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America is being tested again by nature, and this time the test spans from Arizona to Maine. Winter Storm Fern — which began its sweep across the midsection of the country on January 23, 2026 — has put more than 240 million people in the storm’s path and forced governors to declare states of emergency. Hardworking Americans are bracing for crippling ice, heavy snow, and bone-chilling cold, and the scale of this event demands clear-eyed leadership and commonsense preparation.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux went on Fox & Friends Weekend to give an unvarnished update on how his city is faring, and his direct approach is exactly what citizens need right now. Airports have been canceled, power outages are mounting in Caddo Parish, and warming centers have been opened for those most at risk. Mayor Arceneaux’s emphasis on practical steps — mobilizing crews, communicating with utilities, and helping vulnerable neighbors — shows local government can be decisive when it matters.
Across the country, governors from multiple states moved quickly to declare emergencies and mobilize the National Guard where necessary, and FEMA prepositioned supplies in Louisiana ahead of the worst. That rapid state-level action deserves recognition, because in a crisis the boots on the ground are what save lives. Still, this should be a reminder that federal agencies must be lean, responsive, and coordinated with state officials rather than a top-down bureaucracy that slows aid.
This storm also exposes an inconvenient truth for policymakers who prioritize trendy energy experiments over reliable power. Freezing rain and ice bring down lines and cripple grids — and when that happens, citizens pay the price. Conservatives have been warning that a secure energy future requires diverse, reliable sources and investment in hardened infrastructure; now is the time for leaders to act on that warning rather than lecturing people about ideology while their lights go out.
The media circus around every weather event tends to veer into panic, but the solution is not fearmongering — it is preparedness and accountability. Local reporters and outlets are doing the real work of informing residents where to go, what roads to avoid, and which shelters are open, and patriotic citizens should follow that guidance instead of amplifying hysteria on social feeds. If anything, this storm should reset priorities: protect communities, support first responders, and stop politicizing every piece of bad weather.
To every family in the storm’s path: check on elderly neighbors, stock up on essentials if you can do so safely, and keep communication lines open. Employers and local officials must make commonsense accommodations and ensure crews can restore power and clear critical routes quickly. When the snow and ice clear, America will need to rebuild smarter — investing in resilient infrastructure, supporting utility workers, and holding officials accountable for preparedness.
We will get through this because that is what Americans do: we pull together, help one another, and demand competent leadership that puts citizens above ideology. Praise should go to the local leaders and volunteers who are in the trenches, and scrutiny should be reserved for any agency or policymaker who made us more vulnerable. Stay safe, be ready, and remember that self-reliance combined with community spirit is the best defense against whatever nature throws our way.
