NPR News Now – February 6, 2026, 11AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman

Episode Overview

This five-minute news update delivers concise coverage of current top stories in U.S. politics, criminal justice, healthcare, immigration, and state policy. Key topics include the apprehension of a Benghazi suspect, analysis of a high-profile federal immigration raid, updates on prescription drug access, a political controversy surrounding social media content from President Trump, and Florida’s move to English-only driver exams.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Benghazi Suspect Apprehended

• Summary: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announces the capture and extradition of Zubair Al Bakush, suspected in the 2012 Benghazi attack that killed four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens.
• Details:
  • Al Bakush is now in U.S. custody and will be prosecuted for murder, terrorism, arson, and other charges.
  • Previous convictions: A Libyan militant has already been convicted and imprisoned in the U.S. for planning the attack.
  • Political background: The incident was a flashpoint during the Obama administration, with Republicans raising concerns over embassy security.
• Quote:
  • "Al Bakush will now face American justice on American soil. We will prosecute this alleged terrorist to the fullest extent of the law." — Pam Bondi, Attorney General (00:30)

2. Chicago Immigration Raid Revealed to Target Squatters

• Summary: Newly disclosed court documents show a 2025 federal immigration raid in Chicago mainly targeted undocumented migrants squatting in an apartment, not the suspected Venezuelan gang members as originally implied.
• Details:
  • No mention of gangs in government records; operation aimed at "illegal aliens unlawfully occupying apartments".
  • Only two of the 37 arrested were confirmed members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang.
  • Most arrested migrants had no gang connection; some had criminal records.
  • The incident is emblematic of President Trump’s hardline immigration policy.
• Quote:
  • "There is no mention of criminal gangs." — Sergio Martinez Beltran, NPR reporter (01:23)

3. TrumpRx.gov Website Launched for Discount Medications

• Summary: President Trump announces TrumpRx.gov, a new website offering consumers discounts on select medications; payment must be made in cash.
• Details:
  • Especially relevant for those seeking affordable access to medications outside traditional insurance channels.

4. Compounding Pharmacies and the Obesity Drug Market

• Summary: Pharmaceutical companies are in legal conflict over compounded versions of obesity medication Wegovy, distributed by telehealth companies like HIMSS at prices lower than the original.
• Details:
  • HIMSS offers a compounded Wegovy version starting at $49, undercutting brand name pricing by $100.
  • Compounded drugs have the same active ingredient but are not FDA approved and are not generics.
  • Traditionally, compounding addresses patient-specific needs (e.g., allergies to ingredients).
  • Novo Nordisk, the original manufacturer, intends legal action.
• Quote:
  • "Compounded drugs are made with the same active ingredients as brand name versions, but by specialized pharmacies not drug companies. They're not generics and haven't been approved by the [FDA]." — Sidney Lupkin, NPR reporter (02:25)

5. President Trump Shares Racist Meme on Social Media

• Summary: President Trump posted a video containing election misinformation and an overtly racist depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, a trope rooted in Jim Crow-era racism.
• Details:
  • White House response: Press Secretary Caroline Levitt calls for an end to "fake outrage," claiming the image is an internet meme referencing "The Lion King."
  • Notably, Senator Tim Scott (SC), the only Black Republican in the Senate, publicly condemns the video.
• Quote:
  • "White House press secretary Caroline Levitt says please stop the fake outrage." — Korva Coleman summarizing the White House response (03:10)

6. Florida Institutes English-Only Driver's License Exams

• Summary: Florida ends multilingual driver’s license testing; exams will only be available in English, affecting both commercial and non-commercial licenses.
• Details:
  • Translation services for written and practical (behind-the-wheel) tests are no longer allowed.
  • Previously, tests were available in languages like Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese.
  • Only a handful of other states have similar policies.
  • Local government officials raise concerns about the impact in diverse communities.
• Quote:
  • "Especially in a community that's so diverse, I think it may present some challenges in obtaining their credentials from here on out." — Nancy Milan, Hillsborough County Tax Collector (04:25)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Benghazi suspect apprehended – 00:13 to 00:45
• Chicago immigration raid revelation – 00:45 to 02:05
• TrumpRx.gov medication discount site – 02:05 to 02:25
• Obesity drug market and compounding pharmacies – 02:25 to 03:10
• Racist meme shared by President Trump – 03:10 to 04:02
• Florida English-only driver’s test policy – 04:02 to 04:49

Memorable Moments

• Direct promise of U.S. justice: Attorney General Pam Bondi’s statement of an aggressive prosecution against the Benghazi suspect reflects a strong stance on international terrorism.
• Journalistic scrutiny: ProPublica and NPR’s investigation reveal discrepancies between DHS public statements and arrest records in the Chicago immigration raid.
• Political tension: The White House’s defense of racially charged social media content and public condemnation from Senator Tim Scott signals ongoing intra-party conflict over race and respect in public discourse.
• Local concerns about diversity: Hillsborough County’s Nancy Milan voicing worries about access for non-English speakers under Florida’s new policy emphasizes the tangible effects of state-level decisions.

This concise yet comprehensive update provides listeners with critical context and analysis, focusing on accountability, legal nuances, political controversy, and public policy shifts impacting communities nationwide.