Overview of NPR News: 02-09-2026 2PM EST
Short radio newscast covering national and international headlines: a public-health appeal on measles vaccination from CMS chief Dr. Mehmet Oz; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on a $12 trillion Russia proposal; a Buckingham Palace statement about an inquiry into Prince Andrew; market moves tied to GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs and corporate leadership changes at Kroger; holiday spending attitudes; and local labor actions in San Francisco and New York City.
Top headlines (quick bullets)
- Dr. Mehmet Oz (head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) urged Americans to get the measles vaccine: "Take the vaccine, please."
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia proposed a $12 trillion economic cooperation plan that would largely exclude Ukraine.
- Buckingham Palace says King Charles will support police investigating whether former Prince Andrew gave confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Markets reacting to developments in GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs: Novo Nordisk stock up after competitor Hims & Hers withdrew a cheaper pill under FDA and patent pressure.
- Kroger names former Walmart executive Greg Ferran as CEO after its previous CEO stepped down amid a personal conduct probe.
- San Francisco public schools closed as teachers strike for the first time in nearly 50 years; negotiations to resume.
- A nurses' strike in New York City appears to be partially winding down.
Measles vaccination — Dr. Mehmet Oz
- Key message: Oz publicly urged vaccination against measles, stressing there is "a solution for a problem" and that measles is a disease for which vaccination is advisable.
- Context: Oz denied that the Trump administration undermined vaccine confidence and said his boss, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been supportive of the measles vaccine — the report notes Kennedy has a long history of vaccine skepticism.
- Takeaway: Federal CMS leadership publicly backing measles vaccination amid recent outbreaks in multiple states; listeners encouraged to follow local public-health guidance.
Ukraine — $12 trillion plan, negotiations
- What was reported: Zelensky says Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev proposed a $12 trillion economic cooperation plan that could affect Ukraine without involving it.
- Analysis/response: Ukrainian economist Pavlo Shurenko called the plan unrealistic because Russia's annual GDP is about $2.3 trillion and its economy is severely weakened.
- Implications: Ukrainians view such proposals as attempts by Russia to influence peace talks or buy time; experts see the proposal as unlikely to be enacted but politically significant in negotiations.
Royal investigation — Prince Andrew
- Buckingham Palace statement: King Charles will support police inquiries into whether former Prince Andrew provided confidential information to financier Jeffrey Epstein.
- Background: Prince Andrew lost royal titles last year due to his association with Epstein.
- Implication: The palace is cooperating with law enforcement scrutiny involving a high-profile former royal.
Markets & business
- GLP‑1 weight‑loss drug impact:
- Novo Nordisk (maker of Wegovy) saw stock gains after Hims & Hers withdrew a cheaper knockoff pill amid FDA pressure and a patent-infringement lawsuit from Novo Nordisk.
- Hims & Hers stock fell following the withdrawal and legal/regulatory pressure.
- Takeaway: Pharmaceutical competition and regulatory action around GLP‑1 drugs continue to move markets strongly.
- Kroger leadership change:
- Greg Ferran, a former Walmart executive, named Kroger CEO roughly a year after the prior CEO stepped down amid an investigation into personal conduct.
- Market snapshot: At the report, the Dow was up 14 points.
Consumer outlook — holiday spending
- Despite tight budgets, most American couples plan to give gifts; average expected spending about $130 this year.
- 72% of Americans said they'd be upset if their partner took on credit card debt to pay for holiday gifts.
- Takeaway: Consumers remain cautious about borrowing for discretionary spending.
Labor actions — San Francisco teachers, NYC nurses
- San Francisco teachers:
- Public school teachers are on strike for the first time in nearly 50 years.
- All 120 San Francisco public schools were closed after talks stalled following almost a year of negotiations.
- Union demands: higher wages, better health benefits, and more resources for special-needs students.
- Negotiations were expected to resume.
- New York City nurses:
- A nurses' strike may be partially over — details were limited in the report.
Notable quotes
- Dr. Mehmet Oz: "Take the vaccine, please."
- Zelensky characterization (paraphrase): Russia proposing business deals as a tactic to influence talks and buy time.
Main takeaways
- Public-health messaging: Federal officials are urging measles vaccination amid outbreaks; watch local health advisories.
- Geopolitics: Russia is proposing large-scale economic ideas tied to negotiations, but Ukrainian analysts question feasibility and intent.
- Markets: The GLP‑1 drug space remains a major market mover; regulatory and patent battles can quickly shift investor sentiment.
- Domestic issues: Labor disputes (education and healthcare) are disrupting services in major U.S. cities and remain active stories to follow.