Up First from NPR More Epstein Files Released; Government Shutdown; New Winter Storm
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Jan 31, 2026 
Victoria Hanson, a Charleston reporter, describes local preparations for a rare Southeast winter storm. Sam Gringlass, an NPR congressional reporter, breaks down the partial government shutdown and the political fight over Homeland Security funding. Stephen Fowler, an NPR political reporter, walks through the Justice Department release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and what the documents reveal and conceal.
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Chaos And Gaps In Epstein File Release
- The Justice Department released about three million pages but roughly half of six million documents remain withheld for reasons like alleged child pornography and privilege.
- Reporters found disorganized, heavily redacted files that sometimes exposed victims while protecting others, complicating closure.
High-Profile Mentions Don't Imply Guilt
- New conversations and contact lists in the files include high-profile figures but do not prove wrongdoing.
- The presence of unverified allegations and invitations widens the network but requires careful, independent verification.
Watch The Redaction Disclosure Closely
- Congress will get a list of redactions and reasons under the Epstein Files Transparency Act within two weeks.
- Follow the redaction disclosures to judge what was withheld and why rather than relying on the raw, chaotic dump.