Overview of NPR News: 02-09-2026 3PM EST
A short NPR News roundup covering domestic politics, labor actions, international legal developments, space industry strategy, and public health. Stories include an approaching DHS funding deadline and potential partial government shutdown, teachers and nurses strikes in U.S. cities, the sentencing of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, an investigation involving Prince Andrew, SpaceX’s stated pivot to a lunar city, and a federal push to increase measles vaccinations. A tease for NPR’s Code Switch episode about Bad Bunny as a voice of resistance opens the program.
Key stories
DHS funding deadline and possible partial shutdown
- Congress has five days to agree on Department of Homeland Security funding; failure could produce another partial shutdown.
- Top House and Senate Democrats (House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer) have submitted DHS demands to the White House and say they’ve received no response.
- Democratic leaders are withholding support for DHS funding after two U.S. citizens were shot and killed by DHS agents; oversight hearings on those killings are scheduled this week.
- GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales warns the Republican Party risks losing Hispanic voters unless it improves communication (noted as a political implication).
San Francisco teachers strike
- San Francisco teachers walked out after district and union negotiations failed to resolve key demands: higher pay, better health care benefits, and more special education resources.
- Union president Cassandra Curiel said the district’s proposals contained “concessions and take-backs” that would lead to cuts for students.
- SF Unified spokesperson Laura Dudnick said balancing the budget is a priority; the district is providing virtual instructional packets during the strike.
New York City nurses strike status
- Nurses in NYC reached tentative agreements with two of three hospital systems involved in a strike that began January 12. The strike continues at the third system.
Jimmy Lai sentenced in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong media publisher Jimmy Lai (age reported as 78) was sentenced to 20 years in prison under national security-related charges. Six of his executives and two activists were also sentenced.
- The court characterized Lai as a mastermind of the 2019 anti-government protests. Lai has health issues (diabetes, hypertension, back and eye problems) and his family and advocates have sought humanitarian relief; the U.S. is urging his release on humanitarian parole.
- Jonathan Price, one of Lai’s lawyers, characterized the sentence as effectively a life sentence for speaking out.
Investigation involving Prince Andrew
- British police are investigating allegations that former Prince Andrew gave confidential trade information to Jeffrey Epstein. Buckingham Palace said King Charles is concerned and ready to support the investigation.
SpaceX says focus has shifted to moon city
- Elon Musk announced on X that SpaceX’s focus is now a “self-growing city” on the Moon, a shift from its longtime emphasis on Mars colonization.
- The move is noted in the context of SpaceX competing with Blue Origin to build a lunar lander for NASA’s return-to-the-moon efforts.
Federal push to increase measles vaccinations
- The head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urged Americans to get the measles vaccine amid state-level outbreaks and the highest U.S. case counts in decades.
- (Transcript names a specific doctor; listeners should consult official CDC/CMS releases for authoritative guidance.)
Notable quotes
- “The ball is in the court right now of the Republicans.” — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (on DHS funding negotiations).
- “What they’ve proposed has concessions and take-backs, which means that our students in our schools would receive cuts…” — Cassandra Curiel, United Educators of San Francisco (on the district’s offer).
- District spokesperson: balancing the budget is the district’s top priority (Laura Dudnick).
What’s next / implications
- DHS funding: Five-day countdown; oversight hearings this week could shape negotiations and public pressure. A partial shutdown remains a near-term risk.
- Labor actions: San Francisco teachers’ strike will disrupt schools until an agreement is reached; NYC nurses are mostly settled but one system remains on strike.
- Hong Kong: Lai’s sentencing will likely deepen international tensions over Beijing’s national security law and could prompt further diplomatic responses.
- Space policy and industry: SpaceX’s stated lunar focus intensifies U.S. commercial competition for NASA contracts and shapes longer-term planning for lunar infrastructure.
- Public health: Measles outbreaks and federal vaccination appeals could lead to expanded public campaigns and local health interventions.
Actions & recommendations for listeners
- Follow local news for updates on the DHS funding negotiations and potential service impacts if a shutdown occurs.
- If affected by strikes (students, parents, hospital patients), check district and hospital communications for virtual learning packets and care alternatives.
- For international developments (Jimmy Lai, Prince Andrew), monitor official statements from governments and reputable news outlets for legal and diplomatic developments.
- For health guidance, consult CDC and local public health departments about measles vaccination availability and recommendations.