Nation Grapples with Cartel Violence, AI Fears, and Harsh Weather

The United States and its southern neighbor are facing a multitude of challenges, from cartel violence and harsh weather to concerns about the economic impact of artificial intelligence. As the nation grapples with these issues, President Donald Trump is preparing to deliver his State of the Union address, which is expected to be a test run of the message Republicans will give to voters in November's elections.

In Mexico, the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes by the Mexican army has sparked a wave of violence across the country. Cartel members have blocked roads in 20 Mexican states, burned cars, and left smoke billowing into the air, prompting fears of "narcoterrorism" similar to what Colombia experienced in the 1990s. The US has long considered Oseguera Cervantes one of its most wanted fugitives.

Meanwhile, in the US Northeast, a severe snowstorm is causing chaos, with snow falling at a rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour in some areas. The National Weather Service has called travel conditions "nearly impossible," and millions of people are stuck at home under road travel bans and blizzard warnings. New York City and surrounding areas have been particularly hard hit, with some areas receiving over a foot of snow since Sunday.

As the nation deals with these crises, concerns are growing about the potential economic impact of artificial intelligence. A report by Citrini Research imagines a scenario in which unemployment has doubled and the total value of the stock market has fallen by more than a third, all due to the increasing use of AI agents.

President Trump's State of the Union address, scheduled for Tuesday, is expected to focus on domestic issues, including the economy and immigration. However, the president's intensifying threats about launching a trade war with China and his recent loss in the Supreme Court, which struck down his power to impose sweeping tariffs, may also be addressed.

In other news, tech enthusiasts have just five days left to secure the lowest ticket rates for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, a major conference that brings together innovators and investors from around the world.

As the nation navigates these complex issues, one thing is clear: the coming weeks and months will be crucial in shaping the future of the US and its relationships with its neighbors and the rest of the world.