Today’s Top Stories in the US, January 26, 2026
Deadly Winter Storm Continues to Pound Central and Eastern U.S.
A massive winter storm that has snarled travel and knocked out power across much of the country continued to dominate headlines Monday.
The system, stretching from the Southern Plains through the Northeast, has dropped heavy snow and ice, causing at least 18 confirmed deaths and knocking out power to more than a million homes and businesses. Emergency declarations have been issued in at least 20 states amid dangerous cold and travel conditions.
State and local officials warned residents to stay off roads where possible as crews worked to clear highways and restore power. Airports across the Northeast reported continued flight cancellations and delays after more than 10,000 flights were grounded over the weekend, the highest single-day total in years.
Nationwide Outages and Emergency Response
As of Monday morning, nearly 1 million customers remained without electricity, particularly in the Midwest and along the East Coast, with crews working through the frigid conditions to restore service. Municipalities in affected areas have opened warming centers and urged people to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
Schools across several states extended closures into Monday, and some districts announced that virtual learning would continue due to unsafe travel conditions.
Immigration Enforcement Backlash After Minneapolis Shooting
The political spotlight remains on the national debate over immigration enforcement following the killing of Alex Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis last weekend. Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot and killed during an encounter with federal agents, sparking widespread protests and calls for a full investigation. Video evidence contradicts some official accounts of the incident, and lawmakers from both parties have joined calls for accountability.
Critics of the administration’s immigration operations are pressing for changes to federal enforcement policies, and pressure intensified on Monday as more Republicans and civil rights groups demanded transparency and action. Meanwhile, administration officials have defended the shooting and made contested public statements about the circumstances surrounding it.
Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Fed Decision
In economic news, investors are preparing for a pivotal week in financial markets as several major technology companies prepare to release quarterly results and the Federal Reserve is expected to announce its latest interest rate decision later this week. Market analysts say the earnings reports — from key firms accounting for a significant share of the S&P 500 — could influence investor sentiment and economic forecasts amid ongoing inflation concerns.
Other U.S. Regional and Community Headlines
• Outside the major national stories, Raleigh, North Carolina, was highlighted in new rankings as one of the best cities in the U.S. for quality schools, boosting the city’s appeal for families.
• Local news outlets reported additional regional incidents, including a high-rise building fire in the Northeast that left multiple people injured.
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