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Extreme Weather Strains US Power Grid, Allies Seek Trade Deals with China
A severe winter storm that swept across the eastern United States over the weekend of January 25-26, 2026, tested the resilience of the nation's power grid, while simultaneously, some U.S. allies, facing tariff threats from President Trump, began exploring trade deals with China and India.
The U.S. power grid largely managed to meet increased demand despite freezing temperatures, but there were signs of strain, particularly for fossil-fuel plants, according to MIT Technology Review. An analysis revealed significant unplanned outages in natural gas and coal-powered plants within PJM, the nation's largest grid operator. These facilities historically struggle in extreme winter weather.
Meanwhile, President Trump's tariffs and rhetoric spurred some longtime U.S. allies to diversify their trade ties away from the U.S., according to NPR. Some nations are now looking to China and India for trade opportunities. "President Trump's tariffs and rhetoric have spurred some U.S. allies to shift trade away from the United States and to boost trade with America's biggest," NPR reported.
In other news, eleven days before Alex Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers, he was involved in a scuffle with federal immigration agents during a Minneapolis protest on January 13, 2026, according to Fortune. Videos showed Pretti kicking out a vehicle taillight and being wrestled to the ground. The videos showed Pretti shouting an expletive at the federal officers and struggling with them. His winter coat comes off when hes on the ground and he either breaks free or the officers let him go and he scurries away. When he turns his back to the camera, what appears to be a handgun is visible in his waistband. At no point do the videos show Pretti reaching for the gun and it is unclear whether the federal agents saw it. A person with knowledge of the incident confirmed to Fortune.
Looking ahead, much of the country continues to face record-low temperatures, with the possibility of more snow this weekend, raising concerns about the grid's ability to cope with continued extreme weather, according to MIT Technology Review.
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