NPR News Now: 02-17-2026 9AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: February 17, 2026
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode covers the top headlines of the morning, with updates from international diplomacy efforts in Geneva, the passing of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, legal action regarding voter data in Georgia, an environmental shift in Mardi Gras bead traditions, and weather alerts across the western United States.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-Led Diplomacy on Iran and Ukraine Conflict

• Location: Geneva
• Participants: Steve Witkoff (Trump’s special envoy), Jared Kushner, Iranian officials, Ukrainian and Russian representatives
• Background: Third round of recent indirect talks on Iran's nuclear program followed by trilateral meetings about Russia's war in Ukraine.
• Stalemate: No significant breakthroughs on ending the Ukraine conflict. Past talks resulted in prisoner swaps, but "months of US efforts ... 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 US." (Charles Maynes, 00:41–01:21)
• US Position: There's ambiguity regarding what security guarantees the US is prepared to offer Ukraine.
• Memorable Moment: President Trump urged, "Ukraine better come to the table fast," putting the onus on Kyiv for concessions. (Charles Maynes, 01:15)

2. Death of Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson

• Announcement: Jesse Jackson passed away at age 84.
• Legacy:
  • Former aide to Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • Founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition
  • Led boycotts urging companies to hire more minorities
  • First African American to win major presidential primaries
  • Noted for both national and international activism
• Quote: "He also traveled widely to mediate or spotlight both national and international disputes." (Cheryl Corley, 01:42–02:05)

3. Voter Data Legal Battle in Georgia

• Context: The NAACP and allied groups are suing to limit how the federal government uses voter data seized in a federal raid at the Fulton County elections hub.
• Demands: The groups want the use limited to criminal investigations, a full inventory of seized materials, and identities of those accessing the data.
• Political Backdrop: Ongoing lawsuits for unredacted voter data and unfounded claims by President Trump regarding voter fraud.
• Quote: "The groups are asking the judge to bar any use beyond the stated criminal investigation, including using the data for election administration or immigration enforcement." (Christopher Alston, 02:28–03:08)

4. Partial DHS Shutdown

• Reason: Congress has not approved a funding bill; lawmakers are out of town.
• Disagreement: Democrats seek changes in immigration agent practices, such as removing masks. Republicans resist these demands. (03:08–03:27)

5. Mardi Gras Traditions and Environmental Efforts

• Place: New Orleans
• Change: Shift from plastic to glass Mardi Gras beads to reduce environmental harm.
• Profile: Francisca Troutman, Glass Half Full CEO and parade "queen," uses recycled glass beads for festivities.
• Quote: "My message is that we can keep our culture, have fun, and still make the world and the environment a better place." (Francisca Troutman, 04:11)
• Notable: Recycled glass is also being used to restore Louisiana's coastline.

6. Western Winter Weather Alerts

• Areas Affected: Northern Idaho, Montana (avalanche warnings), California, Nevada, Utah (heavy mountain snow)
• Advice: Public cautioned regarding dangerous winter conditions. (Korva Coleman, 04:33–04:53)

Notable Quotes & Segments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Notable Quote/Segment | |-----------|--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:41 | Charles Maynes | "Months of US efforts ... 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 US..." | | 01:15 | Charles Maynes quoting Trump | "Ukraine better come to the table fast." | | 01:42 | Cheryl Corley | "Jesse Jackson was an aide to Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1960s..." | | 02:05 | Cheryl Corley | "He also traveled widely to mediate or spotlight both national and international disputes." | | 02:28 | Christopher Alston | "The groups are asking the judge to bar any use beyond the stated criminal investigation, including using the data for election administration or immigration enforcement." | | 04:11 | Francisca Troutman | "My message is that we can keep our culture, have fun and still make the world and the environment a better place." |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• US Diplomacy / Ukraine Talks: 00:13–01:21
• Jesse Jackson’s Passing & Legacy: 01:21–02:05
• Georgia Voter Data Court Case: 02:05–03:08
• DHS Shutdown / Immigration Policy Dispute: 03:08–03:27
• Mardi Gras Recycling Efforts: 03:27–04:33
• Western US Winter Storms: 04:33–04:53

Summary compiled in original NPR reportorial tone for an informative, fast-paced news audience.