Winter Storm Disrupts Millions: Snow Blankets NYC, Over a Million Lose Power Across the South – 1/31/2026, 8:29:25 AM

Based on the latest news reports, here are the major stories:

Minneapolis ICE Operations: Border Czar Tom Homan announced plans to “draw down” federal forces in Minneapolis following escalating tensions after the shooting death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti[1]. New video has emerged showing a confrontation between Pretti and federal agents 11 days before the shooting[1]. A growing number of Republican lawmakers have joined Democrats in calling for an independent investigation[2].

Winter Storm Impact: A severe winter storm affected approximately 200 million Americans, with New York City receiving its most snow since 2021[2]. More than 11,000 flights were canceled, with additional cancellations expected in subsequent days[2]. The storm caused over 1 million people to lose power across the South[2].

Government Shutdown Averted: Senate Democrats announced they had struck a deal to prevent a partial government shutdown[1].

Other Notable Incidents: A deadly crash in Colorado involved a van carrying a youth hockey team and a snow plow[1], and a Waymo self-driving vehicle struck a child near a California elementary school[1].

International Developments: President Trump stated that President Putin agreed not to strike Ukraine’s capital within a week, citing cold weather as the reason[6].