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Trump Tariffs Causing Price Increases?; Officials Wait For DNA Results in Nancy Guthrie Case; Remembering Jesse Jackson. Aired 1- 1:30p ET

Aired February 17, 2026 - 13:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

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BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN HOST: Loss of a legend. Jesse Jackson, a trailblazing figure in the American civil rights and politics, has died at age 84. And we're going to take a closer look at his life and legacy.

BORIS SANCHEZ, CNN HOST: Plus: examining the evidence. DNA test results on a glove found near Nancy Guthrie's home could come at any moment, all while Nancy's family is officially cleared in her disappearance.

And from your pantry to your closet, get ready to pay more. We will tell you which companies are warning of price hikes, in large part because of President Trump's tariffs.

We're following these major developing stories and many more all coming in right here to CNN NEWS CENTRAL.

KEILAR: Tributes are pouring in for the Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering force in the civil rights movement, Baptist minister and two- time candidate for president. He passed away today at age 84 surrounded by those he loved most.

His family writing in part: "Our father was a servant leader, not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless and the overlooked around the world."

Reverend Jackson was a protege of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and stood on the front lines of history, marching, organizing and demanding that America live up to its promise. He pushed corporate boardrooms to open their doors. He gave voice to the marginalized and helped reshape the Democratic Party and the national conversation for a generation.

CNN's Arlette Saenz is joining us.

And, Arlette, President and Mrs. Obama just put out a statement. What are they saying?

ARLETTE SAENZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, the tributes have really been pouring in all morning.

And, most recently, we have heard from President Barack Obama, who said that he and his wife, Michelle, are mourning the passing of a true giant, the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

They wrote -- quote -- "For more than 60 years, Reverend Jackson helped lead some of the most significant movements for change in human history, from organizing boycotts and sit-ins, to registering millions of voters, to advocating for freedom and democracy around the world. He was relentless in his belief that we are all children of God, deserving of dignity and respect."

The Obamas said: "Reverend Jackson also created opportunities for generations of African-Americans and inspired countless more, including us. Michelle got her first glimpse of political organizing at the Jacksons' kitchen table when she was a teenager. And in his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office."

They went on to say that they are grateful for his service and their friendship to the families. "We stood on his shoulders. We send our deepest condolences to the Jackson family and everyone who loved him."

And it's really important to talk about the impact that Jesse Jackson not just had on Democratic politics, but the fact that he really paved the way for someone like President Barack Obama to be able to run and take office. You see that reference in this statement here, saying that "He laid the foundation for my own campaign."

And many people remember this really famous moment that we're seeing right here back in 2008 in Grant Park in Chicago, when you see a very emotional Jesse Jackson Jr. watching Barack Obama after he had been elected the nation's first black president. This was really a dream realized for Jesse Jackson, but also following his work with Martin Luther King Jr.

This was something that they had both hoped would happen someday. We also today have heard from Vice -- former Vice President Kamala Harris, who said -- quote -- "Reverend Jackson gave a voice to people who were removed from power and politics. He let us know our voices mattered. He instilled in us that we were somebody and he widened the path for generations to follow in his footsteps and lead."

So, a lot of impact Jesse Jackson has had on Democratic politicians, but hearing from both President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris is quite notable.

KEILAR: Yes, and so interesting to hear that vignette from Mrs. Obama. I really find that interesting.

Jesse Jackson Jr. spoke to CNN a short time ago. What's the message from the family today?

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SAENZ: Well, really, they are in mourning, but they also want Jesse Jackson to be remembered for his authenticity and his advocacy. Here's what his son Jesse Jackson Jr. had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JESSE JACKSON JR., SON OF CIVIL RIGHTS ICON JESSE JACKSON: His legacy was that Jesse Jackson was authentic. And he called us to an authenticity, not to a politic, not even to a political party. He called us to our authentic selves. And I hope that people will see the genuineness in who Jesse Jackson -- it's hard for me to say it, because my -- my father is now -- is now a was and not an is.

But -- but -- but he gave it -- he gave it his all.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SAENZ: So, a very emotional moment there from his son Jesse Jackson Jr., who himself had pursued politics and continues to do that.

But really they're hoping that people will remember the inspiration that his father had for so many and hoping that they will be able to carry this tradition going forward.

KEILAR: Yes, thank you for sharing those tributes, Arlette. Thank you for the reporting -- Boris.

SANCHEZ: Now to the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today Show" host Savannah Guthrie.

The sheriff leading the case tells CNN that he is hopeful that, by the end of the day, he could have the final DNA results from a glove found near Guthrie's home. The FBI has said the glove appears to match the ones worn by the suspect seen on Guthrie's doorbell camera.

CNN's Josh Campbell is with us now with the latest.

So, Josh, officials would not share the results of these DNA tests with the public right away, but we may anticipate perhaps some movement in the case nevertheless.

JOSH CAMPBELL, CNN SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: That's right.

