Massive Winter Storms and Political Turmoil Grip the U.S.
A powerful winter storm blanketed much of the United States over the weekend, leaving at least 12 people dead and more than one million without power, according to Time. The storm brought record-breaking snowfall to some areas, while elsewhere, political tensions flared over immigration enforcement and a controversial shooting.
Bonito Lake, New Mexico, received the highest snowfall total in the nation, with 31 inches reported by Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Napanoch, New York, recorded the second-highest total with 30 inches, followed by Jennerstown, Pennsylvania, with 24.7 inches. Time reported that snowfall totals can lag by a few days due to reporting delays. New York City's Central Park saw 11.4 inches of snow, the most ever recorded, while Dayton, Ohio, broke its previous record with 12.4 inches of snow in a single day.
The winter weather arrived as the nation grappled with other crises. Vox reported that a surge of federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis since early January has provoked national outrage. Two fatal shootings by federal immigration agents have occurred this year. On January 24, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, registered nurse, and legal gun owner, was shot and killed by immigration agents after allegedly being pepper-sprayed, beaten, and forced onto his knees. Video evidence suggests he no longer had his firearm at the time of the shooting. This incident followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer earlier in the month.
The multi-source Time article noted that support for abolishing ICE is surging following fatal shootings by federal agents during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The article also mentioned a Border Patrol leadership change following the controversial shooting.
The rise of virtual learning has also changed the experience of winter weather for children. As Michael Venutolo-Mantovani wrote in Vox, "As more extreme winter storms sweep through the nation and kids stay home from school, parents and teachers alike are rethinking what happens when bad weather strikes." The traditional snow day, a staple of childhood, is becoming less common.
The situation in Iran is also escalating, with reported deaths during government crackdowns on protests and an increased U.S. military presence amid threats of retaliation, according to Time.
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