Fox News Hourly Update — 3PM ET 02/19/2026 Newscast
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: February 19, 2026
Episode Overview
This Fox News Hourly Update delivers fast-breaking news on international diplomacy and military posturing in the Middle East, major U.S. political developments, a high-profile arrest in the UK linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, ongoing legal battles in Virginia over redistricting, updates on a missing persons case in Arizona, and concerning safety statistics from Tesla’s robo-taxi service. The newscast is succinct, focused on top national and international headlines.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. US-Iran Tensions & Middle East Military Build-Up
-
[00:02–00:45]
- The US continues to amass military assets in the Middle East despite ongoing nuclear talks with Iran.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Israel next week to update the Prime Minister about two rounds of US-Iran negotiations.
- The Pentagon is preparing for possible military action if President Trump orders it.
“The Pentagon has built up forces in the Middle East, including adding a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford from the Caribbean.”
— Jared Halpern [00:37]- President Trump chaired the first “Board of Peace” meeting, announcing that the US and nine other countries are committing $17 billion to rebuild Gaza, with some countries also pledging troops to a stabilization force.
- President Trump is then scheduled to visit a Georgia steel plant to address economic issues.
2. Virginia Politics: Congressional Maps Lawsuit
-
[01:20–01:51]
- Virginia’s new Democratic Governor, Abigail Spanberger, will deliver the Democratic response to the upcoming State of the Union.
- Lawsuit filed by Republicans (including the RNC, NRCC, and Congressmembers Ben Klein and Morgan Griffith) alleges that recent Democratic-led efforts to redraw congressional districts are unconstitutional.
- The state Supreme Court has allowed the redistricting amendment to proceed to a vote and early voting starts March 6th. The new lawsuit seeks an emergency ruling to halt the vote.
“The case is before the same judge who's already ruled in a separate suit that the constitutional amendment allowing for a redraw of congressional lines is unlawful.”
— Ains Earhart [01:22]
3. UK Royal Scandal: Prince Andrew Arrested
-
[02:31–03:00]
- Britain’s former Prince Andrew (now Andrew Mountbatten Windsor) released after his arrest earlier on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
- The arrest is tied to new information in the Jeffrey Epstein files suggesting he shared official secrets and confidential government information with Epstein, particularly during his time as UK's trade envoy (2010–2011).
- Andrew is also still under investigation for sexual misconduct allegations related to the Epstein affair; he has denied wrongdoing.
- King Charles has publicly stated support for the investigation.
“His emails to Jeffrey Epstein allegedly revealed him sharing official secrets, including inside information about government business.”
— Jared Halpern [02:41]“His older brother, King Charles, has offered full cooperation with the investigation in a written statement earlier today saying the law must take its course.”
— Lisa Brady [03:00]
4. National and Local Crime: Arizona Missing Persons Case
- [03:00–03:36]
- Search for Nancy Guthrie in Arizona enters its 19th day.
- Reward for information reaches $200,000 as investigators examine DNA evidence found in her home and on a glove.
5. Autonomous Vehicle Safety Issues: Tesla’s Robo-taxi Fleet
-
[03:36–04:19]
- Tesla’s robo-taxi service in Austin, Texas, has recorded 14 crashes since its June debut—nine times higher than the average human driver, per EVSight Electric.
- Criticism includes alleged redaction of crash details from official company reports.
- Many incidents occurred with safety monitors in the vehicles, indicating human intervention likely prevented more crashes.
- Competitor Waymo also faces issues; a recall of 3,000 vehicles was prompted when their cameras failed to stop for school buses.
“One of the collisions was with a bus while the Tesla was stationary. In another, the Tesla backed into a tree at a very low speed.”
— Lillian Woo [03:54]
6. Markets Update
- [04:19–04:28]
- Wall Street: The Dow Jones is down 337 points an hour before market close.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “They must make a deal, or if that doesn't happen, I maybe can understand...but bad things will happen if it doesn't.” — Jessica Rosenthal on US-Iran nuclear talks [00:26]
- “Virtually all its driving was with a trained safety monitor on board, meaning they likely prevented other crashes.” — Lillian Woo on Tesla [03:55]
- "America is listening to FOX News." — Lisa Brady [01:51]
- “King Charles...offered full cooperation with the investigation in a written statement earlier today saying the law must take its course.” — Lisa Brady [03:00]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:02–00:45: U.S. military build-up & Gaza peace board update
- 01:20–01:51: Virginia congressional map lawsuit & Governor Spanberger
- 02:31–03:00: Prince Andrew arrest & UK royal investigation
- 03:00–03:36: Arizona missing persons—Nancy Guthrie case
- 03:36–04:19: Tesla robo-taxi crashes & Waymo recall
- 04:19–04:28: Wall Street market update
Summary Tone & Style
Consistently brisk, factual, and focused on urgent matters—typical of a rapid newscast, with an emphasis on verified developments and major headlines shaping national and global affairs.