More Epstein Files Released; Government Shutdown; New Winter Storm

Summary of More Epstein Files Released; Government Shutdown; New Winter Storm

by NPR

15m•January 31, 2026
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Overview of Up First — "More Epstein Files Released; Government Shutdown; New Winter Storm"

This episode of NPR’s Up First (Jan. 31, 2026) covers three major stories: the Justice Department’s large release of documents in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, a fresh short-term federal government shutdown tied to immigration policy negotiations, and a rare winter storm threatening parts of the U.S. Southeast. The show summarizes what’s in the newly released Epstein materials, explains the political dynamics behind the shutdown, and reports local impacts and precautions for the storm.

Epstein files release — what was released and why it matters

  • What was released

    • DOJ released roughly 3 million pages drawn from an initial 6 million documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s cases.
    • The public release includes over 2,000 videos, about 180,000 images, internal case and court files, and private correspondence (emails, texts).
    • Files are poorly organized and heavily redacted in many places.

  • What was withheld and why

    • About half of the original 6 million pages were not released, per DOJ, because they contained child pornography, deliberative/internal materials, attorney‑client privileged content, duplicates, or unrelated material.
    • The Justice Department said redactions were made to protect victims’ privacy and to comply with law.

  • Problems and notable findings

    • NPR reviewers found inconsistent redactions: some victims’ names and photos were unredacted while other abusive parties were protected.
    • The trove contains mentions or communications involving high‑profile people (examples in the files include Elon Musk; Bill Gates; Howard Lutnick — CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald; former Obama White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler; and Kevin Warsh). These mentions are not evidence of wrongdoing.
    • The release also contains an email compiling unverified, sensational allegations about public figures; DOJ warned the files may include untrue claims.

  • Oversight and next steps

    • The Epstein Files Transparency Act requires DOJ to report to Congress the redactions made and reasons for them — covering roughly 200,000 pages — within two weeks.
    • Victims and some members of Congress have expressed frustration or anger over inconsistent redactions and perceived noncompliance with the law.
    • Reporters will continue to dig through private correspondence, financial records, and communications to better map Epstein’s network and follow up on leads.

  • Key takeaway

    • The release adds volume and some new details, but heavy redactions, inconsistent handling of victims’ identities, and the lack of context mean the documents raise new questions as much as they add clarity.

Government shutdown — scope, cause, and implications

  • What happened

    • Congress hit a partial shutdown as funding for some federal functions expired; the Senate later voted to fund many agencies, but the House still needs to approve the final measure (vote expected Monday).
    • If the House approves, the shutdown could be short and many Americans may not notice major disruptions.

  • Why this shutdown occurred

    • Democrats are leveraging a funding fight over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to demand policy changes after two U.S. citizens were killed in Minneapolis by federal immigration officers.
    • DHS funding had been bundled with broader government funding; lawmakers negotiated to isolate DHS funding for a brief extension (two weeks) to press for reforms.

  • Democratic demands

    • Proposals include requiring judicial warrants for immigration raids, impartial investigations and accountability after incidents, body cameras for officers, and bans on masks during operations.
    • Democrats are willing to risk another shutdown this time in hopes of extracting policy changes; some previously moderate Democrats who reopened the government last fall now back stronger measures.

  • Republican response

    • Some Republicans have expressed unease with the Minneapolis incident and openness to hearings or limited policy shifts; others strongly defend ICE and oppose constraining its operations.
    • The GOP stance is not uniform.

  • What to watch

    • Whether the House approves the short-term funding and whether substantive policy language can be negotiated in the coming two weeks.
    • Potential furloughs or unpaid work for some federal employees (e.g., TSA agents may have to work without immediate pay if the shutdown continues).

  • Key takeaway

    • The shutdown may be brief, but it signals heightened partisan willingness to use funding deadlines to press immigration‑policy reforms tied to law‑enforcement conduct.

Winter storm — where it will hit and what to expect

  • Geographic impact

    • A winter storm is forecast to affect a broad swath from New England down to the Carolinas, with especially notable impacts in the Southeast.
    • North Carolina could see up to around a foot of snow; South Carolina declared a statewide winter warning and state of emergency.

  • Charleston / South Carolina specifics

    • Charleston expected 2–5 inches in the city, with record cold temperatures and strong winds (wind chills into single digits).
    • Bridges and causeways are major local hazards because they can ice before other roadways; the region has limited snow‑removal equipment.
    • Grocery stores showed increased shoppers stocking up; officials urged people to stay off roads and avoid putting emergency personnel at risk.
    • Utilities in parts of the region (and nearby states) still recovering from previous storms — more than 100,000 outages persisted in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee from the prior weekend.

  • Public-safety messaging

    • Charleston mayor: “Stay off the roads. Stay home.” — officials emphasized limited local capacity to manage heavy snow and ice.
    • Residents are advised to prepare for possible power outages and to avoid travel, especially on bridges and elevated roadways.

  • Key takeaway

    • The storm is unusual for parts of the Deep South; local officials are urging caution, preparing for icing and strong winds, and warning residents to stock essentials and avoid driving.

Notable quotes and soundbites

  • NPR reporting: publishing 3 million pages “in this manner just makes closure and finality even less likely for everybody involved.”
  • Charleston mayor William Cogswell: “Stay off the roads. Stay home.”
  • Victim‑privacy note from DOJ: files may include “untrue and sensationalist claims” and some of the material is unverified.

Production notes and what’s next

  • Hosts: Scott Simon and Aisha Roscoe.
  • NPR reporters on the stories: Stephen Fowler (Epstein files), Sam Gringlass (Congress/shutdown), Victoria Hanson (Charleston storm coverage).
  • Upcoming: Sunday Story will feature Aisha in conversation about how President Trump’s stance on DEI is affecting women in the construction trades.
  • For further follow-up: monitor DOJ reporting on redactions (per the Epstein Files Transparency Act), the House vote on funding (expected Monday), and local weather/emergency updates from state agencies for storm developments.

Action items (for readers/listeners)

  • If you follow the Epstein documents: watch for the DOJ redaction report to Congress and for responsible reporting that distinguishes allegations from verified evidence.
  • If you live in the storm-threatened Southeast: heed local emergency declarations, avoid travel if instructed, and prepare for possible outages.
  • If you track the shutdown: check whether the House approves the funding measure and whether DHS policy reforms are negotiated in the coming two weeks.