NPR News Now: 01-27-2026 5PM EST

Date: January 27, 2026
Host: Ryland Barton (with reporting by Jimena Bustillo, Steve Kastenbaum, Scott Horsley, and Rebecca Hersher)
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers timely coverage of major U.S. news stories from politics and immigration to weather and the environment, as well as notable developments in arts, business, and wildlife. Key discussions include the implications of a recent deadly shooting by federal agents, the impact of severe winter weather in New York City, changes in U.S. population growth, significant corporate decisions by UPS, the U.S. exit from the Paris Climate Agreement, and an unusual mountain lion sighting in San Francisco.

News Highlights and Key Points

1. Federal Shooting and Body Camera Policies in Minnesota

[00:16–01:19]

• Incident: DHS will review body camera footage after Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Preddy in Minneapolis—the second such fatal incident in Minnesota recently.
• Body Camera Policy:
  • No Federal Mandate: "There is no law mandating the use of body cameras by federal immigration agents. Any such mandate would need to come from Congress." (Jimena Bustillo, [00:36])
  • Funding Tied Up: A House bill would provide $20M for body cameras at DHS, but does not require their use; the broader funding is stalled in the Senate.
• Investigations: Led by Homeland Security Investigations (ICE division), supported by the FBI, with CBP conducting an internal review.

2. Deadly Cold Snap and Homelessness in New York City

[01:19–02:06]

• Winter Storm Aftermath: NYC has cleared nearly a foot of snow, but extreme cold continues.
• Impact:
  • At least 10 deaths reported on city streets over recent days due to the severe conditions. (Steve Kastenbaum, [01:29])
• City Response:
  • "We are conducting round the clock checks and have loosened traditional shelter intake procedures to accommodate as many New Yorkers as possible." (Mirza Ran Mamdani, [01:38])
  • Increased outreach and subway train checks to assist the homeless.
  • "We are sending out requests to send staff out every few hours to canvass nearby blocks and engage anyone who needs assistance." (Mirza Ran Mamdani, [01:50])
• Context: Coldest weather in NYC in eight years.

3. Population Growth Slowdown Driven by Drop in Immigration

[02:06–02:53]

• Census Data:
  • U.S. population grew by 1.8 million in the year ending last June—half the previous year’s rate.
  • Caused by a "historic drop in net migration as fewer people enter the country through legal channels and others are forcibly removed." (Scott Horsley, [02:15])
  • Further decreases predicted if current trends continue.
• Natural Increase: Births outnumbered deaths by just half a million—less than half the pre-pandemic rate.

4. UPS Cuts and Fleet Overhaul

[02:53–03:44]

• Job Cuts: UPS to cut up to 30,000 jobs, citing reduced shipments for Amazon.
• Fleet Changes:
  • Retiring all McDonnell Douglas MD11 cargo planes after a deadly crash in Louisville.
  • Will replace with 18 new Boeing 767s over 15 months.

5. Philip Glass Cancels Kennedy Center Symphony Premiere

[03:44]

• Reason for Cancellation:
  • "Glass says the Kennedy Center's current values conflict with the symphony's message."
  • Several artists have also withdrawn after President Trump increased his influence over the center and had his name added to the building.

6. U.S. Leaves Paris Climate Agreement—Again

[03:44–04:24]

• Official Withdrawal:
  • U.S. has formally left the Paris Climate Agreement for a second time.
  • "More than 200 countries signed onto the deal, which requires each country to explore ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions..." (Rebecca Hersher, [03:44])
• Background:
  • President Trump announced the exit on his first day in office last year.
  • Previous withdrawal during Trump’s first term; rejoined under President Biden; now out again.
  • Noted: "Global temperatures continue to rise. The past 11 years have been the 11 warmest ever recorded." (Rebecca Hersher, [04:16])

7. Mountain Lion Spotted in San Francisco

[04:24–04:55]

• Incident:
  • Young mountain lion located near Lafayette Park, Pacific Heights.
  • Wildlife officials are working to capture it safely.
  • Public advice: Back away if seen; such sightings are rare but not unprecedented.

8. Financial Markets Update

[04:55]

• S&P 500 rose 0.4% to a new all-time high, "though more stocks fell within the index than rose."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "[There is] no law mandating the use of body cameras by federal immigration agents. Any such mandate would need to come from Congress."
  – Jimena Bustillo ([00:36])

• "We are conducting round the clock checks and have loosened traditional shelter intake procedures to accommodate as many New Yorkers as possible."
  – Mirza Ran Mamdani ([01:38])

• "The U.S. population grew by 1.8 million people during the 12 months ending last June. That's about half the growth rate of the previous year."
  – Scott Horsley ([02:15])

• "Glass says the Kennedy Center's current values conflict with the symphony's message."
  – Ryland Barton ([03:44])

• "Global temperatures continue to rise. The past 11 years have been the 11 warmest ever recorded."
  – Rebecca Hersher ([04:16])

Timestamps for Principal Segments

• Federal shooting and body cam policy: [00:16–01:19]
• NYC cold snap and homelessness: [01:19–02:06]
• Population and immigration: [02:06–02:53]
• UPS cuts, plane retirements: [02:53–03:44]
• Philip Glass/Kennedy Center: [03:44]
• U.S. leaves Paris Agreement: [03:44–04:24]
• Mountain lion in San Francisco: [04:24–04:55]
• Markets: [04:55]

Summary

This edition of NPR News Now offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the day's top stories, highlighting policy debates (body cameras, climate), social issues (homelessness in harsh weather), significant business developments (UPS layoffs), changes in the arts world, and environmental news. With direct quotes and essential context, it serves as a valuable briefing on current U.S. affairs.