NPR News Now — January 31, 2026, 3AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This tightly packed NPR News Now episode offers listeners a brisk update on major national and international events as of early January 31, 2026. Key topics include the ongoing partial government shutdown, the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, the sharp decline of the US dollar, updates from the Middle East, weather alerts, a tribute to the late actress Catherine O’Hara, and a high-profile conviction.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Partial Government Shutdown Continues

• [00:15] The federal government is experiencing yet another partial shutdown.
• The Senate passed a funding bill for most departments through September and a two-week extension for Homeland Security.
• The House remains unable to vote until at least Monday, complicated by members being widely dispersed and an impending snowstorm.
• Quote:
  • “It may not be possible. … I’ve got people literally spread around the world right now, so and we have a snowstorm.”
    — Unidentified House member [00:42]

2. DOJ Releases 3 Million+ Pages in Epstein Case

• [00:53] The Justice Department, facing a Congressional mandate, released over 3 million pages of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
• Over 500 DOJ staff worked intensively through holidays and weekends to vet this material.
• Sensitive documents depicting violence or protected by attorney-client privilege were withheld.
• Some materials allegedly contain “sensational and false claims about President Trump.” Trump, who had previously promised to release all Epstein files if elected, resisted Congressional efforts for full disclosure.
• Quote:
  • “The reviewers had to examine the equivalent of two Eiffel Towers of pages…”
    — Carrie Johnson, NPR [01:07]
  • “DOJ says some of the material contains sensational and false claims about President Trump on the campaign trail.”
    — Carrie Johnson, NPR [01:34]

3. Dollar Sinks to 4-Year Low—Trump Responds

• [01:48] The US dollar hit its lowest value in four years against major currencies.
• President Trump downplayed concerns and welcomed the weaker dollar.
• Economic explanation was provided: weaker dollar aids exports and tourism but makes imports and overseas travel more costly for Americans.
• Quote:
  • “I think it’s great. I mean, the value of the dollar. Look at the business we’re doing. No, dollar’s doing great.”
    — President Donald Trump [02:11]
  • “So, yes, there are benefits to a weaker dollar, but there can also be a bit of pain.”
    — Rafael Nam, NPR [02:40]

4. Middle East: Gaza/Egypt Border Update

• [02:46] Israel announces it will reopen Gaza’s border crossing with Egypt this weekend, potentially allowing restricted movement for Palestinians after nearly two years.
• However, aid shipments will still not be permitted through the crossing.

5. Markets and Weather

• [03:10] Stock market dips: Dow down 179 points, Nasdaq down 223 points.
• [03:20] Major storm forecast: Arctic air and snow threaten the Eastern US, with frigid temperatures moving south, high winds, and coastal flooding expected.

6. Obituary: Catherine O'Hara

• [03:42] Tribute to Catherine O’Hara, an acclaimed Canadian-American comedic actress known for "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek," "SCTV," and films like "Beetlejuice."
• Known for her absurdist characters and collaborative work with Eugene Levy.
• Quote:
  • “She also played the self-centered, whiny matriarch in the riches to rags TV sitcom with the rascally name Schitt’s Creek.”
    — Mandalit del Barco, NPR [03:48]
  • “Taking your picture with a motley crew of pale, dewy salamander people. I haven’t hit rock bottom quite yet.”
    — Catherine O’Hara’s character, Moira Rose (clip) [03:55]

7. Legal News: Nathan Chasinghorse Convicted

• [04:35] Actor Nathan Chasinghorse, known for "Dances with Wolves," was convicted in Nevada for sexually assaulting a minor.
• The guilty verdicts mostly concerned crimes against a 14-year-old victim. He was acquitted of several other charges.

Notable Quotes

• “It may not be possible. We have a rule of a 72-hour notice for a return…I’ve got people literally spread around the world right now, so and we have a snowstorm.”
  — Unidentified Interviewee (regarding House vote) [00:42]

• “The reviewers had to examine the equivalent of two Eiffel Towers of pages to decide what materials to release.”
  — Carrie Johnson, NPR [01:07]

• “I think it’s great. I mean, the value of the dollar. Look at the business we’re doing. No, dollar’s doing great.”
  — President Donald Trump [02:11]

• “She also played the self-centered, whiny matriarch in the riches to rags TV sitcom with the rascally name Schitt’s Creek.”
  — Mandalit del Barco, NPR [03:48]

• “Taking your picture with a motley crew of pale, dewy salamander people. I haven’t hit rock bottom quite yet.”
  — Catherine O’Hara as Moira Rose (clip) [03:55]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:15 — US government partial shutdown update
• 00:53 — Epstein documents released by DOJ
• 01:48 — US dollar drops to four-year low; Trump’s reaction
• 02:46 — Israel to reopen Gaza-Egypt border (excluding aid)
• 03:10 — Stock market closes lower
• 03:20 — Major winter storm headed for the East
• 03:42 — Catherine O’Hara obituary and career overview
• 04:35 — Nathan Chasinghorse convicted

This summary captures the essential updates, context, and standout moments of the NPR News Now episode, giving readers a clear view of the day's top headlines in under five minutes.