NPR News Now — Summary

Episode: NPR News: 01-26-2026 11PM EST
Date: January 27, 2026
Host: Giles Snyder

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest national and international news highlights in just five minutes. The episode covers a notable shift in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement in Minnesota, major winter storm damage in Mississippi, the start of tax filing season, U.S. Olympic hockey roster news, and a former Canadian snowboarder facing federal drug trafficking charges.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Change in Immigration Policy Tone in Minnesota

Segment begins: 00:16

• Summary:
  Minnesota Governor Tim Walz reports a shift in President Trump’s approach to immigration enforcement in Minnesota, describing more willingness to collaborate and consider local concerns.

• Details:

  • President Trump is reportedly open to reducing the presence of immigration enforcement agents in the Twin Cities.
  • Trump is also considering allowing Minnesota to conduct independent investigations into local killings (Alex Preddy and Renee Macklin cases).

• Quote:

  • Tim Walz: “Whether it was morality or bad optics and poll numbers, whatever has happened here, there is a definite change of tone. There is a definitely a more collaborative tone.” [00:46]

• Additional Notes:

  • Border Patrol commander Greg Bevino and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will not return to the Twin Cities.
  • However, Homeland Security’s Tricia McLaughlin refutes reports of Bevino’s demotion or relief of duties.
  • Tom Holman, Trump administration border czar, will take charge of immigration operations in Minnesota on Tuesday.

2. Winter Storm Power Outages in Mississippi

Segment begins: 01:45

• Summary:
  A major winter storm causes widespread power outages and damages in north Mississippi, impacting relief efforts.
• Details:
  • Nearly 200,000 outages reported; snow, ice, and fallen power lines complicate recovery.
  • Casey Grist (Red Cross): Resources like cots and blankets have been pre-positioned, but many communities remain inaccessible.
• Quote:
  • Casey Grist: “We were able to position some resources, some cots and blankets and those types of things so that the community had access to them for their own warming shelters once we were not able to get in any longer.” [02:06]
• Notable Impact:
  • Two storm-related deaths (related to "fern," possibly a transcript error, contextually likely refers to hypothermia or hazardous conditions).

3. IRS Tax Filing Season Opens

Segment begins: 02:24

• Summary:
  IRS begins accepting tax returns, kicking off the 2026 tax season one day earlier than last year.
• Details:
  • IRS expects about 164 million returns before the April 15 deadline.
  • E-filing remains dominant; over 93% submitted electronically last year.
  • Direct deposit is encouraged for faster refunds—most within 21 days.
• Quote:
  • Scott Horsley: “The IRS expects taxpayers to file about 164 million returns over the next 11 weeks or so before the April 15 deadline.” [02:33]

4. U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Athlete Roster Announced

Segment begins: 03:13

• Summary:
  The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee unveils the roster for the Winter Games, with significant news in hockey.
• Details:
  • NHL players return to the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team for the first time since 2014.
  • Hockey players comprise a fifth of the 232-athlete roster.
  • Brothers Brady (Ottawa Senators) and Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers) will both play for the U.S.
  • Last time the U.S. men’s team won Olympic gold in ice hockey was 1980.
  • The Winter Games open February 6 in Northern Italy.
• Quote:
  • Brady Tkachuk: “It's hard not to get excited to go compete with the best players in this country and see some of the best athletes in the world compete for the gold medal.” [03:52]

5. Former Olympian Accused of Cocaine Trafficking

Segment begins: 04:17

• Summary:
  Ryan Wedding, former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, pleads not guilty to charges of becoming a cocaine smuggling kingpin.
• Details:
  • Appeared in federal court in California after a year-long effort to arrest him.
  • He was on the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted List; a $15 million reward had been offered.

6. Market Update

Segment begins: 04:45

• Summary:
  Asian shares are up following Wall Street’s positive gains; S&P 500 rose by half a percent in its fourth consecutive winning session.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Governor Tim Walz on immigration:
  “There is a definite change of tone. There is definitely a more collaborative tone.” [00:46]
• Red Cross Executive Casey Grist on relief efforts:
  “We were able to position some resources... once we were not able to get in any longer.” [02:06]
• Brady Tkachuk (NHL/Olympian):
  “It's hard not to get excited to go compete with the best players in this country...” [03:52]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minnesota Immigration Policy Shift: 00:16 – 01:12
• Mississippi Winter Storm/Power Outages: 01:45 – 02:24
• IRS Tax Filing Season: 02:24 – 03:13
• Olympic Athlete Roster & Hockey News: 03:13 – 04:17
• Ryan Wedding/Cocaine Charges: 04:17 – 04:45
• Global/Market Update: 04:45 – 04:55

This episode delivers prompt and relevant news with clarity, providing essential updates, direct quotes from primary voices, and a concise overview of key developments.