NPR News Now – January 27, 2026, 3PM EST

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This episode delivers concise updates on significant national and international news stories from politics and law enforcement to global affairs and climate. The top stories include heightened scrutiny over border patrol conduct, Mexico’s evolving oil policy toward Cuba, ongoing humanitarian fallout from the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, dangerous weather across the eastern U.S., recovery efforts in North Carolina, and an update on the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists’ Doomsday Clock.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Department of Homeland Security Reviews Border Patrol Shooting (00:14–01:22)

• Overview: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will review bodycam footage after Border Patrol fatally shot Alex Preddy, a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis.

• Significance: This is the second incident this month involving a federal agent shooting a U.S. citizen in Minnesota, intensifying calls for body camera mandates and officer accountability.

• Legislative Status:

  • No federal law currently mandates body cam use for immigration agents; such a rule would require Congressional action.
  • The House passed a bill allocating $20 million for cameras but without enforcement language on their use. The broader government funding package, which includes this measure, faces resistance in the Senate and is on hold.

• Ongoing Investigations: Multiple agencies—Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Customs and Border Protection—are involved in the case review.

  Notable Quote:
  “There is no law mandating the use of body cameras by federal immigration agents. Any such mandate would need to come from Congress.”
  —Ximena Bustillo, NPR News [00:39]

2. Another Border Patrol Shooting in Arizona (01:22–01:28)

• Border Patrol critically injured a person in Pivot County, Arizona. Local sheriff’s office, the FBI, and Customs and Border Protection are jointly investigating.

3. Mexico’s Continued Support for Cuba Amid Oil Shipment Reports (01:29–02:28)

• Context: The U.S. blocked Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba, making Mexico the primary supplier.

• Current Issue: Reports arise that Mexico’s oil agency may have halted shipments under U.S. pressure, though Mexico's president asserts ongoing support for Cuba and opposition to the U.S. embargo.

• Economic Impact: Even a brief halt could worsen Cuba’s existing economic crisis.

• Cuban Government’s Stance: Blames the U.S. for trying to provoke unrest via resource starvation.

  Notable Quote:
  “Mexico has always supported Cuba, she said, and it will keep doing so. But even a short pause in shipments will have repercussions in Cuba because it's already facing an economic crisis.”
  —Ada Peralta, NPR News [01:44]

4. Israeli Hostage Update and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza (02:28–03:12)

• Hostage Return: The last Israeli hostage's body was recovered in Gaza, setting the stage for the next phase in the U.S.-backed ceasefire.

• Gaza Residents’ Demands: As part of the ceasefire, people displaced in eastern Gaza rallied for a full Israeli withdrawal and an immediate end to destruction.

• On the Ground: Many have been forcibly displaced and demand adherence to the ceasefire terms, including cessation of bombardments and demolition.

  Notable Quote:
  “Most of the Gazans here...were being totally kicked out of their houses and forcibly displaced...Demonstrators here are demanding a full withdrawal...and an immediate halt of all of the bombardments and demolition operations.”
  —Zanisbaba, NPR [02:48]

5. Severe Cold Weather Sweeps Eastern U.S.; Relief Efforts in North Carolina (03:12–04:34)

• Weather Update: Eastern U.S. faces persistent and extreme cold, with life-threatening temperatures in the Ohio Valley (wind chills to -20ºF).

• Relief Actions: In North Carolina, state grants aid nonprofits helping residents—especially those in RVs and campers—repair and insulate their homes against cold, with many still recovering from Hurricane Helene.

  Notable Quotes:
  “One of the biggest challenges that you face when you're trying to live in an RV is the movement of air underneath just strips heat.”
  —Jordan Durham, United Methodist Disaster Relief [03:53]

  “It helps so much because we didn't feel the draft coming through every other time.”
  —Emily Sluder, North Carolina resident [04:17]

6. Doomsday Clock Moves Closer to Midnight (04:34–04:53)

• Current Setting: The Doomsday Clock is now at 85 seconds to midnight, 4 seconds closer than last year.

• Reasons: Increasing threats from nuclear war, biotechnology misuse, and unchecked climate change all contributed to the adjustment.

  Notable Summary:
  “The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists...said [the Doomsday Clock] four seconds closer than last year, saying driving factors include the threat of nuclear war, misuse of biotechnology and climate change.”
  —NPR News [04:34]

Timestamps for Critical Segments

• DHS Reviews Border Patrol Shooting & Body Cam Policy: 00:14–01:22
• Arizona Border Patrol Shooting: 01:22–01:28
• Mexico’s Oil Policy Toward Cuba: 01:29–02:28
• Gaza Ceasefire & Civilian Displacement: 02:28–03:12
• Extreme Cold Weather & North Carolina Recovery: 03:12–04:34
• Doomsday Clock Update: 04:34–04:53

Memorable Moments

• Debate on mandatory body cameras for federal agents underscores the complexity of enforcement and the gaps between funding and operational requirements.
• Mexico’s nuanced diplomatic position on Cuba reflects ongoing tensions between regional alliances and U.S. foreign policy.
• Emotional testimony from Gaza humanizes the continued civilian toll even during ceasefire negotiations.
• Personal stories of disaster recovery in North Carolina highlight gaps in infrastructure and the impact of state-funded relief.
• The moving of the Doomsday Clock powerfully symbolizes the compounding existential risks facing humanity.

This summary encapsulates all main updates, capturing the pace, gravity, and global perspective of NPR's news format.