NPR News Now – Summary

Episode: NPR News: 01-30-2026 11PM EST
Date: January 31, 2026
Host: Dale Willman

Episode Overview

This five-minute newscast provides concise updates on the day's major national and global news stories, including protests against federal immigration actions in Minneapolis, the release of redacted Jeffrey Epstein files, a significant measles outbreak in South Carolina, the passing of comedy legend Catherine O’Hara, and a major crash involving skier Lindsey Vonn.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Immigration Protests in Minneapolis

• Thousands Protest Federal Immigration Surge

  • For the second consecutive Friday, large crowds marched against increased federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, as part of a nationwide protest day.
  • Chants included “Minnesota, make it clear, immigrants are welcome here.” (00:37)
  • The demonstration echoed events from the previous week, which culminated in a fatal police shooting of Alex Preddy, sparking a civil rights investigation.

• Notable Moment: Bruce Springsteen Appearance

  • Musician Bruce Springsteen performed at a benefit concert nearby, debuting his new song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” inspired by the recent unrest.
  • Quote (Chant):

    “Minnesota, make it clear, immigrants are welcome here.”
    — Protest crowd (00:37)

2. Release of Epstein Files by DOJ

• Millions of Pages Made Public
  • The U.S. Department of Justice released a large cache of Jeffrey Epstein files, which NPR is reviewing.
  • The documents, though heavily redacted, include victim names and photos, drawing some privacy concerns.
  • High-profile mentions in the files include Elon Musk, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and former President Trump (whose face was redacted in at least one instance).
  • Presence in these documents is “not a sign of wrongdoing or association with Epstein’s crimes.” (01:51)
  • Reporter’s Note:

    “NPR has found examples of Epstein victims names and photos that were not redacted, while in at least one case, President Trump's face was blocked out.”
    — Stephen Fowler (01:37)

3. South Carolina Measles Outbreak

• Case Count Surpasses Last Year’s West Texas Outbreak
  • South Carolina reports 847 measles cases, rising by 58 since Tuesday, with the outbreak exceeding the previous major Texas outbreak.
  • State officials surprised by “the speed at which the outbreak was spreading.”
  • Most cases centered in Spartanburg County; 440+ individuals are quarantined.
  • Strong public calls for vaccination.
  • Official Statement:

    “We did not anticipate that South Carolina case counts in a matter of only 16 weeks would surpass the total number of cases reached in Texas over the course of seven months, so this is a milestone that we have reached in a relatively short period of time.”
    — Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist (02:28)

4. Markets Recap

• Wall Street Down for the Day
  • Dow Jones closed down 179 points (0.36%).
  • Nasdaq fell by 0.94% (03:00).

5. Remembering Catherine O’Hara

• Beloved Comedic Actress Passes at Age 71
  • O’Hara known for roles such as the frantic mom in “Home Alone” and Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek.”
  • Career highlights:
    • SCTV collaborator with Eugene Levy
    • Films: Best In Show, A Mighty Wind, Beetlejuice
  • Notable Quotes:

    “Taking your picture with a motley crew of pale, dewy faced salamander people. I haven't hit rock bottom quite yet.”
    — Catherine O’Hara (as Moira Rose) (03:41) “There's a Kiss at the End of the Rainbow.”
    — "A Mighty Wind" (04:09)

  • O’Hara was celebrated for her absurdist comedy and long-lasting collaborations.

6. Lindsey Vonn Injury at Ski Event

• Olympic Hopeful Suffers Crash in Switzerland
  • Vonn injured her left knee after getting tangled in safety nets during a downhill ski race; was able to walk away after receiving medical treatment.
  • The race was canceled after three of six racers crashed.
  • Vonn stated her “Olympic dream is not over,” keeping hopes for the 2026 Winter Olympics alive.
  • Host Statement:

    “It’s not known if the injury will prevent her from racing in the Winter Olympics in Italy, which will get underway next week. Vonn...said after the crash that her Olympic dream is not over.”
    — Dale Willman (04:40)

Memorable Moments & Quotes by Timestamp

• [00:37] Protest Chant:
  “Minnesota, make it clear, immigrants are welcome here.”
• [01:37] NPR Report:
  “NPR has found examples of Epstein victims names and photos that were not redacted, while in at least one case, President Trump's face was blocked out.” – Stephen Fowler
• [02:28] Public Health Statement:
  “We did not anticipate that South Carolina case counts in a matter of only 16 weeks would surpass the total number of cases reached in Texas over the course of seven months...” – Dr. Linda Bell
• [03:41] Comedy Line from O’Hara’s Moira Rose:
  “Taking your picture with a motley crew of pale, dewy faced salamander people. I haven't hit rock bottom quite yet.” – Catherine O’Hara as Moira Rose
• [04:09] Song Lyric:
  “There's a Kiss at the End of the Rainbow.” – A Mighty Wind
• [04:40] Vonn’s Determination:
  “Vonn...said after the crash that her Olympic dream is not over.” – Dale Willman

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Protests & Immigration: 00:15–01:18
• Epstein Files Update: 01:18–02:02
• Measles Outbreak in SC: 02:02–03:00
• Stock Market Brief: 03:00–03:28
• Catherine O’Hara Tribute: 03:28–04:22
• Lindsey Vonn Crash: 04:22–04:55

This brisk episode delivers key headlines and emotional moments, ranging from national debates on immigration to the legacy of a comedy icon and hopes on the Olympic stage, all in a succinct NPR format.