There could be movement, but, as you note, it's important to point out that that might not be publicized. And I can tell you from experience that if indeed authorities actually determine the suspected identity of the person they believe was responsible for Guthrie's abduction, their first step wouldn't be to publicize that.

It would be to quietly try to find that individual. And so we'd imagine that would be happening behind the scenes. As you said there, the DNA processing on that glove is now under way to determine whether it is -- matches to a known or suspected criminal or someone else that authorities might know about, again, a very meticulous process.

It requires a lot of work, sometimes requires a lot of time as well. But it is important to note that there are a lot of other options that authorities are also -- would be endeavoring, and that includes looking at some of the genetic DNA sites that are out there to see if this DNA is similar to anyone else who has maybe taken part in some of these lineage matching research programs.

So they're trying to find out who the suspect is. I can tell you that the sheriff came out and said who the suspect is not. He has just ruled out members of the Guthrie family, saying that they have been nothing cooperative.

We're learning how that clearance was actually done, the sheriff telling "People" magazine that the investigators looked at the phones and the computers of the family members. He said that they were also interviewed by investigators.

And, finally, it's important to point out, Boris, that the sheriff has described this not as some type of adversarial process, but he said that they have been nothing but cooperative. And, of course, in any investigation, it is standard practice to look at those most closely associated with the potential victim.

But, to date, there's been no evidence suggesting any wrongdoing on the part of the Guthrie family.

SANCHEZ: Josh, we also learned today that Walmart is now helping investigators out in part, because this backpack that was seen on the surveillance footage is exclusively sold at the retailer. So how do investigators then go about working with Walmart to figure out where this was purchased or who may have purchased it?

CAMPBELL: Yes, every item that person had on him in that doorbell camera video has been scrutinized, to include this backpack that they have now identified the brand. They have identified the general point of sale where this would have happened, which would have been a Walmart.

But, obviously, this is a mega corporation. And so there's a lot of work there that they will have to do to try to look through transactional records to determine when this type of item may have been sold and where. Again, this is not a panacea.

This is an important investigative step. But there's always a possibility that maybe the suspect attained that through a secondhand store or some other way, where there was no actual financial transaction and purchase.

Nevertheless, they -- that is happening now behind the scenes. And I will point out that has been successful in the past, where authorities have identified a specific product and brand. They talked to employees that may have sold that to the individual, pulled CCTV camera, all in attempt to gather more clues.

SANCHEZ: Yes. And, at a moment like this, every clue matters.

CAMPBELL: Yes.

SANCHEZ: Josh Campbell, thank you so much for that update.

CAMPBELL: Of course. SANCHEZ: Those who have seen anything suspicious or perhaps know anything about the potential whereabouts of Nancy Guthrie are asked to call one of the two numbers on your screen. You can reach the Pima County Sheriff's Office or call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Still to come: Multiple students are taking the stand in Georgia, where a father is on trial for his son's deadly school shooting. Hear what one girl says she screamed at the gunman after he shot her.

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Plus, Stephen Colbert calling out his own network after his interview with a Democrat is abruptly pulled from air. We have behind-the-scenes details.

And, later, we're live at the Olympics, where Team USA has another chance to win gold in figure skating -- that and much more coming your way next.

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SANCHEZ: We're watching just a gut-wrenching day of testimony in a Georgia courtroom today, as students describe being shot at school. They're now testifying in the trial of Colin Gray, whose son Colt is charged in the attack and, according to investigators, admitted to having opened fire.

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Four people were killed at Apalachee High School in September 2024. Nine others were injured, including some of the witnesses we're hearing from today. Prosecutors allege that Colin bought his son a rifle despite being warned that the teen could harm people.

Now, this morning, one Apalachee student whose face were concealing recounted the moments after she and another girl were shot.

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NAUTICA WALTON, SHOOTING SURVIVOR: I remember her blood was, like, getting on the side of me, because I was like -- I was, like, laying on the side of her.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And take your time, Nautica.

WALTON: I remember my teacher telling me to stay awake, because I was really, really tired. And I couldn't keep my body up. I remember Natalie laying on the floor, saying that she was hit and crying with a big puddle of blood.

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SANCHEZ: CNN's Jean Casarez has been following this story.

Jean, walk us through more of that testimony. JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, just student after student has

taken the stand today. They were injured. They were shot, but they survived.

And they have been recounting their story. And the reason for this is that there are 20 counts of child cruelty. They're felonies. And these children are brave enough to do this. Just minutes ago, one -- and they were 14 and 15 at the time, but one who was 14 years old at the time, she just testified that she went down to the ground.

She realized she was shot. There was yelling and screaming in her classroom. And there was so much blood. She called her mother and she said: "I don't think I'm going to make it. I think I'm going to die."

A 14-year-old at the time young man just testified that he actually wrote to his parents after he was shot laying on the floor in that classroom: "There's a school shooting. If I don't make it, I love you."

Now, yesterday, the sheriff had testified that there was a 14-, 15- year-old student that actually was shot and she was very severely wounded. And he was helping get her on the gurney and there was a white sheet. And she said: "Do not put that sheet over my face. I am not going to die."

