Rev. Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 84; World Remembers His Legacy – 2/18/2026, 8:29:25 AM

Based on the latest news broadcasts, here are the major stories:

United States

An 18-year-old man was arrested after running toward the Capitol building while wearing a tactical vest and carrying a loaded shotgun; Capitol Police apprehended him without incident[1]. DNA evidence from gloves found two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home did not match any samples in the FBI’s national database or DNA recovered from her house, leaving the investigation into her abduction ongoing[1].

A severe winter storm in Colorado triggered a deadly pileup involving over 30 vehicles, including six tractor trailers, with multiple fatalities and more than two dozen injuries[1]. A school teacher was killed in Savannah, Georgia, when a driver allegedly fleeing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) caused a crash; the driver was in the country illegally with a removal order[1].

International

Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights legend and two-time presidential candidate, died at age 84 (some sources report 85)[1][3]. Born in 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina, he rose to prominence in the 1960s as a civil rights leader[3].

The US is engaged in high-stakes diplomatic talks in Geneva on two fronts: indirect nuclear talks with Iran led by Special Envoy Steve Wickoff and Jared Kushner, and meetings with Russian and Ukrainian officials[1]. Vice President JD Vance indicated some progress was made, though Iran obtaining nuclear weapons remains a red line for the US, and key differences persist over disputed Ukrainian territory[1].

Nicosia (Cyprus) was named the best cultural destination in Europe for 2026, recognized for its vibrant artistic scene and high-quality cultural events[3].