Nation Gripped by Winter Storm, Political Tensions, and Championship Glory on January 26, 2026
Washington D.C. – Monday, January 26, 2026, saw the United States grappling with a confluence of major events. A severe winter storm paralyzed vast regions of the country. Simultaneously, political tensions flared over a fatal ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis. The federal government also teetered on the edge of another shutdown. Amidst these critical issues, the nation also celebrated a historic sports achievement.
Winter Storm Fern Unleashes Widespread Havoc
A significant weather event, unofficially named “Winter Storm Fern,” swept across North America. The storm stretched over 2,000 miles. It began developing on January 22 and moved eastward. By January 25, it had transitioned into a nor’easter in the Northeast. This major winter storm brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. It affected regions from Northern Mexico to Canada.
Over 205 million people in the U.S. were under winter weather alerts. The storm caused power outages for over a million customers, predominantly in the South. Fatalities were reported, with at least 12 confirmed by January 25. The storm’s impacts included dangerous travel conditions and infrastructure disruptions. Twenty-four U.S. state governors issued emergency declarations. Cities like New York experienced extreme cold, with three people found dead on city streets. Power outages were expected to linger for days in many affected areas [cite:7, cite:25].
Tensions Simmer After Fatal Minneapolis Shooting
Minneapolis became a focal point of national concern following a fatal shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent [cite:17, cite:28]. On January 24, federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti during an attempt to detain him [cite:17, cite:28]. This incident ignited protests, with hundreds taking to the streets. Witnesses and bystander videos contradicted official accounts [cite:17, cite:28]. These videos suggested Pretti, an ICU nurse, was holding a cellphone, not a weapon, when he was shot [cite:17, cite:28].
The shooting intensified anger towards ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stated his party would block a funding package if it included DHS money. This announcement significantly increased the potential for another government shutdown. Local officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, called for the removal of federal agents from the state [cite:17, cite:28]. The tensions were already high due to a prior fatal ICE-involved shooting of Renee Good earlier in the month [cite:9, cite:20, cite:27].
Federal Government Faces Shutdown Threat
The federal government was once again staring down a potential shutdown. A Continuing Resolution (CR) funding the government was set to expire on January 30, 2026. Lawmakers had only two weeks to pass new legislation. Failure to do so would mean federal agencies would lose their authority to spend money. This would trigger a partial or full shutdown.
The House passed an appropriations package for Labor-HHS-Education. This was a step towards averting the shutdown. However, the Senate’s role remained critical. The ongoing political standoff, particularly concerning DHS funding, complicated negotiations. The prospect of a shutdown loomed large as Congress worked against the clock.
Indiana Hoosiers Achieve Undefeated Championship Glory
In sports, a historic achievement unfolded in college football [cite:2, cite:8, cite:11, cite:19, cite:23]. The Indiana Hoosiers completed a remarkable undefeated 16-0 season [cite:2, cite:19, cite:23]. They secured the national college football championship by defeating the Miami Hurricanes [cite:2, cite:23]. This victory marked the program’s first-ever national title [cite:2, cite:19, cite:23]. The championship game took place on January 19 in Miami Gardens, Florida [cite:2, cite:11].
The Hoosiers’ journey was a true Cinderella story. They were the first team in the modern era to go 16-0. This feat was last accomplished in 1894. Head Coach Curt Cignetti, in his second season with Indiana, hailed it as one of the greatest stories of all time. The team’s 27-2 record over two playoff seasons cemented their legacy. A celebration for the team was planned for January 24 in Bloomington, despite forecasts of cold weather and snow.
India Celebrates 77th Republic Day
Internationally, India marked its 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26, 2026 [cite:3, cite:4, cite:12, cite:14]. The celebrations featured a grand display of military prowess [cite:4, cite:14]. Missiles, fighter jets, and newly-raised military units were showcased [cite:4, cite:14]. Operation Sindoor was highlighted as a significant event [cite:4, cite:14]. The European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended as chief guests [cite:4, cite:14].
U.S. President Donald Trump sent a message of congratulations. He emphasized the historic bond between India and the U.S. as the world’s oldest and largest democracies. His greetings came amid ongoing trade and tariff discussions between the two nations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also extended well wishes. The event in New Delhi showcased India’s cultural diversity and technological advancements [cite:4, cite:14].
The day’s news headline events underscore a nation facing multiple challenges and triumphs. The widespread winter storm tested resilience. Political turmoil arose from federal actions. Yet, a historic sports victory offered a moment of widespread celebration. These trending topics dominated the national conversation on this eventful Monday.
