NPR News Now – February 1, 2026, 10 PM EST

Host: Louise Schiavone
Duration: 5 minutes

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines on significant legal decisions concerning immigration and climate policy, the ongoing revelations from Jeffrey Epstein’s files, dangerous winter weather, a marine tragedy, and a government shutdown. The concise five-minute format covers rapidly evolving stories with input from NPR's national correspondents and local public radio reporters.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Judge Orders Release in Immigration Crackdown

[00:17–01:26]

• Summary: A federal judge in Minnesota ordered the release of Alexander Conejo Arias and his five-year-old son, detained during an immigration raid. The case sharply rebuked Trump administration tactics, particularly the use of a child as bait to gain access to the family home.
• Notable Details:
  • Judge Fred Beery condemned actions as a “perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty.”
  • Local protests erupted; two protesters were arrested.
  • The pair must be released publicly by Tuesday.
• Quote:
  • Judge described the administration as “traumatizing children.” (Jerry Clayton, 00:41)

2. Epstein Files: New Names and Frustrations

[01:26–02:25]

• Summary: Newly released Epstein-related files implicate additional high-profile individuals, including Bill Gates, former Prince Andrew, President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh. The files contain deeper and, in some cases, more recent interactions than previously known.
• Notable Details:
  • Inclusion in files doesn't imply guilt.
  • Victims express frustration over continued secrecy for those allegedly involved.
  • 3 million pages released, with wide-ranging materials (private emails, financials).
• Quote:
  • “Being mentioned in the files are not indications of wrongdoing or association with Epstein’s crimes, but victims of Epstein's abuse have expressed frustration that those who are involved remain hidden while some of their information is exposed in these files.” (Stephen Fowler, 01:41)

3. Dangerous Winter Weather: Wind Chill Risks

[02:25–03:12]

• Summary: Across the U.S., severe wind chills threaten public safety, with risks of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Precautions:
  • Dress warmly and cover exposed skin.
  • Limit outdoor exposure, especially for vulnerable individuals (outdoor workers, unhoused).
• Expert Advice:
  • “Your ears, your nose, your fingers, your toes, even your cheeks and your chin. You want to keep all of your exposed skin covered and then, of course, limit or avoid time outside as well.” (Jessica Lee, National Weather Service, 02:52)

4. Marine Disaster: Fishing Vessel Sinks off Massachusetts

[03:12–04:00]

• Summary: The Coast Guard suspended search efforts after the 72-foot Lily Jean sank off Cape Ann. The ship had seven aboard; a debris field, an empty raft, and one body were found. Adverse weather hampered rescue.
• Status:
  • Incident under investigation.

5. Climate Skeptics Group Violates Federal Law

[04:00–04:40]

• Summary: A Massachusetts federal judge ruled that a secretive Department of Energy working group of climate skeptics violated federal transparency laws. The group, selected by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, had issued a report supporting the rollback of greenhouse gas regulations. Environmental groups sued; the Energy Department may appeal.
• Quote:
  • “[The] Climate Working Group violated a federal law which says advisory groups that contribute to policymaking must be transparent.” (Jeff Brady, 04:00)

6. Partial Federal Government Shutdown

[04:40–04:56]

• Summary: The federal government is partially shut down after Congress missed a crucial funding deadline. Nine departments are impacted. A potential House vote on Monday may resolve the impasse.

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On immigration tactics:
  • “A perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty.” — Judge Fred Beery (read by Jerry Clayton, 00:41)
• On wind chill safety:
  • “Your ears, your nose, your fingers, your toes, even your cheeks and your chin. You want to keep all of your exposed skin covered and then, of course, limit or avoid time outside as well.” — Jessica Lee, National Weather Service (02:52)
• On Epstein file frustrations:
  • “Victims of Epstein's abuse have expressed frustration that those who are involved remain hidden while some of their information is exposed in these files.” — Stephen Fowler (01:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:17] Immigration crackdown ruling and release order
• [01:26] Release of new Epstein files and implicated figures
• [02:25] Wind chill dangers and public health advisory
• [03:12] Fishing vessel disaster off Massachusetts
• [04:00] Federal judge: DOE climate skeptics group violated law
• [04:40] Partial U.S. government shutdown

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections (00:00-00:17, 04:56-end) have been omitted. The summary reflects the succinct, objective reporting style typical of NPR news updates.