NPR News Now: February 17, 2026 – 5AM EST

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This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise, five-minute update on significant global and national news as of February 17, 2026. Key headlines include the passing of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, ongoing U.S.-Iran and Russia-Ukraine diplomatic efforts in Geneva, domestic effects of a U.S. government shutdown on airline security, a deadly shooting at a Rhode Island youth hockey game, and updates from the Winter Olympics in Italy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Passing of Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson

• Announcement of Death:

  • Jesse Jackson, prominent civil rights leader and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, passed away at age 84.
  • Source: Statement from his family and the Rainbow Push Coalition.
  • Legacy highlighted: Marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; White House runs in 1984 and 1988.
  • [00:15], [04:40]

  Quote:

  "Again, the Reverend Jesse Jackson has died." – Dave Mattingly [00:52], [04:40]

2. Geneva Diplomatic Talks: U.S.-Iran & Russia-Ukraine

• U.S. and Iran Indirect Talks:

  • President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are in Geneva.
  • Purpose: To press Iran to abandon its nuclear program.
  • Context: U.S. escalation in the Middle East—two carrier strike groups deployed; both U.S. and Iran report previous talks in Oman as "productive."
  • [00:39]

• Russia-Ukraine Peace Mediation:

  • Witkoff and Kushner also set to mediate Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
  • Background from NPR's Charles Maynes:
    • Third trilateral meeting in recent weeks.
    • Some progress: Goodwill gestures like prisoner swaps.
    • Sticking points: Russia’s "maximalist demands" on Ukrainian territory (including land outside its control); Ukraine insists on strong U.S. security guarantees.
    • U.S. protection details still unclear; Kremlin stance uncertain.
    • President Trump has publicly pressured Kyiv to "come to the table fast."
  • [01:23]

  Quote:

  "Months of U.S. efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict have bogged down over Russian maximalist demands on Ukrainian territory, including land not controlled by Russian forces, as well as Ukraine's desire for ironclad security guarantees from the U.S. should it sign onto a peace deal." – Charles Maynes [01:35]

  "President Trump suggested the onus was on Kyiv to make concessions, saying Ukraine better come to the table fast." – Charles Maynes [01:55]

3. U.S. Government Shutdown and Effects on Air Travel

• TSA Staff Unpaid:

  • Partial federal government shutdown impacts airport security; TSA agents working without pay.
  • This follows a record 43-day shutdown last fall.
  • Potential outcomes: TSA worker absenteeism, secondary jobs, increased passenger delays.
  • American Federation of Government Employees (TSA's union) has not commented.
  • [02:03], [02:21]

  Quote:

  "What we saw in the past was you’ll get an increase in number of people who are calling out sick; people will have to pick up second jobs in order to, you know, pay their bills." – Tom Smith, Emory University economist [02:34]

  "Smith says that could lead to delays and major inconveniences for passengers." – Marlon Hyde [02:45]

• Congress In Recess:

  • Funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed.
  • House and Senate are currently on break, compounding the standoff.
  • [03:03]

4. Deadly Shooting at Rhode Island Youth Hockey Game

• Incident Overview:
  • Shooting occurred at a youth ice hockey event in Pawtucket.
  • Two fatalities, three critically injured.
  • Police report: Perpetrator appears to have died by self-inflicted gunshot; incident described as targeted.
  • [03:03]

5. Winter Olympics in Italy: U.S. Women’s Hockey & Bobsled Triumphs

• Women’s Ice Hockey:

  • U.S. defeats Sweden 5–0 in the Olympic semifinal; faces Canada for gold.
  • [03:44]

• Women's Bobsled:

  • Coverage by Brian Mann [03:56]:
    • Elana Myers Taylor claims gold in monobob, beating a German competitor by .04 seconds.
    • Myers Taylor now holds the most Winter Games medals for any Black athlete (gold, three silvers, and a bronze).
    • Kaylee Humphries slides clean for bronze; both set to race again in two-woman bobsled events.

  Quote:

  "Myers Taylor came from behind to edge out a German sledder by 4/100 of a second, capturing gold. Myers Taylor has the most medals of any black athletes in the Winter Games with gold, three silver and a bronze." – Brian Mann [04:14]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "There's word this morning that civil rights icon and two time Democratic presidential candidate Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84." – Dave Mattingly [00:15]
• "Months of U.S. efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict have bogged down over Russian maximalist demands on Ukrainian territory..." – Charles Maynes [01:35]
• "It has only been a few months since the record 43-day shutdown last fall, and now TSA employees must work without a paycheck again." – Marlon Hyde [02:21]
• "Myers Taylor came from behind to edge out a German sledder by 4/100 of a second, capturing gold." – Brian Mann [04:14]

Important Timestamps

• 00:15 – Breaking news: Jesse Jackson’s passing
• 00:39 – U.S.–Iran talks; diplomatic updates
• 01:23 – Russia–Ukraine peace talks context and hurdles
• 02:03/02:21 – U.S. government shutdown's effect on TSA agents
• 03:03 – Youth hockey shooting in Pawtucket
• 03:44 – U.S. women’s hockey Olympic win
• 03:56 – U.S. women’s bobsled victories
• 04:40/04:54 – Recap and close

Episode Tone and Language

This episode maintains NPR’s hallmark sober, informative, and neutral tone, prioritizing clarity and direct reporting. Quotes preserve the professionalism and straightforward language of all contributors.

For listeners who missed the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive rundown of the morning's top headlines, international diplomacy efforts, domestic transportation challenges, a tragic local story, and U.S. highlights at the Winter Olympics.