NPR News Now – 6AM EST, February 17, 2026

Host: Korva Coleman
Episode Theme: This NPR News Now episode covers breaking news on the passing of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, major diplomatic developments in Geneva, severe weather in California, a partial DHS shutdown, and the U.S. women’s ice hockey victory at the Olympics—all in a concise, five-minute package.

1. Passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson (00:18 – 01:18; revisited 04:36)

Main story:

• Civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson has died at 84, as confirmed by his family and the organization he founded, Rainbow Push Coalition.
• Jackson was renowned for bridging activism and politics, beginning as an aide to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and advocating for economic and political empowerment for Black Americans and other marginalized groups.
• He was a presidential candidate in 1984 and 1988, leaving a legacy of hope and inclusion.

Notable Moments:

• [00:44] Cheryl Corley (NPR):
  “Throughout his life, Jesse Jackson inspired and encouraged millions with his trademark chant, ‘I am Somebody.’ He made a mark as a young aide to civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr. He'd go on to push for a greater share of economic and political power for blacks and others with his Rainbow Push Coalition.”
• [01:09] Jesse Jackson (on his 75th birthday):
  “I endured as a long distance runner. I served and I never surrendered my spirit to the forces of negation.”
• [04:36] Korva Coleman reaffirms the day's top story:
  “And again, our top story, one of the country's most influential leaders, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, has died…”

2. Diplomatic Talks in Geneva – U.S., Russia/Ukraine, and Iran (01:19 – 02:25)

Key points:

• Two major sets of high-level discussions are set in Geneva:
  1. U.S. involvement in Russia-Ukraine talks.
  2. Indirect negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program.
• The U.S. seeks to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, demanding zero uranium enrichment.
• Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes but hints at willingness to compromise if sanctions are eased. Issues such as ballistic missiles and regional proxies remain unresolved sticking points.

Notable Quote:

• [01:40] Jackie Northam (NPR):
  “The indirect talks with Iran come as the US continues to build up forces in the Middle East. President Trump doesn't want Iran to possess nuclear weapons and so wants zero enrichment. Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for research and civilian uses, but Tehran has indicated it could be open to limiting its nuclear program if it means sanctions relief.”
• Addresses ongoing economic hardship in Iran and complicated geopolitical issues beyond nuclear enrichment.

3. California Storm and Weather Warnings (02:25 – 03:02)

Key points:

• A powerful storm is causing significant rainfall and urban flooding across Southern California.
• Winter storm warnings have been issued for multiple regions, including areas outside Los Angeles.

Notable Quote:

• [02:36] Brian Lewis (National Weather Service):
  “A pretty significant amount of rain in a short time in these urban areas can produce quite a bit of flooding… In Los Angeles county there a half an inch over 30 minutes here, it's pretty significant and can cause quite a bit of flooding.”

4. Partial DHS Shutdown and Congressional Impasse (03:02 – 03:52)

Key points:

• The Department of Homeland Security remains partially shut down due to Congress's failure to pass a funding bill.
• Lawmakers are out of town, and a key point of contention involves Democratic demands for changes in federal immigration agent operations, such as requiring agents to remove their masks—a point Republicans have not accepted.

5. U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Team Advances to Olympic Gold Medal Game (03:52 – 04:36)

Key points:

• The U.S. women’s ice hockey team defeated Sweden 5-0 to reach the Olympic gold medal game.
• The Americans have dominated the tournament, outscoring their opponents 31-1, including a 5-0 win over Canada, their upcoming opponent in the finals.

Notable Quotes:

• [03:52] Becky Sullivan (NPR):
  “It was a close game at first, but toward the end of the second period, the Americans blew it wide open with three goals in the span of four minutes.… Afterward, the Swedish coach said they would have needed plexiglass in front of their net to win the game.”
• [04:24] Taylor Heise (U.S. Forward) on the gold medal game:
  “Nothing matters. It’s the gold medal game. Everyone’s going to show up, and if they don’t, they’re not meant to be there.”

6. Recap / Top Story Reminder (04:36)

• Korva Coleman reiterates the day's headline: Reverend Jesse Jackson’s death and his legacy as a civil rights leader.

Tone and Language:
True to NPR, the reporting is clear, fact-driven, and compassionate, especially in coverage of Jesse Jackson’s passing. The episode maintains urgency and gravity on national developments while highlighting the human stories behind the headlines.

For more news updates, stay tuned to NPR News Now.