NPR News Now: 5PM EST Update – January 8, 2026

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This episode delivers a concise roundup of top news stories, focusing on developments in politics, law enforcement accountability, public health, climate disasters, and sports diversity. The segment features updates on the Vice President’s comments regarding a controversial police shooting, a federal court ruling on unlawful appointments, new findings on weight loss drugs, ongoing climate-driven disaster costs, and the ambitions of Jamaican-American ski-racing triplets.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Vice President Vance on Minneapolis Police Shooting & Fraud Measures

[00:00 – 01:02]

• Press Briefing Highlights:
  Vice President J.D. Vance held a press conference, primarily addressing the recent fatal shooting by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, but also announcing a new assistant attorney general focused on fraud, especially in Minnesota’s social service programs.

• Confrontation with Media:
  Vance criticized reporters for their portrayal of the shooting, specifically challenging the narrative surrounding the death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman. He alleged she tried to hit the officer with her car, while local eyewitness reports and video evidence contradicted this account.

  "Everybody who's been repeating the lie that this is some innocent woman who was out for a drive in Minneapolis when a law enforcement officer shot at her. You should be ashamed of yourselves, every single one of you."
  — J.D. Vance, Vice President, [00:36]

• Counterclaims:
  Eyewitnesses, as reported by Minnesota Public Radio, claimed agents gave conflicting orders, and video evidence indicated Good was driving away, not at, officers.

2. Federal Judge Rules on Unlawfully Appointed U.S. Attorney

[01:02 – 02:00]

• Court Ruling:
  U.S. District Judge Lorna Schofield determined John Sarcone, Northern District of NY’s acting U.S. Attorney (appointed under the Trump administration), was unlawfully serving due to the Justice Department’s failure to follow statutory procedures for such appointments.

• Impact on Investigations:
  The decision invalidates subpoenas Sarcone issued in an investigation involving NY Attorney General Letitia James, a Democratic critic of Trump. The judge’s order bars Sarcone from involvement in the case.

  "The judge ruled the subpoenas are invalid and she disqualified Sarcon from taking part in the James investigations."
  — Ryan Lucas, NPR Reporter, [01:42]

3. Weight Loss Drug Study: Fast Rebound After Stopping

[02:00 – 02:51]

• Study Analysis:
  Reviewing 37 studies with over 9,000 participants, researchers found users of GLP-1 weight loss drugs regained lost weight faster (within 1.5 years) compared to those using behavioral changes (regained over 1.7 years).

• Health Implications:
  Metabolic benefits of the drugs faded quickly after discontinuation, underlining concerns about the drugs' sustainability versus lifestyle-based interventions.

  "Those using the new GLP1 drugs gained back weight faster on average within one and a half years compared to people relying on behavioral changes."
  — Yuki Noguchi, NPR Reporter, [02:24]

4. Weather Disaster Costs in 2025 Rise Despite No Hurricanes

[02:51 – 04:14]

• Economic Impact:
  Disaster costs in the US reached $115 billion in 2025—marking the fourth time in five years annual costs topped $100 billion.

• Key Drivers:
  More than half of the damages stemmed from wildfires. Factors include escalating climate-driven events, continued development in high-risk coastal/forested regions, and inflation increasing rebuilding costs.

  "No hurricanes made landfall in the US last year, but disaster costs still exceeded $100 billion for the fourth time in five years..."
  — Michael Copley, NPR Reporter, [03:40]

5. Jamaican-American Ski Triplets Pursue Winter Games

[04:14 – 04:40]

• Olympic Ambitions:
  Triplets Henry, Helena, and Hania Rivers are striving to represent Jamaica in ski racing at the Winter Games. While Henry has already qualified in the slalom, Helena and Hania are close behind. Their efforts aim to increase representation for black athletes in the sport.

• Notable Effort:
  The story highlights both the family’s global pursuit of Olympic dreams and their objective to open doors in ski racing’s predominantly white landscape.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• J.D. Vance confronting the media:
  "You should be ashamed of yourselves, every single one of you."
  [00:36]

• Yuki Noguchi on weight loss drugs:
  "Their effects fade quickly after people stop taking them."
  [02:42]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Vance’s Press Brief & Media Clash – 00:00 to 01:02
• Federal Prosecutor Appointment Ruling – 01:02 to 02:00
• Weight Loss Drug Study – 02:00 to 02:51
• Disaster & Insurance Costs – 02:51 to 04:14
• Jamaican-American Ski Triplets & Olympic Goals – 04:14 to 04:40

This episode delivers a packed five-minute overview of urgent issues, balancing political controversy, scientific insight, environmental urgency, and a story of sporting aspiration and diversity.