NPR News Now – 02-17-2026 3PM EST
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Date: February 17, 2026
Episode Overview
This concise news update covers major U.S. and international headlines, including the passing of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, U.S. military actions against alleged narco-terrorists, developments in a high-profile Georgia school shooting trial, heightened military activity in the Strait of Hormuz, new evidence in a headline-grabbing kidnapping case, and the remembrance of literary interviewer Michael Silverblatt. The episode also provides a look at global Lunar New Year celebrations and a quick stock market update.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Passing of Jesse Jackson
00:18–00:59
- Civil rights leader and presidential candidate Jesse Jackson dies at 84
- Praised for pioneering grassroots campaigning that united diverse groups
- Eddie Glaw, Jr. (Princeton University) highlights Jackson’s cross-racial organizing:
"Jackson was organizing coal miners in West Virginia moving through Appalachia, not just simply black folk in South Carolina and the like. And it was just this extraordinary, shall we say, grassroots progressive effort that, that predates Bernie Sanders and the like." — Eddie Glaw, Jr. (00:40)
- Jackson’s action recognized as a forerunner to modern progressive movements
2. U.S. Military Lethal Boat Strikes
00:59–02:00
- Three new U.S. military strikes targeting alleged narco-terrorists
- US Southern Command claims 11 killed in recent operations
- Boats were identified via military intelligence as being engaged in narco trafficking
- Total now at at least 144 killed in 42 strikes; legal experts question the legality of these operations
- No evidence or intelligence released to the public
- Quote:
"Southcom says intelligence confirmed that the boats struck were transiting no narco traffic routes and were engaged in narco trafficking operations. The military did not provide its intelligence or evidence." — Carrie Conn (01:15)
- "No U.S. forces were harmed."
- Reported by Carrie Conn from Rio de Janeiro
3. Appalachia High School Shooting Trial Developments
02:00–02:56
- Testimony continues at the trial of Colin Gray
- Accused of supplying rifle used in the 2024 Appalachia High School shooting (Georgia)
- Witnesses included injured students and health care workers
- Emotional testimony from Natalie Griffith, a freshman wounded in the shooting:
"Once I registered that it was blood, my brain kind of blocked it out, okay? And I just, I knew what it was. It was a hole." — Natalie Griffith (02:33)
- Griffith suffered permanent nerve damage and lost finger function
- Prosecutors argue Colin Gray was criminally negligent, ignoring warning signs
- Reported by Chase McGee, Georgia Public Broadcasting
4. Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid Military Drills
02:56–03:15
- Iran temporarily shuts the Strait of Hormuz during military exercises
- Occurs against backdrop of indirect nuclear negotiations with the U.S.
- Significance: Approx. 20% of global oil passes through the strait
5. New Evidence in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case
03:15–03:49
- FBI finds gloves with DNA near Savannah Guthrie's mother’s home
- Gloves match those worn by a masked individual on doorbell camera footage
- Found about two miles from the site of the Arizona kidnapping
- Investigators focus on lab DNA analysis
6. Remembering Literary Advocate Michael Silverblatt
03:49–04:32
- Literary world mourns Michael Silverblatt, host of ‘Bookworm’
- Celebrated for deep, insightful author interviews over a 30-year radio career
- Renowned for his commitment to thoughtful, serious literary conversation
- Notable fact: Silverblatt maintained two apartments—one for living, one for his extensive book collection
- Memorable moment:
"And I wondered if you could talk about the ways in which these books combat silence. Well, that's an interesting way to put it." — Michael Silverblatt in a Toni Morrison interview (04:02)
- Reported by Andrew Limbaugh
7. Global Celebrations for Lunar New Year
04:32–04:56
- Year of the Horse celebrated worldwide, especially in Hong Kong
- Marked by parades, street festivals, temple visits
8. Financial Market Update
Throughout, specifically at 02:56 and 04:32
- Stocks trading higher
- Dow up 110 points
- S&P up 22
- Nasdaq up 103
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- "Jackson was organizing coal miners in West Virginia... and it was just this extraordinary... grassroots progressive effort that, that predates Bernie Sanders and the like."
— Eddie Glaw, Jr. (00:40) - "Once I registered that it was blood, my brain kind of blocked it out, okay? And I just, I knew what it was. It was a hole."
— Natalie Griffith (02:33) - "And I wondered if you could talk about the ways in which these books combat silence. Well, that's an interesting way to put it."
— Michael Silverblatt and Toni Morrison (04:02)
Notable Segment Timestamps
- 00:18: Jesse Jackson’s legacy remembered
- 00:59: U.S. military strikes in narco-trafficking operations
- 02:14: Appalachia High School shooting trial witness testimony
- 02:56: Iran closes Strait of Hormuz during drills, Wall Street update
- 03:15: Breakthrough in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation
- 03:49: Obituary and legacy of Michael Silverblatt
- 04:32: Lunar New Year celebrations, further stock market update
This episode delivers a tightly packed, diverse news roundup with impactful reporting, personal testimonies, and tributes that highlight both immediate events and broader cultural legacies.