In the U.S., the death toll from last weekend’s historic winter storm has risen to at least 38 in western New York, the hardest-hit region.  ​

New York, December 29 (RHC)-- In the U.S., the death toll from last weekend’s historic winter storm has risen to at least 38 in western New York, the hardest-hit region.  

As residents recover from the storm and mourn those lost, criticism against — and between — local leaders is mounting.  Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says he’s spoken with state and county officials about taking over control of snow removal efforts from the city of Buffalo.

In related news, in the U.S. state of South Dakota, the National Guard was called in to help dig out thousands of people trapped in their homes, many without power, at the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations, which saw at least 30 inches of snowfall.

Meanwhile, federal regulators are launching an inquiry into the preparedness of U.S. power systems for extreme weather events.  Climate activists say the current fossil fuel-based energy system has again revealed its unreliability, and are urging for greater investment in sustainable energy infrastructure.

In Jackson, Mississippi, residents remain under a boil water notice after freezing temperatures caused pipes to burst.