NPR News Now — February 6, 2026, 6AM EST

Overview

This episode delivers the latest updates on pivotal global and national developments, including U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks, a new Trump administration website offering drug discounts, an ongoing high-profile abduction case, Amazon's massive AI investment, political primaries in New Jersey, and a severe weather warning for the northeastern U.S. The content is tightly packed into a five-minute news briefing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-Iran Talks Resume in Oman

[00:00–01:07]

• The U.S. and Iran have opened formal negotiations in Muscat, Oman, focusing on Iran's nuclear program, support for proxy groups (Hezbollah, Hamas), and ballistic missile limits.
• These are the first talks since U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.
• Iran's bargaining position is weakened after Israeli strikes against its air defenses and continued U.S. military buildup in the region.
• Notable Quote:
  “These are the first official talks the US and Iran have held since the US bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities last June.”
  — Jackie Northam [00:42]

2. Trump Administration Launches Discount Drug Website

[01:07–01:52]

• President Trump introduces trumprx.gov, a site offering cash-only discounts on select brand-name medications.
• The model leverages “most favored nation” price agreements, aiming to match the lowest prices paid internationally for prescription drugs.
• Drug makers may reduce prices in exchange for lower U.S. tariffs.
• For many with insurance, copays may still be cheaper than the site’s cash prices.
• Notable Quote:
  “Under the most favored nation agreements… the United States will pay the lowest price paid by any other country. So we're taking the lowest price paid for drugs. We will pay equal to whatever the lowest price anywhere in the world. That's the price that you're going to be paying.”
  — Donald Trump [01:28]

3. Arizona Mother’s Disappearance and FBI Ransom Deadline

[01:52–03:07]

• The family of missing Nancy Cameron Guthrie (mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie) released another video seeking tips.
• Authorities now have a clearer timeline: Guthrie returned home around 10 p.m. Saturday; her doorbell and then pacemaker went offline in the early hours; blood found at the scene matches her.
• Ransom notes sent to news outlets are being taken seriously, and there is proof of life. The FBI has confirmed a ransom deadline but details are limited.
• Notable Quote:
  “Officials say blood found outside the home belonged to Guthrie. And FBI Special Agent Heath Yonke confirmed that ransom notes sent to news outlets are being taken seriously.”
  — L.M. Boyd [02:32]
• Memorable Moment:
  “There has been proof of life.”
  — FBI Special Agent Heath Yonke [02:52]

4. New Jersey Primary Election Remains Unresolved

[03:07–03:20]

• The Democratic primary to replace Governor Mikey Sherrill is too close to call between Tom Malinowski and Analilia Mejia.

5. Amazon’s $200 Billion AI Investment Upsets Investors

[03:20–04:28]

• Amazon announces plans to invest $200 billion in AI data centers and related infrastructure, a 50% capital expenditure increase over last year.
• The news shook markets, leading to a 10% drop in Amazon shares.
• CEO Andy Jassy defended the move, predicting widespread transformation of customer experiences via AI, which he says justifies further cloud investment.
• Notable Quote:
  “Every customer experience that we know of today is going to be reinvented with AI.”
  — Andy Jassy, Amazon CEO [04:15]

6. Severe Winter Weather Warning for Northeast and Mid Atlantic

[04:28–end]

• The National Weather Service warns of another wave of extreme cold and strong winds, with risks of power outages and snow squalls.
• The spell of unseasonably cold weather continues for the Northeast, Mid Atlantic, and parts of the South.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jackie Northam on US-Iran talks:
  “These are the first official talks the US and Iran have held since the US bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities last June.” [00:42]

• Donald Trump on 'trumprx.gov':
  “We will pay equal to whatever the lowest price anywhere in the world. That's the price that you're going to be paying.” [01:36]

• FBI on Guthrie Abduction:
  “There has been proof of life.” — Special Agent Heath Yonke [02:52]

• Andy Jassy on Amazon’s AI Ambitions:
  “Every customer experience that we know of today is going to be reinvented with AI.” [04:15]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Topic | |---------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | US-Iran talks in Oman | | 01:07 | Trump announces drug price website | | 01:52 | Nancy Cameron Guthrie abduction update | | 03:07 | New Jersey congressional primary | | 03:20 | Amazon’s AI investment and market reaction | | 04:28 | Weather warning: Northeast/Mid Atlantic |

This concise episode features critical global diplomacy, a significant health policy change, high-profile crime coverage, business investment news, political updates, and essential safety alerts—presented in NPR’s objective and measured tone.