NPR News Now – February 17, 2026, 12PM EST

Episode Overview: This episode delivers a concise roundup of key national and international stories, including tributes to civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, developments in nuclear talks between the US and Iran, Olympic athlete analysis, a major Hollywood death, updates on a US government shutdown, and a report on Ramadan preparations in Egypt.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson

[00:16–01:05]

• Announcement: Renowned civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson has died at age 84 after battling progressive supernuclear palsy.

• Legacy: Jackson is remembered as a protégé of Martin Luther King, Jr. and a formidable leader in the fight against racism and discrimination.

• Political Impact: He was a two-time presidential candidate (1984, 1988) and "paved the way for other African American leaders, such as the nation's first African American president, Barack Obama."

• Memorable Moment: His iconic call to "keep hope alive" at the Democratic National Convention is spotlighted.

  "Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive." — Audience/Chorus, [01:01]

• Tone: Solemn and reverent, celebrating a lifetime of activism and influence.

2. US–Iran Nuclear Talks

[01:08–02:08]

• Update: A second round of indirect nuclear talks between US and Iran has wrapped in Geneva, with both sides remaining firm on key issues.

• Participants: US side represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner; Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi.

• Negotiation Points: Slight progress noted; Iran seeks the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, willing to curb its program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump administration insists on zero enrichment.

• Outlook: No public US comment; future talks unscheduled.

• Reporter:

  "The three hour talks had made good progress and were more constructive than earlier negotiations, but that more work needed to be done." — Jackie Northam, [01:23]

• Tone: Cautiously diplomatic.

3. Winter Olympics — Peak Athleticism in Cross Country Skiing

[02:08–03:07]

• Segment Focus: Scientific measure of VO2 max ranks cross country skiers as among the world’s top athletes.

• Expert Insight:

  "Skiing is the only sport that we’re standing upright and we’re using all four limbs at the same time." — Stephen Seiler, [02:46]

• Scientific Explanation: Upright posture, simultaneous use of all limbs, and rigorous cardio push skiers’ bodies to their maximum.

• Reporter:

  "Years of this training can push a skier's VO2 max towards its upper limits." — Jonathan Lambert, [02:53]

• Tone: Inquisitive and informative.

4. DHS Shutdown, Spokesperson Resignation, and Political Standoff

[03:07–03:54]

• Current Event: Department of Homeland Security faces another day of shutdown amid funding disputes between White House and Congressional Democrats over immigration enforcement.
• Leadership Change: Key spokesperson Trisha McLaughlin departs from DHS.
• Broad Implications: Ongoing tensions and uncertainty for agency operations.

5. Hollywood Remembers Robert Duvall

[03:54–04:05]

• Announcement: Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall has died at 95.

• Legacy: Lauded for memorable performances in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, The Apostle, The Judge, and his Oscar-winning role in Tender Mercies (1983).

  "He's being described today as a giant for memorable roles that also earned him Oscar nominations..." — Lakshmi Singh, [03:54]

• Tone: Respectful and celebratory of Duvall's cinematic contributions.

6. Ramadan Preparations in Cairo, Egypt

[04:05–04:46]

• Reporter’s Snapshot: Aya Batrawi covers festive market scenes—from historic mosques to plastic Ramadan-themed goods imported from China.

• Local Perspective:

  "There's lanterns, which is a standard traditional must-have in Ramadan to put on the table in front of the door of the house. Like all around the stuff here that I'm seeing on sale, this stuff isn't even going to last a month. I think it’ll break probably by the second week of Ramadan." — Aya Batrawi, [04:31]

• Cultural Insight: A blend of modern consumerism and traditional rituals marks the start of Ramadan.

• Tone: Vivid, relatable, and gently humorous.

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Time | Quote / Moment | Speaker | |---------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------| | 01:01 | "Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive." | Audience/Chorus | | 01:23 | "The three hour talks had made good progress and were more constructive than earlier negotiations, but that more work needed to be done." | Jackie Northam | | 02:46 | "Skiing is the only sport that we’re standing upright and we’re using all four limbs at the same time." | Stephen Seiler | | 04:31 | "There's lanterns, which is a standard traditional must-have in Ramadan ... this stuff isn't even going to last a month. I think it’ll break probably by the second week of Ramadan." | Aya Batrawi |

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:16] Jesse Jackson tribute and legacy
• [01:08] US-Iran nuclear talks update
• [02:08] Winter Olympics — Scientific look at athleticism in skiing
• [03:07] DHS shutdown and political standoff
• [03:54] Robert Duvall remembered
• [04:05] Ramadan preparations in Cairo

Summary

In under five minutes, this episode honors civil rights icon Jesse Jackson and acting legend Robert Duvall, recaps cautious progress in US–Iran diplomacy, uncovers scientific accolades for cross country skiers, reports on federal shutdown ripple effects, and brings listeners to a lively Cairo market ahead of Ramadan. The tone remains factual, respectful, and at times warmly personal, providing a snapshot of key events shaping the news.