Podcast Summary: Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

Episode: The O'Reilly Update, February 19, 2026

Date: February 19, 2026
Host: Bill O'Reilly | News Segment: Mike Slater

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode focuses on current national and international news headlines, a deep dive into U.S.-Canada relations as shaped by politics and the Olympic rivalry, listener questions regarding immigration, and historical context around anti-smoking campaigns. Bill O’Reilly maintains his characteristic “no spin” approach, providing analysis, commentary, and practical information for listeners.

Key Segments and Insights

1. News Headlines of the Day

[00:40–03:32] Reported by Mike Slater

• Imminent U.S. or Israeli Attack on Iran

  • Reports circulate of a possible attack on Iran.
  • The U.S. has deployed significant naval forces, including the Abraham Lincoln and Gerald Ford carrier groups.
  • Iranian officials released an AI-generated propaganda photo showing a downed U.S. carrier.
  • U.S. military leadership is prepared for strikes as early as Saturday, with personnel being temporarily relocated.
  • Quote:

    “Top national security officials have told President Trump the military is ready for potential strikes on Iran as soon as Saturday.” — Mike Slater [01:23]

• U.S. Military Strikes on Narco-Trafficking Boats

  • U.S. forces hit three boats presumed to be drug-running; eleven suspects killed.
  • Ongoing crackdown: 41 strikes and 144 individuals killed so far in Caribbean/Eastern Pacific operations.
  • Quote:

    “They said intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco trafficking routes and were engaged in narco trafficking operations.” — Mike Slater [01:51]

• Deadliest Avalanche in U.S. History

  • 15 backcountry skiers caught in a Lake Tahoe avalanche.
  • Six rescued, eight confirmed dead, one missing and presumed dead.
  • Rescuers used emergency beacons and iPhone SOS functionality to locate survivors.

• 2026 Winter Olympics Update

  • Men’s cross-country team sprint: Team USA wins silver.
  • Alpine skiing: Mikaela Shiffrin gets gold.
  • Men’s curling: Team USA loses to Great Britain, making semi-final qualification difficult.
  • Women’s curling: Must win remaining games to advance.
  • Men’s hockey: USA beats Sweden in OT, advancing to semifinals (will play Slovakia next).
  • Medal standings: Norway (33 medals), Italy (26), USA (24).
  • Memorable moment:

    “USA Hockey the men beat Sweden 2 to 1 in overtime. It was an unbelievable game. It’s worth watching again, even though I just told you the results.” — Mike Slater [02:53]

2. Bill O’Reilly’s Message of the Day: U.S.-Canada Relations & Olympic Rivalry

[03:32–05:56]

• Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Final: USA vs. Canada

  • O’Reilly expresses confidence in the American women’s team, calling them likely winners.

• Beyond Hockey: A Cultural and Political Divide

  • Describes the hockey rivalry as "partially political."
  • Canada characterized as highly secular and “woke,” especially in big cities.
  • Differences in leadership: Cites election of Justin Trudeau as symbolizing Canadian liberalism.
  • Notes Trump's accusations of Canada taking economic/military advantage.
  • U.S.-Canada relations are "at an all time low" with Canadian tourism to U.S. dropping by 25%.
  • Quote:

    "Canada has evolved into a secular country that has accepted woke...You couldn’t elect a guy like Justin Trudeau if that were not the case." — Bill O'Reilly [04:14]

  • Humorous aside about Wayne Gretzky:

    “Pucks, sure. Schmucks. No.” — Bill O'Reilly [05:10]

  • O’Reilly personally enjoys Canada and expresses hope for a “thaw” after the Olympics.

3. Listener Questions & Mailbag

[05:56–07:34]

• Interview Reflections: Jeh Johnson (Former DHS Secretary)

  • Listeners praise O’Reilly’s interview with Jeh Johnson, noting Johnson's candor about enforcement under Obama and the shift in the Democratic Party toward the far left.
  • Quote:

    “It’s obvious that he feels today’s Democratic Party is not the same as when he was serving...the far left has hijacked the party.” — Alan Chester, Wake Forest, NC [06:43]

• Immigration Court Appointments and Fear of Deportation

  • A listener raises concerns about immigrants skipping court dates out of fear of detention and deportation.
  • O’Reilly clarifies legal realities: hearings involve a judge and legal representation, calling “automatic detention” a myth.
  • Quote:

    “That’s a myth. That’s another deceit. I got the fear, but it’s not reality. Oh, boy, so much deceit, huh?” — Bill O'Reilly [07:28]

4. Historical Context: Anti-Smoking Campaigns & Yul Brynner

[08:04–10:54]

• Background on Smoking in the USA

  • O’Reilly gives context on the history of tobacco: ancient traditions, surging post WWII use, and ultimate public health revelations.
  • Major milestones: Kennedy-commissioned research, 1964 Surgeon General warning, industry resistance, and eventual regulation.

• Yul Brynner’s Posthumous Anti-Smoking Ad

  • Brynner filmed a PSA before his death; aired posthumously urging Americans not to smoke.
  • Notable quote (Brynner, archive audio):

    "Now that I'm gone, I tell you, don’t smoke. Whatever you do, just don’t smoke. If I could take back that smoking, we wouldn't be talking about any cancer. I’m convinced of that." — Yul Brynner [09:42]

• Current Smoking Statistics

  • Fewer than 8% of American adults now smoke a pack daily.
  • Highest smoking rates in 2026: China, Serbia, Bulgaria, Indonesia, and Croatia.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Mike Slater on Iran Tensions:

  “This could be a head fake. This could be part of the negotiating process, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.” [00:49]

• Bill O’Reilly on U.S.-Canada Relations:

  “Relations between the two countries are at an all time low. In fact, Canadian travel to the states down 25%. Not good, eh?” [04:38]

• Bill O’Reilly on Political Shifts:

  “There’s a big difference in the Democrats today because the far left has hijacked the party.” [06:49]

• Listener Mail – Reality of Immigration Hearings:

  “Your hearing is about asylum. That’s how they have the hearings, okay. And the judge is going to decide yes or no… That’s a myth. That’s another deceit.” [07:23]

• Historic Anti-Smoking Message:

  "Now that I’m gone, I tell you, don’t smoke. Whatever you do, just don’t smoke." — Yul Brynner [09:42]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:40] — Headline News: Iran, Narco Boats, Avalanche, Olympics
• [03:32] — O’Reilly’s Commentary: U.S.-Canada Relations & Olympics
• [05:56] — Listener Mail: Jeh Johnson Interview, Immigration Court
• [08:04] — Something You Might Not Know: Yul Brynner Anti-Smoking PSA

Summary:
This episode covers escalating U.S.–Iran tensions, U.S. military actions against narco-traffickers, a devastating avalanche, Olympics achievements, and delves into the complex—and sometimes fraught—relationship between the U.S. and Canada as reflected in sports and politics. Listener correspondence adds depth on immigration court realities and changing political landscapes. The historical segment offers a poignant reflection on tobacco culture and anti-smoking advocacy, culminating with Yul Brynner’s haunting testimony from beyond the grave. Bill O’Reilly delivers his trademark mix of news, analysis, and opinion—always “no spin, just the facts.”