NPR News Now: January 27, 2026, 5AM EST

Host: Dave Mattingly
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers concise, up-to-the-minute updates on the top stories unfolding in the United States and around the world. Highlights include developing tensions after a fatal shooting by immigration officers in Minnesota, the aftermath of a major winter storm impacting several Southern states, a high-profile federal court case, the fiery crash of a private jet in Maine, criminal charges against a former Olympic athlete, and a preview of the U.S. Olympic team heading to Milan.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. Minnesota Shooting Sparks Federal Scrutiny and Response

Reported by: Dave Mattingly, Martin Costi

• [00:15–01:21]

  • Governor Tim Walz described a "productive" phone call with President Trump regarding efforts to de-escalate tensions stemming from the fatal shooting of a man in Minneapolis by federal immigration officers.
  • President Trump agreed to review and potentially scale back the number of federal agents deployed in Minnesota.
  • Customs and Border Protection commander Greg Bovino—previously the figurehead for immigration enforcement surges in major U.S. cities—will leave Minnesota.
  • Bovino had controversially claimed, without presenting evidence, that the victim, Alex Preddy, had planned to "massacre law enforcement agents" and referred to immigration officers as "the victims" in the altercation, fueling local outrage.
  • ICE veteran and “border czar” Tom Homan is designated to take over Minnesota operations.

  "Trump agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota."
  –Martin Costi, [00:34]

2. ICE Noncompliance and Court Orders

Reported by: Dave Mattingly

• [01:21–02:20]
  • A Minnesota federal judge has ordered ICE’s acting director, Todd Lyons, to personally appear in court after repeated failures to comply with court-ordered releases, including neglecting to provide a bond hearing for a detained individual.
  • The judge’s order comes amid “dozens” of similar noncompliance incidents by ICE in recent weeks.

3. Southeastern US Grapples with Major Power Outages

Reported by: Dave Mattingly, Curtis Tate

• [01:40–03:01]

  • Over 530,000 homes and businesses are still without power; states most heavily affected include Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana due to a powerful winter storm.
  • Kentucky's southern border endured significant ice damage, at one point knocking out electricity to more than 60,000 customers.
  • Utility crews are working 16-hour shifts; restoration could take through the week, particularly in rural and remote areas.
  • Governor Andy Beshear reported the death of a 72-year-old woman from hypothermia amid frigid temperatures.
  • Regional grid operator predicts ongoing high power demand.

  “Utility repair crews are working 16 hour shifts to replace broken poles and downed lines. The effort may take them the rest of the week…”
  –Curtis Tate, [02:20]

4. Deadly Private Jet Crash in Maine

Reported by: Dave Mattingly

• [03:01–03:18]
  • Six people died in a fiery private jet crash during takeoff at Bangor International Airport Sunday night.
  • Officials continue to investigate the cause.

5. Former Olympian Faces Major Criminal Charges

Reported by: Dave Mattingly

• [03:18–04:06]
  • Ryan Wedding, Canadian Olympic snowboarder (Salt Lake City 2002), pleaded not guilty in U.S. federal court to charges involving multiple contract killings and leadership of a billion-dollar drug trafficking ring.
  • He was captured in Mexico after more than a decade in hiding and was added to the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list less than a year ago.
  • Prosecutors allege Wedding trafficked up to 60 tons of cocaine across four countries under the protection of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel.

6. U.S. Olympic Team Heads to Milan

Reported by: Ping Wong, Dave Mattingly

• [04:06–04:50]

  • The U.S. sends over 230 athletes to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (February 6–22), ranging from 15-year-old freestyle skier Abby Winterberger to 54-year-old curler Rich Rouenen.

  • Star alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin makes her fourth Olympic appearance.

    “Generally, it’s just a really cool time for alpine ski racing and our team is bringing big energy into Milan Cortina.”
    –Mikaela Shiffrin, [04:26]

  • New sports debut, including ski mountaineering, amid a full slate in snowboarding, bobsled, hockey, and figure skating.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Governance & Law Enforcement:

  “Customs and Border Protection commander at large Greg Bovino would leave the state.”
  –Martin Costi, [00:34]

• Winter Storm Impact:

  “The effort may take them the rest of the week, especially in the region's remote rural areas. And as temperatures were set to fall into the single digits and below 0…”
  –Curtis Tate, [02:20]

• Olympic Optimism:

  “Our team is bringing big energy into Milan Cortina.”
  –Mikaela Shiffrin, [04:26]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Federal response to Minnesota shooting: [00:15–01:21]
• ICE court compliance issues: [01:21–02:20]
• Winter storm power outages: [02:20–03:01]
• Maine plane crash: [03:01–03:18]
• Criminal charges against Olympian: [03:18–04:06]
• U.S. Winter Olympics team preview: [04:06–04:50]

This episode provides fast-paced, matter-of-fact updates on ongoing breaking news, regional developments, and features one of the first public statements from Mikaela Shiffrin ahead of the Milan Winter Olympics.