NPR News Now – February 9, 2026, 11AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
Major headlines from around the world and the U.S., including political fallout from the Epstein scandal in the UK, a high-profile abduction case in Arizona, debate over AI in healthcare, updates on Narges Mohamedi's imprisonment, Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic accident, and Americans’ Valentine’s Day spending habits.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. Epstein Scandal Fallout Hits UK Politics and Royal Family

[00:15-01:24]

• James Comer, Chair of the House Oversight Committee, announced Ghislaine Maxwell appeared virtually before the committee but refused to answer questions about her criminal ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces intense political pressure after multiple resignations within his staff due to Epstein-related associations.
  • Lauren Frayer (NPR, London):
    • Starmer’s Chief of Staff and Communications Chief have both resigned.
    • Opposition and party members are calling for Starmer’s resignation, particularly over appointing Peter Mandelson, an Epstein associate, as ambassador to Washington.
    • Starmer has expressed regret and apologized to Epstein’s victims.
    • The Royal Family is also implicated: "Prince William and his wife Kate are deeply concerned about the latest Epstein files... William's uncle Andrew... is now alleged to have passed confidential trade information to the sex offender." (Lauren Frayer, [01:15])

Notable Quote:

"Starmer has said he regrets that and has apologized to Epstein's victims." – Lauren Frayer [01:08]

2. Search Continues for Nancy Guthrie (Savannah Guthrie’s Mother)

[01:24-02:02]

• The search for Nancy Guthrie, missing mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, enters the second week.
  • The Guthrie family released a video offering payment for her return.
  • Bill Chappell (NPR):
    • Authorities remain without suspects, persons of interest, or leads on vehicles from the crime.
    • "The sheriff's department also said, we haven't identified any suspects or people of interest or vehicles that might be connected to [the case]." – Bill Chappell [01:57]

3. Debate Over AI Avatars as Healthcare Solution

[02:02-03:04]

• Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of Medicare and Medicaid, proposes AI avatars as a means to expand healthcare in underserved rural areas.
  • At a recent forum, Dr. Oz asserted digital avatars could increase access.
  • Carrie Henning-Smith, health researcher, raises ethical concerns:
    • “I don't like the idea of rural populations being treated as guinea pigs. We're seeing rural places as the laboratory for that.” ([02:41])
  • Mixed responses:
    • Some ridicule the idea as "replacing nurses with cartoons."
    • Others note AI is already assisting in many medical tasks.
  • Windsor Johnston (NPR):
    • Highlights spectrum of reactions and practical realities regarding AI in medicine.

4. Global News Briefs

[03:04-04:08]

• Nargis Mohamedi (Iran) – Nobel Prize winner and women's rights campaigner sentenced to another 7 years in prison. Temporary medical release in 2024.
• Lindsey Vonn (Italy) – Olympic skier hospitalized with a fractured left leg after a crash at the Alpine Downhill event; underwent surgery.

5. Valentine’s Day Spending Trends: Americans Cutting Back

[04:08-04:47]

• Survey by LendingTree:
  • Americans expecting to spend around $130, nearly $50 less than last year.
  • Jewelry prices up 8%, chocolates up 12%.
  • Matt Schultz (LendingTree):
    • “The last thing anybody wants to do is be a cheapskate on Valentine's Day. But when prices are really high and budgets are tight, sometimes you have to make some sacrifice.” ([04:18])
  • 72% of Americans would be upset if their partner went into debt for Valentine’s gifts.

6. Financial Markets Update

[03:04, 04:47]

• Stocks have turned positive; Dow Jones up more than 50 points.

Memorable Quotes

• Lauren Frayer, [01:08]:
  “Starmer has said he regrets that and has apologized to Epstein’s victims.”
• Carrie Henning-Smith, [02:41]:
  “I don't like the idea of rural populations being treated as guinea pigs. We're seeing rural places as the laboratory for that.”
• Matt Schultz, [04:18]:
  “The last thing anybody wants to do is be a cheapskate on Valentine’s Day. But when prices are really high and budgets are tight, sometimes you have to make some sacrifice.”

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:15-01:24 – Epstein/UK Politics/Royal Family
• 01:24-02:02 – Nancy Guthrie Abduction Update
• 02:02-03:04 – AI in Healthcare Commentary
• 03:04-04:08 – Nargis Mohamedi Sentencing and Lindsey Vonn Accident
• 04:08-04:47 – Valentine’s Day Spending/Consumer Trends
• 03:04, 04:47 – Stock Market Updates

Summary Tone: Factual, concise, with a focus on clarity and urgency typical of NPR’s reporting style.
Usefulness: This summary covers all major stories, key quotes, and segment timestamps—ideal for anyone who missed the rapid five-minute news round-up.