CNN’s 5 Things AM brings you the news you need to know every morning.

The retirement of Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin after nearly 30 years in office sparked an expensive three-way Democratic primary that has showcased the party’s divisions over how to confront President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and introduced pro-crypto forces as an influence seeking to shape the midterm elections. The contest is also setting up a test of Gov. JB Pritzker’s political clout in the state as he eyes a potential 2028 presidential bid.

Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of former Cuban President Raúl Castro, appeared for the first time alongside Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel at two public events on Friday, raising questions, according to analysts, about his role in Cuba’s leadership as the island faces calls for regime change from the United States.










