There has been a dramatic downturn in COVID-19 cases and deaths. But new variants could cause those numbers to spike again. CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus joins “CBS This Morning” to discuss the spread of COVID-19 variants and the potential impact on vaccination efforts. Source

The COVID-19 pandemic closed bars and canceled Mardi Gras parties and masquerade balls. But the “Big Easy” loves a big celebration, so part of New Orleans was transformed into a socially-distanced drive-thru event called “Floats In The Oaks.” Jamie Wax reports. Source

Tax experts are suggesting that people file their 2020 tax returns as soon as possible this year in order to help make sure they receive as much as they’re entitled to if Congress passes another round of stimulus checks. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Aimee Picchi joins “CBSN AM” to discuss. Source

Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya joins “CBS This Morning” to weigh in on the company’s IPO rumors and to talk about why it is important to hire refugees and immigrants. Source

Frigid temperatures kept their grip on Texas, where some four million homes and businesses had outages. Source

A new study suggests two shots of the Pfizer vaccine helps to significantly slow the spread of COVID-19. The new information is coming from Israel, where more than 40% of the population has received at least one shot. Elizabeth Palmer reports. Source

NASA’s Perseverance rover will explore Jezero Crater, which once held a 28-mile-wide lake. Source

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday announced Congress will move to create an independent commission focused on the deadly January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. It will be modeled after the commission that investigated the lead-up to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and which led to the creation of the Director of National Intelligence. Source

Austin, Texas Mayor Steve Adler joins “CBS This Morning” to discuss single-digit temperatures, icy road conditions and blackouts for more than 4 million residents across the Lone Star State. Source

Millions of people are without power as a deadly winter storm grips much of the country, bringing historic low temperatures and perilous conditions to states like Oklahoma and Texas. Also, a tornado touched down in North Carolina overnight, causing substantial damage and killing three people. All that and all that matters in today’s Eye Opener. Your world in 90 seconds. Source