NPR News Now: February 17, 2026, 11AM EST – Detailed Summary
Episode Overview
This five-minute newscast delivers the latest headlines, presenting a snapshot of key political, business, and cultural events making news on February 17, 2026. Highlights include the death of civil rights figure Jesse Jackson, ongoing government funding stalemate, a blockbuster entertainment merger, weather alerts, major religious observances, and a viral manufacturing mishap in China.
Key Stories & Discussion Points
1. The Death of Jesse Jackson (00:19 – 01:21)
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Civil rights leader and former presidential candidate Jesse Jackson has died at 84.
- Announcement made by the Jackson family and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
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President Trump's Response
- Trump issued a public statement characterizing Jackson as "a good man with lots of personality, grit and street smarts" (00:39).
- Quote:
“A good man with lots of personality, grit and street smarts.”
— President Trump, via NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben (00:40)
- Quote:
- However, Trump’s post pivoted into a self-focused argument, highlighting his own record on criminal justice reform and HBCU funding.
- He lamented his portrayal by critics:
- Quote:
“… falsely and consistently called a racist by the scoundrels and lunatics on the radical left.”
— President Trump (00:55)
- Quote:
- Trump also swiped at former President Obama in his post.
- Trump issued a public statement characterizing Jackson as "a good man with lots of personality, grit and street smarts" (00:39).
-
Recent Context
- Two weeks prior, Jesse Jackson’s son, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, led a prayer at the National Prayer Breakfast, subtly criticizing Trump’s policies.
2. Partial DHS Shutdown & Congressional Stalemate (01:21 – 02:06)
- Department of Homeland Security remains partially shut down.
- Quote:
“Congress has yet to pass a funding bill.”
— Korva Coleman (01:21)
- Quote:
- Updates from Washington
- Democrats presented a counteroffer to the White House last night, but negotiations remain mostly undisclosed.
- Democrats reject the Administration’s plan as insufficient.
- In the wake of two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, Democrats are pushing for significant changes to DHS, especially around immigration enforcement.
- Notably, “both chambers of Congress are out this week on recess.” (01:53)
3. Warner Bros. Discovery Sale & Paramount Bid (02:06 – 03:09)
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Warner Bros. Discovery Board Backs Netflix Deal
- Board recommends shareholders approve sale of studio and streaming assets to Netflix ($83B).
- Shareholder vote scheduled for March 20.
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Competing Paramount Offer
- Paramount, led by David Ellison (with the backing of his father, Larry Ellison, and advice from President Trump), has bid $108B for the entire company.
- Paramount’s offer includes CNN, TBS, Discovery, sports, and news assets.
- Quote:
“Paramount has bid $108 billion for the whole shebang…”
— David Folkenflick (02:28)
- Quote:
- Warner has resisted Paramount’s advances, despite the higher bid.
- Ellisons claim they can circumvent antitrust issues in the US and Europe.
- Trump “says he won’t play a role,” but the Ellisons have “privately suggested” otherwise (02:49).
- Netflix holds a right to match the Paramount offer but seems uninterested in cable TV properties.
4. Market & Weather Updates; Major Religious Observances (03:09 – 04:08)
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Market Update
- “On Wall Street, stocks are lower. The Dow Jones industrial average is down more than 120 points.” (03:09)
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Weather Alert
- Winter storm warnings across the West.
- Avalanche warnings in Idaho and Montana; heavy snow in California, Nevada, and Utah.
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Religious Calendar
- Ramadan begins tomorrow. Saudi officials announced the crescent moon was sighted.
- Quote:
“Ramadan is marked with fasting, prayer and good works for others. This year, Ramadan coincides with the start of the Christian season of Lent.” — Korva Coleman (03:39)
- Quote:
- Today is also the start of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) for many in Asia.
- Ramadan begins tomorrow. Saudi officials announced the crescent moon was sighted.
5. Viral Plush Toy Mishap in China (04:08 – 04:55)
- A Manufacturing Error Brings Unexpected Laughter
- Plush horse toys intended to be smiling (celebrating the Lunar New Year) were sewn with upside-down smiles, appearing sad.
- Quote:
“A sad looking plush toy has gone viral in China… making them crying instead of smiling.”
— Ashish Valentine (04:10)
- Quote:
- The hashtag related to the toy horses has garnered over 100 million views.
- Internet humor draws on work-life frustration:
- Quote:
“The horse looks so sad and pitiful, just the way I feel at work.”
— User comment, via Ashish Valentine (04:34)
- Quote:
- The term “Nioma” (cattle horse) is slang among Chinese youth for being overworked and undervalued.
- Many hope the horse will bring both humor and luck this year.
- Plush horse toys intended to be smiling (celebrating the Lunar New Year) were sewn with upside-down smiles, appearing sad.
Notable Quotes & Moments
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President Trump on Jesse Jackson:
“A good man with lots of personality, grit and street smarts.” (00:40)
-
Trump’s criticism of opponents:
“…falsely and consistently called a racist by the scoundrels and lunatics on the radical left.” (00:55)
-
Warner Bros. Discovery sale coverage:
“Paramount has bid $108 billion for the whole shebang…” — David Folkenflick (02:28)
-
China’s sad horse toy:
“The horse looks so sad and pitiful, just the way I feel at work.” (04:34)
Important Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:19 | Announcement of Jesse Jackson’s death | | 00:39 | Trump’s response and context about Jackson’s legacy | | 01:21 | DHS shutdown, congressional negotiation stall | | 02:06 | Warner Bros. Discovery–Netflix deal & Paramount competing bid | | 03:09 | Stock market and winter weather updates | | 03:39 | Ramadan & Lent, Lunar New Year begins | | 04:08 | Sad horse plush toy goes viral in China |
Episode Tone & Style
The news report is brisk, factual, and clarifies complex stories succinctly, balancing major U.S. political developments with international cultural human-interest stories. Personality comes through in the quoted remarks—especially Trump’s self-referential tone and Chinese netizens’ dry workplace humor.
This episode offers a concise but multifaceted snapshot of events shaping the news landscape on February 17, 2026, from major political developments and business deals to culture and viral phenomena.
