Fox News Hourly Update: 7AM ET – February 28, 2026
Overview
This fast-paced newscast, anchored by Paul Stevens, focuses on breaking developments in Middle East conflict, high-profile political hearings related to the Epstein investigation, and early election news ahead of U.S. midterms. The primary story is the sudden escalation involving coordinated U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran and the global repercussions, followed by updates on significant political testimonies and campaign activity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Coordinated Attacks on Iran
- Opening Alert (00:03): Newscast begins with a breaking alert—Israel and the United States are carrying out joint strikes at sites across Iran. Paul Stevens anchors coverage as Fox News correspondents provide updates from Tel Aviv.
- President Trump Statement (00:15):
- Quote: "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." — President Trump (00:15)
- Context: Trump posts on Truth Social, urging Iranians to seize the opportunity for regime change amidst the turmoil.
- On-the-Ground in Tel Aviv (00:27):
- Sirens sound throughout Tel Aviv as Iran retaliates. Israeli Home Front Command puts the city under a special state of emergency, with alerts urging civilians to seek shelter.
- Iran’s counterattacks target major Israeli population centers, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
- Quote: "Sirens sounded across the country as alerts went out on phones telling civilians that Israel's home front command had entered into a special state of emergency." — Fox News Correspondent (00:43)
- Regional Airspace Closures (01:08):
- Iran, Israel, and Iraq close airspace following strikes (delivered by both land and sea).
- Israeli PM states the operation aims to remove an "existential threat" and describes collaboration with the U.S.
- Operation "Roaring Lion" (01:22):
- Jonathan Savage explains the operation’s codename. Israel’s PM reiterates that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons and hopes the strikes will embolden Iranians to claim self-determination.
- Ongoing explosions in northern Israel as air defenses counter incoming retaliatory fire.
- Quote: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying in a video statement that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons... He promised the operation would allow brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands." — Jonathan Savage (01:31)
2. Political Fallout: Iran Retaliates & States Respond
- Recap (02:32):
- Iran is actively retaliating. Explosions reported in Tehran overnight.
- U.S. and Israeli military operations dominate international headlines, with potential for further escalation.
3. Congressional Epstein Investigation: Clinton Depositions
- Closed-Door Deposition Highlights (02:52):
- Former President Bill Clinton completes a six-hour closed-door deposition regarding ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Records show Clinton flew on Epstein’s private plane "roughly two dozen times" for Clinton Foundation philanthropic work.
- Clinton denies any knowledge or complicity with Epstein’s crimes.
- Quote: "Not only would I not have flown on his plane, if I had any inkling of what he was doing, I would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice for his crimes." — Bill Clinton, via President Trump quoting Clinton’s statement (03:08)
- Congressional Response (03:17):
- House Oversight Chair James Comer promises continued investigation:
- Quote: "We will continue to bring some more people in and try to get answers." — James Comer (03:20)
- Depositions for both Bill and Hillary Clinton expected to be released publicly within days.
- Hillary Clinton reportedly will not testify further.
- House Oversight Chair James Comer promises continued investigation:
4. 2026 Midterms: Texas Senate Race Draws Attention
- Campaign Update (03:48):
- President Trump appears in Corpus Christi, firing up Republicans with warnings about Democratic "crazy" policies and inflation, while urging Republicans to win the midterms.
- Trump withholds endorsement in the Texas GOP Senate primary; Democrats are optimistic about flipping the seat.
- Flight to Texas features Senator John Cornyn cautioning that a Paxton primary win could imperil GOP chances.
- Quote: "Democrats would have a real shot at the seat if Paxton's on the ballot in the general election." — Ainsley Earhart (04:13)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Trump's Call to Iranians (00:15):
- "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."
- Sirens in Tel Aviv (00:43):
- "Sirens sounded across the country... Israel's home front command had entered into a special state of emergency."
- Netanyahu on Operation Roaring Lion (01:31):
- "Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons... [Brave] Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands."
- Clinton on Epstein (03:08):
- "If I had any inkling of what he was doing, I would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice for his crimes."
- House Chair Comer on Further Probes (03:20):
- "We will continue to bring some more people in and try to get answers."
- Cornyn on Texas GOP Race (04:13):
- "Democrats would have a real shot at the seat if Paxton's on the ballot in the general election."
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Israel–US Strike & President Trump Statement — 00:03–00:25
- Live from Tel Aviv — Sirens, Civilian Response — 00:27–01:08
- Regional Response, Operation Details — 01:08–01:58
- Clinton/Epstein Deposition Coverage — 02:52–03:30
- Texas Senate Race & Trump Campaign Update — 03:48–04:24
This episode delivers urgent global news with a focus on geopolitical escalation, high-profile political accountability, and high-stakes U.S. election maneuvering. The reporting is brisk, direct, and high in tension, reflecting the gravity of concurrent events.