Fox News Hourly Update – 1PM ET 02/17/2026

Host: Chris Foster (FOX News Podcasts)

Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This broadcast delivers concise coverage of breaking news and major developments at the start of the afternoon on February 17, 2026. The top story honors the legacy of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, with additional segments covering legal updates, local and federal authorities' responses to breaking incidents, high-profile resignations, global celebrations, and celebrity news.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson (00:04–00:57)

• Announcement & Tribute:
  Rev. Jesse Jackson, iconic civil rights leader, and presidential candidate, dies at 84.
  • Flags at half-staff in honor, especially in his home state of Illinois.
• Coverage from Chicago:
  Father Michael Flager of St. Sabina Church reflects on Jackson’s tireless advocacy:
  • “Anywhere where there were civil rights being neglected or denied, Reverend Jackson was there.” (00:27)
  • “There’s no place you can go [without hearing] the words ‘keep hope alive’ or ‘I am somebody’ and not think [of] Reverend Jackson.” (00:41)
• Statement on Cause of Death:
  Jackson died following a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurodegenerative disorder.
• Notable Response:
  President Donald Trump shared condolences on Truth Social, calling Jackson “a force of nature.” (00:47)

2. Legal and Criminal Case Updates (00:57–01:50)

• Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case:
  • A federal judge blocks ICE from detaining Garcia pending human trafficking prosecution.
  • Backstory: Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador and re-entered for trial; judge cites government’s lack of viable deportation plan.
• Nancy Guthrie Disappearance (Pima County, AZ):
  • The sheriff quickly cleared the Guthrie family as suspects.
    • “The Guthrie family, to include all siblings and spouses, has been cleared... The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are the victims in this case. To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel.” (01:31)
  • Family’s phones, computers, and cars were reviewed as part of the investigation.

3. Updates on Iran Nuclear Talks (01:50–01:58)

• Diplomatic Progress:
  • Ongoing talks in Switzerland yield “progress” per a U.S. official, but “a lot of details to discuss” remain.

4. Environmental Crisis: Potomac River Sewage Spill (02:15–03:04)

• Federal vs. Local Response:
  • President Trump criticizes Maryland’s handling of a major Potomac River sewage spill and suggests federal intervention.
    • “[Governor Wes Moore is] not doing the job they gotta do and I’m going to have to get the federal government involved in getting it fixed because he can’t fix anything.” – President Trump (02:29)
  • Maryland’s response: Governor Moore’s office frames Trump’s remarks as political “talking points,” pointing out the EPA’s own lack of participation in hearings.
  • 200 million gallons of raw sewage overflowed following a pipeline collapse in Montgomery County.

5. Hyatt Chairman Resigns Amid Epstein Fallout (03:04–03:42)

• Executive Shakeup:
  • Hyatt Hotels Executive Chairman Thomas Pritzker steps down due to disclosed ties with Jeffrey Epstein in newly released Justice Department documents.
  • Pritzker’s Statement:
    • He admits “terrible judgment in maintaining contact with Epstein,” with “no excuse for failing to distance himself sooner.”
    • Intends to focus on his charitable and scientific foundations moving forward.

6. Quick News Hits & Cultural Notes (03:42–04:10)

• Lunar New Year in Beijing:
  • Celebrating the Year of the Horse (seventh in the Chinese zodiac).
• Fat Tuesday in New Orleans:
  • Brief mention of Mardi Gras festivities.
• Shia LaBeouf Arrested:
  • Actor charged with two counts of simple battery after an incident at a New Orleans bar.
  • Reference to previous legal issues, including last June’s lawsuit settlement for sexual misconduct.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Anywhere where there were civil rights being neglected or denied, Reverend Jackson was there.”
  — Father Michael Flager (00:27)

• “There’s no place you can go [without hearing] the words ‘keep hope alive’ or ‘I am somebody’ and not think Reverend Jackson.”
  — Father Michael Flager (00:41)

• “[Governor Wes Moore is] not doing the job they gotta do and I’m going to have to get the federal government involved...”
  — President Donald Trump (02:29)

• “The Guthrie family... has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are the victims in this case. To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel.”
  — Pima County Sheriff (01:31)

• “He exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with Epstein, there’s no excuse for failing to distance himself sooner.”
  — Jessica Rosenthal paraphrasing Thomas Pritzker’s statement (03:30)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Jesse Jackson’s Death & Legacy: 00:04–00:57
• Human Trafficking & Guthrie Cases: 00:57–01:50
• Iran Nuclear Talks Update: 01:50–01:58
• Potomac Pipe Collapse & Political Fallout: 02:15–03:04
• Hyatt Chairman Resigns Over Epstein Ties: 03:04–03:42
• Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, and Shia LaBeouf News: 03:42–04:10

This episode blends breaking news with in-depth commentary, reflecting FOX's brisk but detailed news radio tone, and offers listeners a solid cross-section of national and international headlines for February 17, 2026.