NPR News Now Summary

Episode: NPR News: 01-26-2026 8PM EST
Date: January 27, 2026
Host: Ryland Barton

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise yet comprehensive update on national and international stories dominating headlines on January 27, 2026, focusing on changes in federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, political fallout following deadly shootings, global economic responses, preparations for the 2026 Winter Games, and the latest developments in scientific research on dark matter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shift in Federal Immigration Policy in Minnesota

• Governor Tim Walz on Trump and Immigration:
  Governor Tim Walz reports a "change of tone" from President Trump regarding the immigration crackdown. After a morning phone call, Trump is now considering reducing the presence of federal immigration agents in the Twin Cities and supports allowing state-led investigations into the recent police-involved killings.
  • Quote (Tim Walz, 00:46):
    “Whether it was morality or bad optics in poll numbers, whatever has happened here, there is a definite change of tone. There is a definitely a more collaborative tone.”
  • Walz emphasizes that federal Border Patrol commander Greg Bevino and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will not return to the Twin Cities.

2. Political Fallout After Police Killings

• Chris Mattel Withdraws from Governor’s Race:
  Chris Mattel, a prominent Republican gubernatorial candidate and former lawyer for an ICE officer, announces that he is dropping out of the race. He cites disagreement with the Trump administration’s immigration policies following the deaths of Alex Preddy and Renee Macklin, both US citizens, at the hands of federal agents.
  • Quote (Chris Mattel, via Tim Walz, 01:46):
    “I cannot support the national Republican stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so.”
  • Growing bipartisan calls are emerging for federal cooperation in investigative efforts.
  • Context (Elena Moore, 01:54):
    Mattel’s announcement follows nationwide outrage and is framed as a response to both moral and political pressures after the second citizen death in Minneapolis.

3. Record-Breaking Gold Prices Amid Economic Uncertainty

• Gold Tops $5,000 an Ounce for First Time:
  Global financial anxieties have driven gold prices to historic highs. Uncertainty is rooted in President Trump’s trade disputes, threats of new tariffs against Canada, and fears following deadly federal actions in Minneapolis.
  • Quote (Maria Aspen, 02:26):
    “Gold and other precious metals are traditionally seen as safe haven investments, meaning investors buy them when they’re anxious about more mainstream assets like stocks and bonds.”
  • The surge is part of the broader “sell America trade” trend, with investors moving away from the US dollar and stock markets in anticipation of a possible government shutdown.

4. Stock Market Update

• US Stock Indexes Tick Higher (03:09):
  Despite gold’s surge, major stock indexes posted slight gains.

5. International Justice: Duterte to Stand Trial

• International Criminal Court (ICC) News:
  ICC judges rule that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit for trial on crimes against humanity charges related to his controversial anti-drug campaign.

6. 2026 Winter Olympics: US Hockey Makes NHL Comeback

• Team USA Roster Announced:
  US Olympic and Paralympic Committee unveils its full roster, with an emphasis on the return of NHL players to the men's hockey team for the first time in over a decade.
  • Quote (Brady Tkachuk, 04:04):
    “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.”
  • Matthew Tkachuk, Brady’s brother, also featured.
  • Noted: US men's hockey has not claimed Olympic gold since 1980.

7. Breakthrough in Mapping Dark Matter

• High-Resolution Dark Matter Maps:
  Astronomers have charted hundreds of thousands of distant galaxies over 10 billion years to create one of the most detailed maps of dark matter to date. While dark matter itself remains invisible, its gravitational influence is vividly apparent.
  • Insight (Ryland Barton, 04:29):
    "Scientists can't study dark matter directly, but they can observe how it warps the stars around it."

Notable Quotes

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

• Chris Mattel (via Tim Walz, 01:46):
  “I cannot support the national Republican stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so.”

• Maria Aspen (02:26):
  “Gold and other precious metals are traditionally seen as safe haven investments, meaning investors buy them when they’re anxious about more mainstream assets like stocks and bonds.”

• Brady Tkachuk (04:04):
  “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.”

Important Timestamps

• 00:15 — Ryland Barton: Welcome/Headlines start
• 00:33 — Clay Masters: Governor Walz’s conversation with Trump
• 01:13 — Chris Mattel drops out of Minnesota Governor’s race
• 02:14 — All-time high gold prices analysis
• 03:09 — Stock market and world news briefs (Duterte trial, Olympic roster)
• 04:29 — Breakthrough in mapping dark matter
• 04:55 — Episode wraps content section

Tone & Language

• The episode retains NPR’s characteristic clarity and objectivity, providing clear explanations and a balanced presentation of controversies, particularly around Minnesota’s immigration crisis. Speaker quotes are presented respectfully and contextually, underscoring both the human impact and the wider political or economic stakes of each story.

This summary encapsulates all major news points and memorable moments from the episode, giving listeners a thorough understanding of the latest developments as presented in NPR’s signature news style.