She took the stand today and she testified herself. Listen.

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NATALIE GRIFFITH, SHOOTING SURVIVOR: I was also worried that I was going to die and how that would affect my parents.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK.

GRIFFITH: Because my dad has a heart problem.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK. Did they put any sort of, like -- what did they do to treat you there at the school?

GRIFFITH: They put a tourniquet on me. I know they gave me pain medicine. They talked to me. The paramedic that was with me, they talked to me and was the one that helped me and helped distract me.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK.

How did you leave the school?

GRIFFITH: By an ambulance.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK. As you were leaving the school, did you see anything?

GRIFFITH: Leaving the school, not the building?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: As you're being taken out of the building.

GRIFFITH: Taken out of the building.

Yes, I saw Colt Gray. He was with -- he was on the floor with his hands behind his back.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Had you ever seen him before?

GRIFFITH: No.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK. Did you know who he was?

GRIFFITH: No.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK.

GRIFFITH: I remember thinking...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What did you think when you saw him?

GRIFFITH: I saw red. I was very mad. I hadn't even processed it was a kid. When I thought about who would do this, I was thinking maybe an angry parent, some kind of alumni that was -- as well that had a bad experience at the high school, terrorist attacks, anything.

I did not think another student that had no reason to be in my school with a gun.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did you say anything to him when you passed him?

GRIFFITH: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What did you say to him?

GRIFFITH: Am I allowed to say that in...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, ma'am.

GRIFFITH: "You (EXPLETIVE DELETED) asshole. I swear I'm" -- I'm pretty sure I said: "I swear I'm going to (EXPLETIVE DELETED) kill you."

I said a lot of curse words. And I was very angry, especially at the time, because I thought that they were going to amputate my hand -- because of my hand.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You were upset. OK.

GRIFFITH: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So they take you outside? And...

GRIFFITH: And I remember yelling at him that we were kids.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK.

GRIFFITH: Because we were kids.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CASAREZ: And the prosecutor has told the court there will be 11 additional students who were wounded that will testify this afternoon and in addition to teachers -- Boris.

SANCHEZ: Wow.

Jean Casarez, thank you so much for that update.

You can catch Jean and more of this trial on CNN All Access by scanning the Q.R. code you see on the right of your screen.

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Up next: Several companies say they are raising prices this year, partly because of President Trump's tariffs. We're going to tell you which ones.

And a live update from Geneva, Switzerland, where the U.S. and Iran have just wrapped up their latest round of nuclear talks.

The latest when we come back.

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KEILAR: A new warning today: Several major companies say they will be raising prices this year because of, in part, higher tariffs. The price hikes will hit your budget from what you eat to what you wear.

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CNN's Matt Egan is with us now with details on this -- Matt.

MATT EGAN, CNN SENIOR REPORTER: Yes, Boris and Brianna, some companies are still raising their prices, and for a variety of reasons. Some of them are citing higher health care costs. others are citing higher labor costs. And others, of course, are blaming the president's historically high tariffs.

Now, let me just give you a few examples. The spice company McCormick, they say they're facing a $50 million increase in costs linked to tariffs. And so they're taking what they have described as -- quote -- "surgical price actions."

Levi's, the jeans company, because of tariffs, they're also raising the prices on some of their men's jeans by $5 a pair, women's jeans in some cases by $10 a pair. Columbia Sportswear also raising prices because of higher tariffs.

And it's not just corporations, some small businesses as well raising prices for similar reasons. A recent survey found that 54 percent of small businesses plan to raise prices over the coming months, 42 percent plan to keep prices the same, and just 3 percent, this small sliver in the pie chart, they plan to lower their prices.

Now, some of this feels like typical start-of-the-year-type moves that companies take as they evaluate their prices. But some of this seems to be more aggressive. "The Wall Street Journal" spoke to a construction company in Cincinnati that plans to raise their prices by 10 percent to 15 percent because of higher health care costs and because of the president's tariffs on steel imports.

And Adobe has found that online prices are also rising rapidly, a 4 percent increase between December and January. That's the most since Adobe started tracking about a dozen years ago. There's also some research out over who exactly is paying for the president's tariffs, right? He's argued that it's really the foreign exporters.

But the New York Fed found that last year foreign exporters only paid for about 10 percent of the U.S. tariffs by cutting their prices. The vast majority, 90 percent, were paid by U.S. firms and by consumers. And there's even some evidence that some of the importers that are based in the United States that are facing these higher tariff costs, they're running into some resistance as they try to pass along the cost to consumers.

Some of those companies raised prices last year, but that destroyed demand, and now they have been forced to unwind those price hikes by lowering prices once again. And so I do think that this helps explain why economists are divided over what's going to happen next with inflation, because a lot of companies, they're still trying to sort out exactly what to do about tariffs and exactly how much they can pass along to all of us as consumers -- back to you guys.

KEILAR: Matt Egan, thank you so much.

And, next, we remember the life and legacy of civil rights icon and activist the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

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