The Headlines — January 27, 2026

Podcast: The Headlines
Host: Will Jarvis, The New York Times
Episode: Trump Changes Course in Minneapolis, and Social Media Giants Face Big Tobacco-Style Lawsuits
Date: January 27, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Will Jarvis (sitting in for Tracy Mumford) delivers the day’s most significant stories, focusing on President Trump’s shifting approach to the recent federal shooting in Minneapolis, a pivotal court case against major social media platforms, news from the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, and a surprising romance novel recommended during a New York City snowstorm.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump Administration Shifts Strategy in Minneapolis

• Initial Response & Public Outrage:

  • The shooting of Alex Preddy by federal agents in Minneapolis sparked outrage when video evidence contradicted official accounts.
  • Originally, administration officials framed Preddy as a significant threat, but public and media scrutiny forced a change in approach.

• Press Secretary Comments:

  • Caroline Levitt, speaking for President Trump, repeatedly emphasized the need for the investigation to “lead itself” and refrained from labeling Preddy as a “domestic terrorist” ([00:29]–[01:14]).
    • Notable Quote:
      “He wants to let the investigation continue and let the facts lead.”
      — Caroline Levitt ([00:29])

• Leadership Changes & De-escalation:

  • Border czar Tom Homan was dispatched to take control of Minnesota operations, while Gregory Bevino, known for aggressive tactics, was withdrawn ([01:14]–[01:36]).
  • President Trump softened his stance toward Minnesota Governor Tim Walz after a phone call, shifting from blaming Walz for violence to noting they "seem to be on the same wavelength" ([01:36]–[02:01]).
    • Notable Quote:
      “They seem to be on the same wavelength.”
      — Will Jarvis, paraphrasing Trump ([02:01])

• Community Impact & Refugee Detentions:

  • Increased ICE presence has caused fear among local residents; MPR correspondent relayed the governor’s plea for an independent investigation ([02:01]–[02:19]).

    • Notable Quote:
      “No one wants this. And I, I hope that's true. No one wants this.”
      — MPR Correspondent ([02:19])

  • Over 100 refugees without criminal records were detained, flown to Texas, and released without IDs, leaving families to fund their return ([02:26]–[03:57]).

    • The administration cites “verifying the merits” of refugee applications but offers no rationale for relocating detainees to Texas for interviews.

2. Hostage Crisis and Ceasefire Progress in Israel-Gaza

• Recovery of Last Hostage Remains:

  • Israel announced the recovery of Sergeant Ron Gavili's body—the last hostage from October 7, 2023—viewed as a watershed for national morale ([04:22]–[05:08]).
    • Notable Quote:
      “I don't think you can really overstate how important it was to ordinary Israelis ... to reach this point.”
      — David Hobfinger, Times Jerusalem Bureau Chief ([04:22])

• Impacts on Ceasefire and Political Scene:

  • The return of the last captive is seen as a crucial step for Netanyahu and a prerequisite for further ceasefire negotiations and possible political transition in Gaza ([05:08]–[05:57]).
    • The plan hinges on Hamas disarmament, international intervention, and forming a new Palestinian government.
    • Notable Quote:
      "Getting all the Israeli captives back was perhaps the most important precondition to allowing Israel and Gaza to move into ... phase two of the Trump peace plan."
      — David Hobfinger ([05:17])

• Border Reopening and Humanitarian Relief:

  • Israel intends to reopen a vital border crossing with Egypt, allowing medical evacuations and potential returns for displaced Gazans amid widespread devastation ([05:57]–[06:38]).

3. Landmark Social Media Lawsuit in California

• Trial Highlights:

  • Meta, TikTok, and YouTube face a landmark trial alleging their platforms are engineered to be addictive and harmful to children, echoing past legal strategies against Big Tobacco ([06:38]–[08:16]).

    • Notable Quote:
      "This is the first time that they'll really have to defend themselves in court about the products themselves and how they're engineering the products in a way that's potentially harmful."
      — Interviewer/Reporter ([06:54])

  • Internal documents and emails will be key evidence, including references to “making apps more addictive” and internal warnings about mental health risks from features like beauty filters and algorithm-driven feeds.

    • Example:
      Slide decks from YouTube explicitly used “addictive” language ([07:12]).

  • Meta is expected to claim the plaintiffs are cherry-picking evidence; YouTube points to improved safeguards for youth ([08:16]).

4. New York’s Blizzard, Public Libraries, and a Hockey Romance

• Mayor’s Advice for Snow Day:

  • New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani encourages residents to embrace the snowstorm as a chance to stay in, rest, or read, specifically plugging free library access to the steamy bestseller, Heated Rivalry ([08:39]–[08:55]).

    • Notable Quote:
      “Advantage of our public library's offer of free access to Heated Rivalry on ebook or audiobook for anyone with a library card.”
      — Mayor Zoran Mamdani ([08:48])

  • The book’s popularity has surged, prompting discussion within the NHL about LGBTQ representation—the league has never had openly gay players, though the commissioner has publicly praised the novel ([08:55]–[10:04]).

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “He wants to let the investigation continue and let the facts lead.” — Caroline Levitt ([00:29])
• “They seem to be on the same wavelength.” — Will Jarvis (paraphrasing Trump) ([02:01])
• “No one wants this. And I, I hope that's true. No one wants this.” — MPR Correspondent ([02:19])
• "I don't think you can really overstate how important it was to ordinary Israelis ... to reach this point." — David Hobfinger ([04:22])
• "Getting all the Israeli captives back was perhaps the most important precondition..." — David Hobfinger ([05:17])
• "This is the first time that they'll really have to defend themselves in court about the products themselves and how they're engineering the products in a way that's potentially harmful." — Interviewer ([06:54])
• “Advantage of our public library's offer of free access to Heated Rivalry on ebook or audiobook...” — Mayor Zoran Mamdani ([08:48])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:29]–[03:57]: Trump Administration response to Minneapolis shooting, refugee detentions, local impacts
• [04:22]–[06:38]: Israeli hostage recovery, Gaza ceasefire implications, humanitarian aid updates
• [06:38]–[08:16]: Landmark social media lawsuit, Big Tobacco legal parallels, company defenses
• [08:39]–[10:04]: NYC snowstorm, public library, Heated Rivalry and LGBTQ sports discussion

Tone and Language

The episode is brisk, journalistic, and factual, with occasional moments of sober reflection (notably from David Hobfinger on Israeli sentiment) and lighter touches (as in Mayor Mamdani’s romance novel recommendation). Attribution is clear throughout, and analysis is grounded in investigative reporting and sourced commentary.

Summary

This episode captures pivotal shifts in U.S. federal and state relations in the wake of a controversial federal killing, explores the social and diplomatic fallout of the last Israeli hostage’s return, delves into a high-stakes legal battle that could reshape social media regulation, and closes with a warming nod to queer romance during a citywide snow day. Essential listening for anyone tracking American politics, technology, global affairs, or the cultural zeitgeist.