NPR News Now: January 27, 2026 – 12AM EST

Brief Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise five-minute roundup of the latest national and international headlines. It focuses on President Trump’s reshuffling of immigration enforcement leadership in Minnesota amid legal and political controversy, ongoing deadly winter storms across the U.S., spikes in energy prices, a mass shooting after a soccer game in Mexico, newly announced tariffs on South Korea, and calls for a World Cup boycott over U.S. policy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Immigration Crackdown Shakeup in Minnesota

• Replacement of Immigration Leadership

  • President Trump replaces Minnesota’s federal immigration enforcement chief days after a fatal shooting involving federal agents.
  • Growing backlash over DHS claims of self-defense, which video evidence contradicted.

• Legal and Political Tensions

  • State of Minnesota argues the federal “surge” infringes on its right to public safety and is politically motivated.
  • The Trump administration maintains that enforcement is legitimate.
  • The unprecedented situation leaves judges with little legal precedent to rely upon.

• Operational Changes

  • Trump orders Border Czar Tom Homan to work directly with Minnesota officials.
  • The outgoing Border Patrol chief, Gregory Buffett, is leaving the state.

  "Minnesota says thousands of federal agents have acted so aggressively that it's infringed on the state's sovereign right to ensure public safety."
  – Jennifer Ludden (00:33)

  "The change follows growing backlash after Homeland Security insisted Saturday's fatal shooting was in self defense, despite video evidence that contradicted that."
  – Jennifer Ludden (01:07)

2. Presidential and State Response

• Trump and Governor Walz Seek Compromise

  • President Trump and Governor Walz have a conciliatory phone call.
  • Trump is open to reducing the number of federal agents in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

  "Both struck a conciliatory tone, and Walz said Trump agreed to consider reducing the number of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis and St. Paul."
  – Giles Snyder (01:17)

3. Deadly Winter Storm Hits U.S.

• Widespread Impact

  • Deadly freeze continues over two-thirds of the country, with at least 30 fatalities.
  • Emergency crews are clearing ice and snow; many face power and water outages, impassable roads, and flight disruptions.

• Utility Struggles

  • Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves likens recovery to “whack a mole” due to recurring outages.

  "It's somewhat like whack a molecule every time one of the utility companies ... gets a large group back online. We have another tree fall ... another power outage. And so it's just a challenging environment out there."
  – Gov. Tate Reeves (02:04)

• Health and Safety Risks

  • Officials warn against hypothermia; those without power urged to use warming centers.

4. Energy Market Reactions

• Natural Gas and Heating Oil Price Surge

  • Natural gas prices have doubled in a week due to storm-induced demand and disruptions.
  • Diesel and heating oil costs also increase, with a modest rise in gasoline prices.

  "Henry Hub, the benchmark price for natural gas, was at less than $3 ... a week ago. Today, it's well over $6."
  – Camila Dominoski (02:39)

5. Tariffs on South Korea

• Trump’s Social Media Announcement

  • President Trump says he’ll raise tariffs on South Korean autos, lumber, and pharmaceuticals, accusing South Korea’s legislature of failing to honor a trade agreement.
  • No timeline for new tariffs provided.

  "Trump did not say when the hike in import taxes would take effect, but he said they would be raised on South Korean auto, lumber and pharmaceuticals."
  – Giles Snyder (03:12)

6. Mass Shooting in Mexico

• Gunmen Attack After Soccer Match

  • 11 people killed as gunmen open fire in Loma del Flores, Guanajuato.
  • Attack believed linked to disputes with organized crime over protection payments.

  "Four or five men arrived on three trucks and they opened fire as a soccer match came to an end."
  – Edgar Peralta (03:45)

• Context

  • Despite a national drop in murders, violence in Guanajuato and disappearances are rising.

7. World Cup Boycott Call

• Sepp Blatter Urges Fan Action

  • Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter backs a boycott of U.S. World Cup matches over Trump administration policies.
  • Joins others questioning the event’s location and urging fans not to attend.

  "Blatter joined a call ... saying fans should stay away from World Cup games in the US."
  – Giles Snyder (04:26)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Minnesota’s Complaint:
  "Thousands of federal agents have acted so aggressively that it's infringed on the state's sovereign right to ensure public safety."
  – Jennifer Ludden (00:33)

• Governor On Utility Troubles:
  "It's somewhat like whack a molecule every time one of the utility companies ... gets a large group back online. We have another tree fall ... another power outage."
  – Gov. Tate Reeves (02:04)

• Energy Spike Description:
  "Henry Hub, the benchmark price for natural gas, was at less than $3 ... a week ago. Today, it's well over $6."
  – Camila Dominoski (02:39)

Important Timestamps

• 00:15: News begins – Minnesota immigration enforcement shakeup
• 00:33: State’s legal challenge to federal immigration “surge”
• 01:17: President Trump and Governor Walz’s conciliatory call
• 01:41: Winter storm updates and fatality count
• 02:04: Mississippi governor on power restoration challenges
• 02:39: Surging natural gas prices explained
• 03:12: Trump’s new tariffs on South Korea
• 03:45: Mass shooting after soccer match in Mexico
• 04:26: Sepp Blatter supports U.S. World Cup boycott

This episode of NPR News Now covers a fast-moving snapshot of significant domestic and international developments, blending swift reporting with urgent issues affecting millions, from politics and public safety to dramatic weather events and global sports controversies.