NPR News Now: February 17, 2026, 1PM EST

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise update on major national and international news stories, covering the death of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown's impact on FEMA, diplomatic efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, developments with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, media and election law disputes, and changes in broadcast journalism.

Key Stories and Insights

1. Passing of Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson

• [00:00-01:19]
• The episode opens with the announcement of Reverend Jesse Jackson’s passing at age 84.
• Cheryl Corley reflects on Jackson’s legacy as a bridge between activism and politics.
• Jackson’s iconic “I am Somebody” chant and his influence as a young aide to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as his leadership in the Rainbow Push Coalition, are highlighted.
• Jackson’s historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 are recalled.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jesse Jackson (reflected, via Greg Myhre): “I endured as a long-distance runner. I served and I never surrendered my spirit to the forces of negation.” [01:08]

2. DHS Shutdown: Impact on FEMA and Disaster Response

• [01:19-02:12]
• The shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is causing significant operational challenges for FEMA, which falls under DHS jurisdiction.
• Rebecca Hersher notes FEMA can still handle immediate disaster response with existing funds but warns of further delays for communities awaiting reimbursement, particularly from recent wildfires and floods.
• Background context:
  • Delays are not entirely new; the Trump administration has previously withheld disaster-related grants and is moving to significantly reduce FEMA’s workforce.

3. U.S. Envoys in Geneva: Russia-Ukraine Diplomatic Talks

• [02:12-02:58]
• President Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are in Geneva for diplomatic discussions aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which enters its fourth year next week.
• Greg Myhre explains that:
  • Both parties are now engaged in direct dialogue, a notable development, but substantial progress on peace remains elusive.
  • The U.S. position continues to pressure Ukraine for concessions, while Ukrainian President Zelensky asserts Russian negotiation is not serious.
  • Progress has only been made on limited issues like prisoner swaps; broader peace remains stalled.
• Notable Quote:
  • Greg Myhre: “There’s no sense that a deal is close. Trump is still leaning much more heavily on Ukrainians to make concessions, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says the Russians aren’t serious about peace.” [02:38]

4. White House Peace Board and Gaza

• [02:58-03:04]
• President Trump is set to host the new International Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., with a focus on Gaza.

5. ICE, Deportation, and a Legal Ruling

• [03:04-04:12]
• A federal judge has barred ICE from detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador last year.
• The Trump administration was found in error, and the judge ruled Garcia cannot be redetained due to a lapsed detention period.
• Garcia is fighting deportation to a country where he’s essentially a stranger.

6. Election Law, Media, and the “Equal Time” Rule

• [04:12-04:47]
• CBS blocked Stephen Colbert from interviewing a Democratic Senate candidate, citing uncertainty over FCC enforcement of the “equal time” rule amidst possible regulatory changes.
• David Folkenflick explains:
  • FCC Chair Brendan Carr may revoke an exemption for late night shows, arguing they are now partisan.
  • This change could have wide implications for talk shows and election coverage.
• Notable Quote:
  • David Folkenflick: “CBS wouldn’t even let [Colbert] show a picture of [Democratic candidate James] Talarico.” [04:40]
• A side note: Anderson Cooper is leaving CBS’s 60 Minutes to focus on his family.

7. Market Update

• [04:47-04:54]
• The Dow is down 35 points, S&P off by 9, and Nasdaq by 52.

Notable Quotes

| Time | Speaker | Quote | |----------|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:08 | Jesse Jackson | “I endured as a long-distance runner. I served and I never surrendered my spirit to the forces of negation.” | | 02:38 | Greg Myhre | “There’s no sense that a deal is close. Trump is still leaning much more heavily on Ukrainians to make concessions, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says the Russians aren’t serious about peace.” | | 04:40 | David Folkenflick | “CBS wouldn’t even let [Colbert] show a picture of [Democratic candidate James] Talarico.” |

Memorable Moments

• Reflection on Jesse Jackson’s life and enduring influence in American activism and politics.
• The continued gridlock and humanitarian fallout from the DHS shutdown.
• High-stakes diplomatic maneuvers with signs of stagnation on the Russia-Ukraine front.
• A legal victory for immigrant rights amid harsh deportation practices.
• The growing intersection of politics, media, and shifting regulations, as seen in the CBS/Colbert story.

Useful Timestamps

• 00:00-01:19: Jesse Jackson’s legacy and passing
• 01:19-02:12: FEMA’s crisis in the wake of the DHS shutdown
• 02:12-02:58: Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Geneva
• 03:04-04:12: Federal judge blocks ICE from redetaining Garcia; Colbert and FCC “equal time” dispute
• 04:47-04:54: Stock market update

This episode delivers a brisk yet rich cross-section of current events, blending tributes, policy news, international affairs, legal decisions, and media commentary in a tone that is sober, fact-driven, and attentive to the complexity behind the day’s headlines.