Morning Brief: Trans Gunman Kills Family, Iran Stalls For Time, & Trump Stays Neutral In Texas

Tragic new details emerge about Monday’s deadly shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink, the United States and Iran report progress in their nuclear talks in Geneva, and a critical Republican Senate primary in Texas gains nationwide attention.

It’s Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and this is the news you need to know to start your day. Today’s edition of the Morning Wire podcast can be heard below:

Trans Hockey Shooting

Tragic new details have emerged following Monday’s deadly shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink.

Friends and family had gathered for a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Shortly after the game started, a lone gunman who identified as transgender descended from the back row of the bleachers and opened fire, killing his ex-wife and his son, and injuring at least three others, including his father and mother-in-law — all three victims are in critical condition. A livestream from the game captured the shooting and showed the players drop their sticks as they realized what was unfolding, as panicked spectators also attempted to flee. Rather than running for safety, one heroic bystander instead rushed the shooter. The video shows him jumping on top of the gunman and bringing an end to the carnage. Police later praised that man, saying his actions “led to a swift end to this tragic event.” During the ensuing scuffle, the gunman ultimately took his own life.

Hours later, one of the gunman’s daughters spoke briefly with reporters and said her father had “mental health issues.”

Iran Talks

The United States and Iran held nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday, and both sides are reporting progress.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, the senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, joined Morning Wire to analyze the discussions. The American side has been “tight-lipped,” but Tehran has not hesitated to talk to the media after every round of negotiations. According to Taleblu, the Iranians have two main goals with their strategy: dilute Trump’s resolve to strike Iran, and dilute the protesters’ resolve to continue to resist the regime internally.

Meanwhile, the regime continues to crack down on internal dissent.

Trump’s Nonendorsement-Endorsement In Texas

The 2026 midterms are starting to heat up, with a critical Republican Senate primary in Texas getting nationwide attention.

President Trump said he backs all three of the Republican candidates in the heated race as early voting kicked off on Tuesday. On Air Force One on Monday night, the president declined to support any one above the others.

Attorney General Ken Paxton is backed by Turning Point Action, while incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is backed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. The race also includes Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX).