Up First from NPR: US-Iran Talks, Texas ICE Shooting Trial, China AI Race

Date: February 17, 2026
Hosts: Steve Inskeep, Leila Fadel
Notable Reporter Contributions: Jackie Northam, Penelope Rivera, Cheryl Corley

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on three pressing news topics:

1. The resumption of US-Iran nuclear negotiations and related Middle East tensions.
2. The Texas trial for nine defendants involved in a protest-turned-shooting outside an ICE detention center, raising significant questions on domestic terrorism charges.
3. The death and legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson.

1. US-Iran Talks in Geneva

Main Discussion Points

• The US and Iran meet for nuclear negotiations in Geneva, marking their second direct engagement in weeks, with broader issues also on the table.
  • Key US aim: prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, seeking “zero enrichment.”
  • Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium for research and civilian uses.
  • Other contentious topics: Iran's ballistic missiles, proxy activities, and highly enriched uranium stockpile.
• US military posturing, including the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the region, underscores the stakes.
• The involvement of high-profile negotiators: Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner (US) and Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi (Iran). President Trump claims indirect involvement.

Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s a good sign that both sides are still open to negotiations.”
  — Jackie Northam, International Affairs Correspondent (03:04)
• “The Islamic Republic needs sanctions relief. The country just saw massive protests … precipitated by collapsing currency and high inflation.”
  — Sanam Vakil, Chatham House, via Northam (04:18)
• “Trump recently said regime change in Iran would be, quote, 'the best that could happen.'”
  — Jackie Northam (04:38)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:27] — Introduction to US-Iran negotiations
• [03:04] — Jackie Northam outlines scope and stakes
• [04:18] — Sanam Vakil on Iran’s weak bargaining position
• [05:08] — Parallel US diplomatic efforts on Ukraine

2. Texas ICE Shooting Trial

Main Discussion Points

• Nine people face federal trial in Texas tied to a July 4th shooting outside the Prairieland ICE Detention Center.
  • Protesters intended a “noise demonstration” with fireworks, but events escalated: graffiti, then shots fired from nearby woods, injuring a police officer.
  • 19 total charged, with charges including “providing material support to terrorists” (first use against a supposed Antifa cell); one person faces attempted murder of a federal officer.
• The Trump administration’s designation of Antifa as a “domestic terrorist organization” is unprecedented and controversial.
• The case tests the limits of federal authority to prosecute domestic terror—no specific federal statute currently exists.

Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I think we see the blueprint … the administration is going to great lengths to paint a picture of any far left perceived violence as being antifa oriented.”
  — Jason Blazakis, Center on Terrorism, Extremism and Counterterrorism (07:46)
• “This whole narrative that the government wants to spin about a preplanned ambush, that’s ridiculous. That’s a suicide mission, right? I have a family, I have friends…”
  — Megan Morris, defendant (08:31)
• “If the government succeeds in getting these individuals convicted, it could have nationwide implications for how alleged left wing movements are prosecuted.”
  — Penelope Rivera (09:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [05:49] — Setup of the Texas protest and shooting
• [07:10] — Unique federal charges explained
• [08:09] — Defendants’ perspective, Megan Morris speaks out

3. The Death and Legacy of Jesse Jackson

Main Discussion Points

• Civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson has died at 84 after battling a rare brain disorder, progressive supranuclear palsy.
• Lifelong activism from the 1960s lunch counter sit-ins to Shadowing Martin Luther King, leadership in SCLC, and founding Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition.
• Ran for president in 1984 and 1988, energizing millions and breaking barriers for African American candidates.
• Jackson’s “keep hope alive” message resonated from political conventions to communities nationwide.

Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He really crisscrossed the country pushing for a greater share of political and economic power for African Americans and the poor.”
  — Cheryl Corley, NPR Reporter (11:13)
• “Our time has come. All the way from the State House, to the courthouse, to the White House, our time has come.”
  — Jesse Jackson, 1988 campaign (12:14)
• “America will get better and better... Keep hope alive.”
  — Jesse Jackson (13:01)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [09:34] — Announcement of Jackson's death
• [10:15] — Cheryl Corley outlines Jackson’s life and activism
• [12:14] — Jackson’s campaign speech highlights
• [13:01] — Iconic "keep hope alive" line

Notable Quotes Recap

• On US-Iran Talks:
  “It’s a good sign that both sides are still open to negotiations.” — Jackie Northam (03:04)

• On Domestic Terrorism Charges:
  “The administration is going to act as a contortionist to try to paint a picture of any far left perceived violence as being antifa oriented.” — Jason Blazakis (07:46)

• On Jesse Jackson’s Legacy:
  “He really crisscrossed the country pushing for a greater share of political and economic power for African Americans and the poor.” — Cheryl Corley (11:13)
  “Keep hope alive.” — Jesse Jackson (13:09)

Summary Flow

This episode of Up First provides a crisp, multi-perspective update on three major national and international stories. The tense US-Iran negotiations highlight the persistence and complexity of nuclear diplomacy amid military posturing and internal Iranian turmoil. The Texas ICE protest trial reveals new legal frontiers in prosecuting domestic terrorism, raising serious questions about civil liberties and political labeling. The passing of Jesse Jackson invites reflection on decades of civil rights struggle and historic candidacies that shaped generations. Through expert reporting and direct soundbites, the episode brings listeners up to speed on the most pressing issues shaping the morning’s headlines.