Fox News Hourly Update: 3PM ET 02/20/2026 Newscast
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: February 20, 2026
Main Theme
This episode delivers hourly updates on top national and international developments, including the President’s response to a major Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, rising US-Iran tensions, a significant cyberattack on a Mississippi hospital, and consumer news ranging from congressional redistricting to new beverage flavors.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. President Responds to Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs
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The Supreme Court struck down the President’s application of the Emergency Powers Act to impose tariffs.
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President pivots to alternative legal mechanisms, invoking Section 122 to implement a new 10% global tariff.
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There is political fallout and division, with the President openly criticizing some justices.
Memorable Moments:
- [00:12] Political Commentator: “Foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years are ecstatic. They're so happy and they're dancing in the streets. But they won't be dancing for long, that I can assure you.”
- [00:29] Political Commentator: “Today, I will sign an order to impose a 10% global tariff under section 122. Over and above our normal tariffs already being charged.”
- [00:39] Fox News Anchor: “Three conservative justices joined Liberals in today’s 6-3 ruling. The President saying he’s ashamed of certain members of the court, accusing them of not having the courage to do what’s right for the country.”
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The ruling did not address tariff money already collected; some Democrats call for refunds.
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The President also commented on Iran, expressing sorrow for the Iranian people.
2. Escalating Tensions with Iran
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The President considers a limited military strike as nuclear talks stall.
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Iran threatens to retaliate with ballistic and cruise missiles against US bases should there be an attack.
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Observers foresee the strong potential for renewed Middle East conflict.
Memorable Quotes:
- [01:01] Political Commentator: “You know, the people of Iran are a lot different than the leaders of Iran and it’s very, very, very sad situation.”
- [01:15] Jennifer Griffin:
“Earlier today, the president, when asked, said he is considering a limited strike on Iran. Iran has vowed to respond with ballistic and cruise missiles targeting US bases in the Gulf. If the US does that sometime in the next month, the US could find itself in another war in the Middle East without a clear exit strategy. The amount [of] military hardware the Pentagon is positioning in the region signals to most military observers that it is not a question of if, but when.”
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A second US aircraft carrier is en route to the region.
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Iran has rejected US demands for zero uranium enrichment.
3. New US Transportation Regulation
- [01:43] The Transportation Secretary announces that all commercial truck and bus drivers must now take their license tests in English.
4. Mississippi Hospital Cyberattack
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[02:13] Ransomware attack continues at University of Mississippi Medical Center.
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Clinics are closed; hospitals and emergency rooms remain open, but the outage is expected to last for several days.
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The attack disrupted health records, and it is still being determined whether any patient data was compromised.
Memorable Segment:
- [02:20] Carmen Roberts:
“Hospitals and emergency rooms at the University of Mississippi Medical Center will remain open, but officials warn the clinic shutdown may last for several more days as investigators work to determine the full scope of the cyber attack and restore network systems.”
- [02:20] Carmen Roberts:
5. Congressional Redistricting in Virginia
- [02:51] Virginia’s legislature, led by Democrats, approves a new congressional map aiming to flip seats in the midterm elections.
- The process is paused after a judge issues a temporary restraining order.
6. Consumer: Beverage Industry News
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[03:21] Major expansion of new and returning soda flavors from Keurig Dr. Pepper.
- Dr. Pepper Creamy Coconut & Zero Sugar version back in April.
- A&W to debut Root Beer Float soda in summer.
- Snapple’s special blend marks US 250th birthday.
- Canada Dry introduces Strawberry Fruit Splash.
Notable Quote:
- [03:21] Ainslie Earhart:
“Keurig Dr. Pepper is rolling out one of its largest flavor expansions in years, blending limited time returns with brand new twists.”
7. Financial Markets Update
- [03:59] Stocks remain up as trading day nears close:
- Dow up 169 points
- S&P up 41 points
- NASDAQ up 1 point
Additional Noteworthy Segments
- [02:13–02:20] Hospital Cyberattack (Carmen Roberts reporting)
- [03:21–03:59] Consumer News on Beverages (Ainslie Earhart reporting)
Conclusion
This Fox News Hourly Update covers a sweeping range of fast-moving national and international stories: a Supreme Court and presidential standoff over tariffs, serious Iran-US friction, a major cyberattack in the South, changes to trucker licensing, election map battles, and a splash of lighter beverage news. The tone remains urgent and direct, mixing political commentary with factual reporting and consumer updates.
