Overview of NPR News: 02-09-2026 4PM EST
This episode summarizes the latest national and international headlines, including congressional hearings tied to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, Buckingham Palace's response to allegations about Prince Andrew, a legal fight over housing for homeless veterans in Los Angeles, labor actions by teachers and nurses, a brief market update, and rising interest in programs for midlife transitions. The newscast opens with a Kachava sponsorship message.
Key stories and headlines
- Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer questions at a House Oversight Committee hearing about her role with Jeffrey Epstein; she invoked the Fifth.
- Buckingham Palace says it will cooperate with police if approached in investigations related to Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein.
- The federal government (VA/DOJ) is appealing a court order to build housing for homeless veterans at the West L.A. VA campus.
- San Francisco public school teachers are on strike — the city's first teacher strike in nearly 50 years — seeking better pay, benefits, and special-needs resources.
- More than 10 nurses in New York reached agreements with two hospital systems to end their strike; walkout continues at NewYork-Presbyterian.
- Wall Street snapshot: Dow up about 20 points just before the close.
- Interest-growing: programs and academies aimed at helping people navigate midlife transitions (e.g., Modern Elder Academy).
Story details and context
Ghislaine Maxwell and Oversight Committee hearing
- Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, testified virtually and “took the Fifth,” refusing to answer committee questions.
- Committee Chairman James Comer described her refusal as disappointing and emphasized the committee’s goal of seeking truth and justice for survivors.
- Comer said hearings into Epstein-related matters will continue. He stated questioning of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be made public; the Clintons have requested to testify publicly rather than be deposed in private.
Buckingham Palace and Prince Andrew
- Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying King Charles has expressed “profound concerns” about allegations involving his brother, Prince Andrew.
- Palace said it stands ready to support British police if approached in their investigation; statement also expressed sympathy with victims of abuse.
- Allegations reported include claims that Prince Andrew passed confidential trade information to Jeffrey Epstein.
VA appeal over homeless veterans housing (Los Angeles)
- Background: A class-action lawsuit by homeless veterans won a federal court ruling ordering the VA to build housing on the large West L.A. VA campus. Los Angeles has the largest population of homeless veterans in the U.S.
- The Biden administration previously appealed; plaintiffs won again in the Ninth Circuit last year.
- The current administration (referenced in the broadcast as the Trump administration) has appealed the latest ruling, prolonging litigation over whether veteran property must be used to house unhoused veterans.
- Plaintiff lawyer Mark Rosenbaum criticized the administration’s stance, framing it as opposing housing for unhoused disabled veterans.
- DOJ and VA declined to comment.
Labor actions: teachers and nurses
- San Francisco teachers: On strike for the first time in nearly 50 years; core demands include higher wages, improved health benefits, and increased special-needs support.
- New York nurses: Over 10 nurses reached agreements with two major hospital systems, ending their strikes with those systems. The broader strike (which began Jan 12) over staffing and workplace safety continues at NewYork-Presbyterian.
Markets and other items
- Market: Dow up roughly 20 points just before the close.
- Midlife transition programs: Interest in structured programs (e.g., Modern Elder Academy) is growing. Founder Chip Conley likens midlife to a chrysalis and notes these programs help with introspection and next-step planning (academy offers an online quiz).
Notable quotes
- James Comer on Maxwell: “She took the fifth and refused to answer any questions... We sincerely want to get to the truth of the American people and justice for the survivors.”
- Buckingham Palace on King Charles: He has shown “profound concerns” and “Buckingham Palace stands ready to support [British police]” if approached.
- Mark Rosenbaum (plaintiffs’ lawyer on VA appeal): “Now this administration owns veteran homelessness. It's fighting our nation's veterans.”
What to watch next
- Continued Oversight Committee hearings and any public testimony from the Clintons regarding Epstein-related inquiries.
- Outcomes of the VA/DOJ appeal and whether the West L.A. VA campus will be required to build housing for homeless veterans.
- Progress and resolution of labor disputes in San Francisco (teachers) and New York (nurses), especially staffing and special-needs resource commitments.
- Any police developments or formal investigations involving Prince Andrew and related allegations.
Takeaways
- Major investigations and hearings connected to the Epstein network are ongoing and likely to produce further public testimony and political scrutiny.
- The legal fight over housing for homeless veterans remains unresolved and is moving through appeals that will shape federal obligations toward veteran homelessness.
- Labor unrest continues in key public-service sectors (education, healthcare), signaling pressure on local governments and hospital systems to negotiate improved conditions.
- Social trends: growing market for structured midlife transition programs as more people seek frameworks for career and life change.