Fox News Hourly Update — 5AM ET 02/20/2026 Newscast

Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Host: Chris DiMaio (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: February 20, 2026

Overview

This early morning newscast delivers up-to-the-minute national headlines, touching on UFO disclosure directives from President Trump, upcoming midterm election dynamics, a developing crisis in Iran, major wildfires ravaging Texas, severe weather in Indiana, and an ongoing partial government shutdown. The episode is brisk, factual, and focused on breaking news, with brief soundbites from major political figures and reporters nationwide.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. UFO Disclosure – Presidential Statements & Speculation

• President Trump has instructed his administration to release files related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

  • Discussion sparked by a recent podcast in which former President Obama remarked on the question of aliens.

• Trump did not confirm seeing evidence of aliens, remaining non-committal.

  President Trump: “No, I don't. I don't have an opinion on it. I never talk about it. A lot of people do. A lot of people believe it.” (00:33)

• Obama clarified he has not seen alien life nor is there a “secret underground facility” at the White House.

Timestamps:

• [00:02 – 00:51] UFO File Release; Trump and Obama on Extraterrestrials

2. 2026 Midterm Elections & Economic Messaging

• Trump is promoting the GOP’s economic agenda as both parties ramp up campaigns ahead of the State of the Union address.
• Affordability as a campaign theme:

  President Trump: “You notice what word have you not heard over the last two weeks? Affordability. Because I've won. I've won affordability. I had to go out and talk about it.” (01:08)

• Trump's Georgia rally signals optimism and predicts an “explosion of success.”
• Uncertainty hangs over the U.S. economy amid reports of potential military action in Iran.

Timestamps:

• [00:51 – 01:39] Trump on Economy & Midterms; Potential Iran Military Action

3. Political Landscape – Polls & Notable News

• Fox poll: Democrats lead Republicans by 6% in congressional support.
• Obituary: Eric Dane, actor from "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria," has died at 53 from ALS.

Timestamps:

• [01:39 – 02:00] Poll Results and Celebrity News

4. Texas Wildfires – Intensifying Emergency Response

• Severe wildfires continue to burn in northern Texas; more than 100 firefighters from 24+ departments have joined the fight.

• Eight Ball Fire (Armstrong Co.): Over 9,000 acres, 25% contained.

• Lavender Fire (Oldham Co.): 9,000 acres, 10% contained.

  Dion Anglin: “That's a deployment that totals about 100 personnel from the DFW area… The Eight Ball Fire in Armstrong county has scorched more than 9,000 acres and it is currently 25% contained.” (02:35)

Timestamps:

• [02:32 – 03:13] Texas Wildfires Update

5. Severe Weather in Indiana

• Tornado watches and structural damage in Central Indiana (Bloomington) reported.

• Roof damage at a local bank; crews are repairing power lines.

• Monroe County EMA urges residents to stay off the roads for safety and to aid repair crews.

  Gabriela Mirando: “Part of the roof…is just completely toppled…We saw a couple crews repairing power lines already. And we do know that the Monroe County EMA is recommending people stay off the road.” (03:21)

Timestamps:

• [03:13 – 03:51] Severe Weather in Indiana

6. Government Shutdown & Homeland Security

• Partial government shutdown: Department of Homeland Security is unfunded due to ICE restrictions.
• ICE and CBP are still functioning, but other security operations are affected.
• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem expresses concern:

  Kristi Noem: “Our cybersecurity is all through the Department of Homeland Security. Our Coast Guard is out doing interdictions on the water.” (04:08)

Timestamps:

• [03:51 – 04:18] Government Shutdown Details

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump (on UFOs): “No, I don't. I don't have an opinion on it. I never talk about it. A lot of people do. A lot of people believe it.” (00:33)
• President Trump (on affordability): “I've won affordability. I had to go out and talk about it.” (01:08)
• Dion Anglin (on Texas wildfires): “Eight Ball Fire in Armstrong county has scorched more than 9,000 acres and it is currently 25% contained.” (02:35)
• Gabriela Mirando (on storm damage): “Part of the roof…is just completely toppled… Monroe County EMA is recommending people stay off the road.” (03:21)
• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem (on shutdown): “Our cybersecurity is all through the Department of Homeland Security. Our Coast Guard is out doing interdictions on the water.” (04:08)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:02 — UFOs, Trump & Obama
• 00:51 — Midterms & Economic Topics
• 01:39 — Polls and Celebrity News
• 02:32 — Texas Wildfire Updates
• 03:13 — Indiana Severe Weather
• 03:51 — Government Shutdown/DHS

Tone & Style

This newscast is fast-paced, concise, and anchored in a straight-news delivery style typical of Fox’s radio reporting. Reporters deliver facts efficiently, with minimal editorializing. Direct quotes from major figures—Trump, Obama, Kristi Noem—provide personality and momentary insight amidst the rapid switch between headlines. The mood is urgent and serious, reflecting the gravity of the domestic and global news covered in under five minutes.