NPR News Now: February 6, 2026, 8PM EST

Episode Overview
This episode delivers concise reporting on the day’s major national and international news. Key stories include developments in financial markets driven by the AI boom, a Texas investigation into an anti-fascist group, the largest U.S. measles outbreak in decades, changes to Florida’s driver’s license exams, and significant diplomatic and Olympic updates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Turbulence and Records on Wall Street

• AI Drives Market Volatility
  The tech-focused Nasdaq suffered a major drop, attributed to growing concerns about the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence—but the Dow set a new record, buoyed by the same trend.
  • Maria Aspen reports that AI’s rise is “powering much of the stock market right now” (00:24).
  • Two major AI companies, OpenAI & Anthropic, released tools this week that automate sales, marketing, and legal tasks, threatening traditional enterprise software companies.
  • Companies like Salesforce and Workday “saw their stocks get hammered this week,” highlighting the disruptive impact of emerging AI (00:38).

2. Texas Launches Probe Into Anti-Fascist Group

• Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Investigation
  Paxton has accused the Houston-area Screwston Anti-Fascist Committee of aiding terrorism and “doxxing”—publishing private details with malicious intent.
  • “Paxton says the Screwston Anti Fascist committee has aided in the commission of terrorism and doxxing... with malicious intent.” —Toluwany Osi Bamowo (01:25)
  • The committee affiliates with Antifa, which the Trump administration labeled a “domestic terror threat.”
  • The group is known for publishing personal information about members of far-right organizations and for raising funds for individuals arrested after an ICE detention center shooting.
  • Paxton’s office is now seeking records of potential legal violations (01:25–02:05).

3. South Carolina's Measles Outbreak Grows

• Largest Outbreak in Decades Spurs Vaccinations
  South Carolina’s measles outbreak has reached 920 cases, the largest in decades.
  • Public health officials report 44 new cases since Tuesday; 277 people are quarantined.
  • “Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles and will be key to ending this outbreak,” says state epidemiologist Linda Bell (02:18).
  • January saw a “dramatic” rise in vaccination in Spartanburg County, the outbreak’s epicenter.
  • At least 19 people have been hospitalized with severe complications, including brain swelling and pneumonia (02:53).

4. International Diplomacy and Defense

• Greenland Attracts Interest Amid Trump’s Comments
  Canada and France are opening diplomatic consulates in Greenland’s capital, signaling support for Denmark and the region as President Trump expresses interest in controlling the territory (03:03).
• End of U.S.–Russia Nuclear Pact
  • The New START treaty has expired, leaving no caps on the U.S. and Russia’s nuclear arsenals “for the first time in decades” (03:28).
  • While Moscow offered to extend the treaty, President Trump declined, seeking to involve China in any new agreement.
  • U.S. and Russian negotiators met in Abu Dhabi, agreeing on the urgency of new arms control talks.

5. Florida’s English-Only Driver’s License Exams

• Controversy Over Language Policy Change
  Starting today, Florida’s driver’s license exams are available only in English, ending previous support for languages such as Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese.
  • “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 (04:17)
  • Only a handful of other states have a similar policy.
  • State officials declined comment on the change (03:55–04:25).

6. Winter Olympics Begin in Italy

• Ceremony Highlights
  The Olympic flame was lit in both Milan and Cortina. The opening event featured Mariah Carey performing and dancing mascots honoring composers Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini.
  • “Two cauldrons have been lit with the Olympic flame in Italy’s Milan and Cortina, marking the beginning of the Winter Games. The opening ceremony featured Mariah Carey...” (04:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On AI-induced volatility:
  “There are these huge fears that AI is going to eliminate jobs or make some businesses really redundant. It seemed like that came closer to reality for some companies this week.”
  —Maria Aspen (00:38)

• On community impact of English-only driving exams:
  “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 (04:17)

• On importance of vaccination:
  “Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles and will be key to ending this outbreak.”
  —Linda Bell, South Carolina State Epidemiologist (02:18)

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Start Time | |----------------------------------------------|------------| | Wall Street volatility & AI impact | 00:15 | | Texas AG probe of anti-fascist group | 01:07 | | South Carolina measles outbreak | 02:05 | | Greenland diplomatic moves & arms treaty | 03:03 | | Florida’s English-only driving exams | 03:55 | | Olympics opening ceremony in Italy | 04:41 |

This summary captures all major news and perspectives covered in the episode, providing a clear and concise briefing of the five-minute NPR News Now update.