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The Short List

Tue Jan 27 2026

Phaedra Trethan | National Correspondent

@wordsbyphaedra

👋🏼 Hi there! I'm Phaedra Trethan , and I always thought Opus from "Bloom County" was the only penguin I could identify with, but here's another one. 🐧

In Tuesday's news:

•	Is humanity on borrowed time? The Doomsday Clock is ticking faster than ever. ⏰
•	President Donald Trump called for "a very honorable and honest investigation" into the fatal shooting of a Minnesota ICU nurse as federal agents' tactics in Minnesota continue to draw protest and scrutiny.
•	It's the end of an era for a popular airline. How is Southwest adjusting to assigned seating? ✈️

But first: Please, Mother Nature: Snow más. ❄️ 🙅🏻‍♀️

⏰ 🌎 ⏰ Tick, tick, tick...

Well, humanity, I guess we had a good run. 🤷🏻‍♀️

The Doomsday Clock, a symbolic measure of the human race's mortality set by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Science and Security Board, was the closest it's ever been to midnight — just 85 seconds until... well, let's not think too deeply about that.

The group says we (the global we) are so close to oblivion due to a worldwide "failure of leadership," with existential threats like climate change, artificial intelligence and conflicts on the rise.

So, we know what's moving the clock forward. How do we turn it back?

•	Watch: The Doomsday Clock announcement

It is 85 seconds to midnight, according to the Doomsday Clock reset of Jan. 27, 2026.

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Trump tries to distance himself from Minnesota shootings

Promising a "big investigation" into the weekend killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, President Trump tried to put some space between himself and the rhetoric coming from top members of his administration.

The fallout continues from the aggressive tactics of federal agents in Minnesota, with bipartisan calls for accountability after the state was rocked by two fatal shootings this month. Meanwhile, a federal judge called on the acting head of ICE to appear in court and threatened to hold him in contempt, saying the administration has failed to comply with court orders, including those directing authorities to hold hearings for detained immigrants.

•	Calls to impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem are growing.
•	A person was critically injured in a shooting involving a Border Patrol agent in Arizona.
•	Another prominent Republican has joined a growing chorus of GOP voices calling for the feds to "recalibrate" on immigration operations.
•	Trump is trying to change the narrative in Minnesota. What's changed?

A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest outside the hotel where Greg Bovino, who has been removed from his role as the "commander at large" for the U.S. Border Patrol, is reportedly staying, in Maple Grove, Minnesota, U.S., Jan. 26, 2026.

Seth Herald, REUTERS

Real quick

•	Millions remain without power and at least 34 people have died from the extreme weather that's enveloped more than half of the U.S.
•	Meetings are the bane of every cubicle dweller's existence. President Trump evidently isn't a fan, either. 💤
•	Trump is traveling to Iowa to talk affordability and agriculture.
•	The Trump administration is seeking to fast-track rebuilding efforts in Southern California.

✈️ Is this seat taken? Yes, it is.

Southwest, the airline once known for its quirks — including open, first-come, first-served seating — just got a little less quirky. Starting Tuesday, Southwest now has (gasp!) assigned seats. How are travelers reacting?

•	Photos: Southwest Airlines through the years.
•	Travel troubles continue after a massive storm wreaked havoc across the U.S. When will things get back to normal?

Michael J. Fox on 'Shrinking'

Series creator Bill Lawrence called Michael J. Fox one of his first mentors, but when the actor admitted his Parkinson's disease made it hard to remember lines, he worried Fox might not agree to appear on Lawrence's Apple TV show, "Shrinking."

The show, starring Jason Segel, Jessica Williams and Harrison Ford, focuses on a therapy practice. Fox guest stars in three episodes and his character has Parkinson's. Why it was important to Lawrence to portray the neurodegenerative disease fairly, accurately and empathetically.

Michael J. Fox guest stars on Season 3 of "Shrinking," premiering Jan. 28.

Robert Voets, Apple TV

A break from the news

•	When do pitchers and catchers report, asked the reporter whose neighborhood is encased in snow and ice? ⚾️ 🥶 🌴
•	Buddhist monks are walking. And walking. And walking some more. Why they're on the move. 🕊️
•	Is "Wonder Man" too weird for Marvel? Read our review. 📺

Phaedra Trethan is a national correspondent at USA TODAY. She'd love to hear from readers about The Short List, story ideas from across the nation and whether you're as ready for spring as she is. Email her at ptrethan@usatoday.com.