NPR News Now - 8 PM EST, January 31, 2026
Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: NPR News Anchor (Douh Elisa Kowtel / Dwahali Saikao Tow)
Episode: NPR News: 01-30-2026 8PM EST
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Overview
This concise, five-minute NPR News Now update provides listeners with the latest headlines from across the U.S. and around the world as of 8 PM, January 31, 2026. The news covers nationwide immigration protests, developments in the Epstein files, the transformation of the job market by AI, the passing of a comedic legend, and a new breakthrough on mapping dark matter.
Key News Segments & Discussion Points
1. Protests in Minneapolis Against Federal Immigration Actions
Timestamps: 00:16–01:22
- Thousands of protesters filled downtown Minneapolis, braving single-digit, subzero temperatures for the second consecutive Friday.
- Rally coincides with a nationwide protest day, driven by local anger over an ongoing federal immigration surge.
- Chant heard among crowds: “Minnesota, make it clear immigrants are welcome here.” (00:47, Kat Lansdorf, reporting from the field)
- The event echoed last week’s protest, which preceded the death of Alex Preddy—shot by border patrol agents as he resisted arrest after filming a deportation.
- The DOJ has announced a civil rights investigation into Preddy’s death.
- Notable moment: Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at a benefit concert nearby, debuting his new song “Streets of Minneapolis,” inspired by recent events (01:13, Kat Lansdorf).
2. Release and Review of Epstein Files
Timestamps: 01:22–02:07
- Department of Justice released millions of pages of Jeffrey Epstein files—now under NPR review.
- Files remain heavily redacted, with some victims’ names and photos still visible. In contrast, President Trump’s face was redacted in at least one case.
- Contents include: court records, unvetted FBI tips, and Epstein’s private correspondence (e.g., messages with Elon Musk, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick).
- Clarification: Merely appearing in the files doesn’t imply wrongdoing (“Being mentioned in the files is not a sign of wrongdoing or association with Epstein’s crimes.” — Stephen Fowler, 02:00).
3. The AI Arms Race in the Job Market
Timestamps: 02:07–03:07
- AI now dominates both sides of the job application process: job seekers use AI to craft/optimize applications, while companies use AI to filter them.
- Former Amazon and CrowdStrike employee Dre Jankowski describes instant, obviously automated rejections:
- “Sometimes I’ll apply to a job and within a second of applying and hitting that button, I receive a rejection...there’s no way a person looked at this and rejected me.” (02:38)
- Insight: The job market has become an “arms race,” with algorithms interfacing with algorithms, complicating human entry (“Real people struggle to break through.” — Windsor Johnston, 03:01).
4. Stock Market Update
Timestamps: 03:07–03:16
- S&P 500 closed down 29 points.
5. Obituary: Catherine O’Hara
Timestamps: 03:17–04:11
- Canadian-born actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara dies in Los Angeles after a brief illness.
- Known for roles in Home Alone, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Where the Wild Things Are, and as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek.
- Two-time Emmy winner; significant member of Second City Television (SCTV) since the 1970s.
- Tribute: Macaulay Culkin, on Instagram:
- “Mama, I thought we had time. I wanted more. I love you. I’ll see you later.” (03:48)
6. Breakthrough in Mapping Dark Matter
Timestamps: 04:11–04:49
- Scientists render a new map of dark matter by measuring gravitational lensing across galaxies.
- Expert comment (Jason Rhodes, NASA astrophysicist):
- “Right now, it’s just a desire for a basic understanding of what the building blocks of the universe are. And this kind of humbling thought that we really only understand 5% of the universe and 95% remains invisible and poorly understood.” (04:25)
- Researchers hope this progress opens broad new areas of inquiry about the cosmos.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the protest chants:
“Minnesota, make it clear immigrants are welcome here.”
— Protesters, 00:47 -
On instant AI-driven job rejections:
“Sometimes I’ll apply to a job and within a second of applying and hitting that button, I receive a rejection...there’s no way a person looked at this and rejected me.”
— Dre Jankowski, 02:38 -
On the mysteries of dark matter:
“We really only understand 5% of the universe and 95% remains invisible and poorly understood.”
— Jason Rhodes, NASA, 04:33 -
On Catherine O’Hara’s passing:
“Mama, I thought we had time. I wanted more. I love you. I’ll see you later.”
— Macaulay Culkin, 03:48
Segment Timestamps at a Glance
- Minneapolis Immigration Protests – 00:16–01:22
- Epstein Files Release Reviewed – 01:22–02:07
- AI Job Market Impact – 02:07–03:07
- Markets – 03:07–03:16
- Catherine O’Hara Obituary – 03:17–04:11
- Dark Matter Mapping Breakthrough – 04:11–04:49
This fast-paced NPR News Now delivers essential headlines, expert insights, and memorable human moments, offering a snapshot of a world in protest, transition, and discovery.
