NPR News Now: 01-27-2026 4PM EST – Episode Summary

Episode Overview

This five-minute episode delivers a concise update on major national news stories, covering political developments, legal actions against social media companies, severe winter weather impacts, and public health efforts regarding school water safety. The episode maintains a straightforward and informative tone, highlighting breaking news and key quotes from political leaders and reporters.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minnesota Governor's Meeting with Border Czar (00:14–01:11)

• Governor Tim Walz Meets Tom Homan:
  Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz confirmed holding an in-person meeting with President Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, at the state Capitol.
• Context:
  The meeting follows President Trump’s decision to remove Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino from the state.
• Main Focus:
  • Walz called for impartial investigations into the recent fatal shootings of Alex Preddy and Renee Macklin Goode by federal agents in Minneapolis.
  • He also requested a "swift and significant reduction" in the number of federal forces in Minnesota.
• Outcome:
  Both sides agreed to maintain ongoing dialogue to work toward shared goals.

Quote:

“Walz reiterated his call for impartial investigations into the fatal shootings... He also asked for a swift and significant reduction in the number of federal forces.”
— Clay Masters (00:33)

2. President Trump on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (01:11–01:36)

• Noem Under Pressure:
  Amid calls to fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after two U.S. citizens were killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, President Trump voiced strong support.
• Trump’s Stance:
  Trump defended Noem, stating she was doing "a very good job" and asserted that the border had never been more secure.

Quote:

“I think she's doing a very good job. ... The border is totally secure. You forget we had a border... where millions of people were coming through. Now we have a border where no one is coming through.”
— President Trump (01:21)

• Upcoming Rally and Messaging:
  Trump spoke to reporters before leaving for a rally in Iowa, indicating an effort to refocus his messaging on the economy rather than just immigration.
• Continued Immigration Tensions:
  Reports of another recent Border Patrol-involved shooting in Arizona were noted.

3. Social Media Lawsuits over Harm to Children (02:13–02:48)

• TikTok Lawsuit Settlement:
  TikTok agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging its app is harmful to children’s mental health. The settlement terms remain confidential.
• Broader Legal Context:
  • Similar lawsuits are being faced by Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Google’s YouTube, and Snapchat.
  • Jury trial against Meta and YouTube began in Los Angeles.
  • More than 1,000 parties—including individuals, school districts, and attorneys general—are involved in lawsuits against social media companies.

Quote:

“The case is among a wave of lawsuits accusing social media companies of deliberately hooking kids on their apps, leading to mental health problems.”
— Shannon Bond (02:13)

4. Widespread Winter Storms and Power Outages (02:48–03:55)

• Severe Weather Update:
  Another winter storm hit the U.S., following recent snow, ice, and record lows extending from the South to the Northeast.
• Electricity Outages:
  • At the time, over 480,000 people in the South were without power.
  • In Nashville, a major outage affected about 300,000 homes at its peak; as of reporting, 135,000 remained without electricity.
• Continuing Challenges:
  Restored power is being repeatedly lost as trees fall on lines due to ongoing ice.

Quote:

“There are people who have gotten their power restored and then just lost it again because a different tree fell on a different power line. But as of right now, there are still 135,000 people without power.”
— Catherine Sweeney (03:28)

5. EPA Grants for School Lead Water Testing (03:55–04:47)

• Federal Funding:
  The EPA has provided about $200 million to states for public schools to test water fountains and faucets for lead.
• Challenges:
  • Uptake has been uneven, with some schools hesitant due to potential remediation costs and negative publicity.
  • North Carolina stands out, having nearly universal participation due to a state law requiring testing.

Quote:

“In many states, uptake has been uneven as school officials worry about the cost of fixing what they might find and the possibility of negative attention. North Carolina stands out, though. Almost all public schools and child care centers have done the testing.”
— Molly Samuel (04:12)

6. Market Update (Dow Jones) (04:47)

• Stock Market:
  The Dow closed down by more than 400 points.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump:

  “The border is totally secure... Now we have a border where no one is coming through.” (01:26)

• Catherine Sweeney on Power Outages:

  “But as of right now, there are still 135,000 people without power.” (03:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minnesota, Governor & Border Czar Meeting: 00:14–01:11
• Trump on Kristi Noem & Border Security: 01:11–01:36
• Legal Update: Social Media & Children: 02:13–02:48
• Winter Storms & Nashville Power Outages: 02:48–03:55
• EPA Funds Lead Testing in Schools: 03:55–04:47
• Market Close Update: 04:47

This summary provides comprehensive coverage of this NPR News Now episode's essential stories, direct quotes, and context to keep you informed even without listening.