NPR News Now – January 31, 2026, 1PM EST

Host: Dan Ronan
Length: 5 minutes
Main Theme: Overview of the day's top national and international news stories

Episode Overview

This episode delivers concise, timely updates on major national and global news events, including new developments in the Jeffrey Epstein files, the aftermath of the killing of VA nurse Alex Preddy, a severe winter storm in the southeastern U.S., a deadly mine collapse in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and legal issues surrounding journalist Don Lemon amid a partial U.S. government shutdown.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New Jeffrey Epstein Files Released

• Details: The latest batch of Epstein-related documents—about 3 million new pages—reveal additional communications with high-profile personalities.
• Notable Names: Elon Musk, Bill Gates, President Trump’s Federal Reserve chair nominee Kevin Warsh, among others, appear in new contexts, including invite lists.
• Context: “Being mentioned in the files are not indications of wrongdoing or association with Epstein's crimes, but victims... have expressed frustration that those who are involved remain hidden while some of their information is exposed.” (Stephen Fowler, [00:50])
• Victims’ Concerns: Greater exposure for some victims, but continued opacity regarding key associates.

2. Memorials for VA Nurse Alex Preddy

• Background: Alex Preddy, an intensive care nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), was killed in Minnesota, sparking nationwide vigils.
• Wider Issues: The VA has lost 30,000 jobs in the past year, mostly health care positions. Staff describe low morale and lack of support.
• Professional Voices:
  • "We don't want to keep losing nurses... We care. We want people to care about us, too. We're not disposable." — VA nurses union official (Unnamed, [01:46])
• Leadership Response: VA Secretary Doug Collins offered condolences but criticized Minnesota officials for not cooperating with ICE.

3. Southeastern U.S. Winter Storm

• Impact: Heavy snow is predicted across the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia.
• Local Readiness: Myrtle Beach is unprepared for snow; lacks removal equipment. Record cold in Tennessee and Florida.
• Infrastructure Challenges: “It is a huge challenge for our line workers... We’re having to dig our infrastructure out from under trees that’s froze to the ground. It is a slow process, and it’s hard for us to judge.” — Brandon Whitlock, Nashville Electric ([02:40])
• Regional Emergency: Power outages persist, especially in Nashville. Florida could see "feels like" temperatures as low as 7°F.

4. Ukraine and Moldova: Power Outages

• Reason: Sweeping emergency power cuts due to a technical malfunction impacting several power lines.
• Official Response: Described by Ukraine's energy minister as a major technical issue, affecting stability in the region.

5. Mine Collapse in the Democratic Republic of Congo

• Event Details: More than 200 dead and several injured after a mine collapse and ensuing landslide in the Rubaiya mine, North Kivu.
• Global Relevance: The mine produces coltan, essential for electronics such as phones and computers. In 2023, Congo provided ~40% of the world’s supply of coltan.
• Safety Concerns: Miners cite a lack of adequate safety measures.
• “The ground gave way Wednesday while people were in the Rubaiya mine ... Among the dead, some bodies remain trapped in the mud.” — Michael Kaloki ([03:26])

6. Partial U.S. Government Shutdown & Don Lemon’s Arrest

• Shutdown: Minimal expected impact. The House may resolve the funding issue in a Monday vote; the President supports the Senate-passed package.
• Don Lemon: Former CNN anchor and independent journalist, arrested after a protest in St. Paul and later released. His attorney calls the arrest “an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.”
  • “Lemon is among four people arrested after attending a protest during a church service in St. Paul. A U.S. Customs Enforcement official also serves as pastor of that church.” (Dan Ronan, [04:27])
• Political Tension: Some Trump supporters say Lemon participated in “a disruption.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Epstein Files:
  “People like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, even President Trump’s new Federal Reserve chair pick, Kevin Warsh, shows up on an invite list to a Christmas gathering in 2010.” — Stephen Fowler ([00:36])

• On VA Workers’ Plight:
  “We care. We want people to care about us, too. We're not disposable.” — VA nurses union official ([01:53])

• On Tennessee’s Storm Recovery:
  “It is a huge challenge for our line workers... We're having to dig our infrastructure out from under trees that's froze to the ground.” — Brandon Whitlock ([02:40])

• On DR Congo Mining Disaster:
  “The ground gave way Wednesday while people were in the Rubaiya mine, located in North Kivu Province...” — Michael Kaloki ([03:26])

• On Don Lemon’s Arrest:
  “An unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.” — Abby Lowe, Lemon’s attorney ([04:17])

Important Segment Timestamps

• Epstein Files Update: [00:15]-[01:11]
• Alex Preddy Memorial & VA Staff Concerns: [01:11]-[02:09]
• Southeast Winter Storm & Power Outages: [02:09]-[02:54]
• Ukraine/Moldova Power Cuts: [02:54]-[03:26]
• Congo Mine Disaster: [03:26]-[04:06]
• Government Shutdown & Don Lemon: [04:06]-[04:54]

This summary systematically captures the day’s top headlines as delivered in NPR’s signature succinct, measured tone, highlighting ongoing issues in politics, international affairs, and public safety, along with direct, emotional insights from those impacted.