The Headlines – The Expanding Fallout From the Epstein Files, and Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

Podcast: The Headlines | Host: Tracy Mumford (The New York Times)
Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an incisive look at the day’s top global news, focusing on the political fallout from newly released Jeffrey Epstein files, the legacy and death of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, renewed tensions in US-Iran nuclear talks, a controversial US deportation policy, and innovations in Olympic sports broadcasting. Times journalists break down these stories, providing context, analysis, and memorable voices from the people at their center.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalating US-Iran Nuclear Tensions

[00:33 – 01:31]

• Nuclear talks between the US and Iran are resuming amidst military posturing from both sides.
  • US: President Trump threatens airstrikes if Iran doesn’t abandon its nuclear ambitions, sending what he calls an “armada” to the Middle East.
  • Iran: Responds with live military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling possible closure of this crucial oil shipping lane.
• Previous negotiations failed, resulting in US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites for the first time.
• Current talks include new US demands, including that Iran stop supporting regional militant groups, which Tehran refuses to negotiate.

Memorable Quote:

“I think they want to make a deal. I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal. They want to make a deal.”
— Analyst (00:54)

2. Third-Country Deportation Controversy

[01:32 – 03:34]

• Exclusive NYT reporting: The Trump administration secretly deported nine migrants to Cameroon, though none were from there.
  • Migrants described being “dropped in Cameroon like UPS packages.”
  • Many had active court orders blocking their deportation to home countries due to risks of war or persecution.
  • US has paid over $40 million to arrange similar “third country” deportation deals with other nations (e.g., El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea).
• Critics label the practice a “workaround” to court protections; a former ICE official called it "flatly illegal."
• Cameroon and State Department officials declined comment.

3. Remembering Jesse Jackson

[03:34 – 04:45]

• Jesse Jackson, pioneering civil rights figure, dies at 84.
  • Was in MLK Jr.’s inner circle, present at King’s assassination (1968).
  • First Black candidate to become a serious contender for US presidency (ran twice in the 1980s).
  • Famously rallied the marginalized with the slogan: “Keep hope alive.”
  • Remained an activist into his late 70s, arrested in 2021 protesting voting restrictions.
• Jackson’s legacy is complex: Praised as a talented, charismatic leader; criticized for seeking the spotlight and controversial comments about Barack Obama.
• Historians credit him for paving the way for Black political advancement in the US.

Memorable Quotes:

“My constituency is the desperate, the damned, the disinherited, the disrespected and the despised.”
— Jesse Jackson (03:34)
“We must never surrender. America will get better and better. Keep hope alive.”
— Jesse Jackson (04:14)
“You’re not going to get a Nobel Prize for what Jesse Jackson did, but it took a lot of talent, initiative, energy, imagination and charisma, and he had those in full supply.”
— Historian (04:36)

4. Global Fallout from the Epstein Files

[04:46 – 07:33]

• New files expose connections between Jeffrey Epstein and global elites:
  • Goldman Sachs: Top lawyer (ex-White House counsel) resigns after documents show close friendship with Epstein, gifts exchanged, and professional advice offered.
  • Norway: Ex-prime minister charged with corruption; properties searched over accusations of receiving gifts from Epstein.
  • Middle East: Logistics firm head resigns after communications referencing “a fresh 100% female Russian” for his yacht and praise for a “torture video.”
  • US: Thomas Pritzker (billionaire, Hyatt Hotels) resigns; helped Epstein’s girlfriend arrange travels.
  • Columbia University: Two dental school officials punished for admitting Epstein’s girlfriend after Epstein hinted at a donation ($200,000+ identified, now donated to abuse survivor charities).

Notable Quotes:

“[They] called Epstein ‘sweetie’ and ‘Uncle Jeffrey’ and advised him on how to respond to questions about his sex crimes”
— Host, on Goldman Sachs lawyer (04:56)
“Epstein wrote to him, ‘I loved the torture video.’”
— Host, on logistics executive (06:25)
“[Pritzker] responded with a smiley face emoji.”
— Host (06:40)

5. Drones Bring New Perspective to the Winter Olympics

[07:45 – end]

• Innovative sports coverage: Drones now buzz alongside skiers and speed skaters, offering first-person, up-close footage.
  • Pilots operate drones from tents at finish lines; athletes test coverage pre-competition and can opt out if distracted.
  • Spectators appreciate the detail drones bring to fast-paced events.

Memorable Moment:

“I think skeleton would be a bit boring without the drones.”
— Olympic spectator, on enhanced viewing experience (07:55)

Notable Quotes & Speaker Attribution

• Jesse Jackson on his mission:
  “My constituency is the desperate, the damned, the disinherited, the disrespected and the despised.” (03:34)

• Jesse Jackson’s rallying cry:
  “We must never surrender. America will get better and better. Keep hope alive.” (04:14)

• Analyst on US-Iran talks:
  “I think they want to make a deal. I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal. They want to make a deal.” (00:54)

• Host on migrant deportations:
  “They were dropped in Cameroon, quote, unquote, like UPS packages.” (02:06)

• Historian on Jackson’s impact:
  “[He] had talent, initiative, energy, imagination and charisma, and he had those in full supply.” (04:41)

• Olympics spectator:
  “I think skeleton would be a bit boring without the drones.” (07:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• US-Iran Nuclear Talks: 00:33 – 01:31
• Third-Country Deportations: 01:32 – 03:34
• Jesse Jackson Obituary & Legacy: 03:34 – 04:45
• Epstein Files Fallout: 04:46 – 07:33
• Olympic Drones Coverage: 07:45 – end

This episode balances urgent political developments, historical reflection, investigative reporting, and innovations in sports media, making it a concise yet rich daily briefing for listeners.