Fox News Hourly Update – 7PM ET 02/19/2026 Newscast

Main Theme:
This episode delivers concise, top-level updates on national and international news, focusing on President Trump’s tariff policies, U.S.-Iran tensions and peace initiatives, tributes to civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, developments in the criminal justice system, NASA’s Artemis mission, and a snapshot of financial and housing markets.

Key News Segments and Insights

1. President Trump’s Tariff Policy and Upcoming State of the Union

• Location & Context: Reporting from a steel plant in Rome, Georgia, President Trump promotes his aggressive tariff plan ahead of next week’s State of the Union address ([00:10]).
• Key Points:
  • Trump claims emergency tariffs have revived U.S. manufacturing, resulting in a seven-month production backlog ([00:18]).
  • His tariff powers are under legal scrutiny—currently facing a Supreme Court challenge, with the justices yet to rule ([00:24]).
  • White House official insists on presidential rights:

    “The language, language is clear that I have the right to do it as president. I have the right to put tariffs on for national security purposes.”
    — Unnamed White House Official ([00:31])

• Political Climate: Rome prepares for a special election to replace former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, an erstwhile Trump ally and now critic ([00:40]).

2. U.S. Military Movements and Diplomatic Push with Iran

• Developments:
  • Additional U.S. military assets are moving closer to the Middle East, as negotiations pressure Iran to end its nuclear program ([00:49]).
  • State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott characterizes Trump as a “deal- and peacemaker,” referencing forceful action if diplomacy fails:

    “Operation Midnight Hammer proved that.”
    — Tommy Piggott ([01:04])

  • Trump expects Tehran to reach an agreement within 10–15 days ([01:16]).
• Broader Context: Iran conducts joint military drills with Russia ([01:16]).

3. Launch of Board of Peace and Middle East Stabilization

• Peace Diplomacy:
  • President Trump chairs the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, emphasizing practical commitments over mere discussion ([01:28]).

    “The Board of Peace is proving that it does not just convene countries, it devises and implements. And real solutions happen.”
    — Unnamed White House Official ([01:28])

  • U.S. pledges $10 billion; nine other countries collectively offer $7 billion in aid for Gaza ([01:39]).
  • Multiple nations, including the U.S., are sending troops to Gaza as part of an international stabilization effort ([01:39]).

4. Honoring the Late Reverend Jesse Jackson

• Coverage:
  • Public memorial events in Chicago announced for civil rights leader Jesse Jackson ([02:37]).
  • President Trump paid tribute during a Black History Month event at the White House ([02:43]).

    “He was gregarious and someone who truly loved people and a force of nature. He was somebody that we’re going to greatly miss.”
    — Unnamed White House Official ([02:52])

  • Schedule:
    • Public viewing next Wednesday and Thursday, Rainbow Push Coalition HQ.
    • People’s Celebration at House of Hope (Friday).
    • Funeral at Rainbow Push (Saturday, Jackson age 84) ([03:00]).

5. Justice System: Exoneration in Austin Yogurt Shop Case

• Update:
  • A Texas judge exonerates four men previously accused in the notorious 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders; four teens had been killed, two were employees ([03:21]).

6. NASA Artemis 2 Mission: Progress and Timeline

• News:
  • NASA completes a crucial Artemis 2 rocket test after previous delays due to hydrogen leaks ([03:36]).
  • The test involved 700,000 gallons of fuel, and if successful, the first crewed lunar mission in 50+ years could launch as early as March 6. Artemis 2 will not land on the moon, but Artemis 3 will ([03:36]).

    "Artemis II, with three Americans and a Canadian on board, will not land on the moon's surface. That won't happen for a few years..."
    — Grinal Scott ([03:36])

7. Economic Snapshot: Mortgage Rates

• Fact:
  • The average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate fell to 6.01% (lowest since Sept 2022), continuing a modest downward trend ([04:17]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “That’s seven months long. What a difference.”
  — Unnamed White House Official on U.S. manufacturing backlog ([00:18])
• “He wants to see a deal. He’s a peacemaker. He’s a dealmaker.”
  — Tommy Piggott on President Trump and Iran ([01:04])
• “The Board of Peace is proving that it does not just convene countries, it devises and implements. And real solutions happen.”
  — Unnamed White House Official ([01:28])
• “He was gregarious and someone who truly loved people and a force of nature.”
  — Unnamed White House Official on Jesse Jackson ([02:52])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tariff policy and Rome, GA: 00:10–00:31
• Iran negotiations & U.S. military moves: 00:49–01:16
• Board of Peace & Gaza stabilization: 01:28–01:39
• Jesse Jackson memorial news: 02:37–03:00
• Austin yogurt shop exoneration: 03:21
• NASA Artemis 2 test: 03:36
• Mortgage rates update: 04:17

This Fox News Hourly Update provides a rapid yet informative scan of major developments, maintaining a brisk, news-focused tone. The episode interweaves political, diplomatic, and cultural news with clarity and official attribution, ideal for listeners seeking a quick catch-up on the day’s leading stories.