Fox News Hourly Update – 7PM ET, February 21, 2026
Overview:
This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, hosted by Carmen Roberts, covers major global and national news developments. Top stories include President Trump’s hardline stance toward Iran over nuclear negotiations, a surprise announcement on the escalation of worldwide tariffs, updates on the search for a missing woman in Arizona, a looming historic winter storm in the Northeast, a significant attack inside Russia by Ukrainian forces, and the passing of legendary salsa icon Willie Colon. The episode concludes with a note on the posthumous interview released with actor Eric Dane.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. U.S.–Iran Tensions and Military Posturing
- President Trump’s Ultimatum:
President Trump is reportedly pressuring Iran to come to the table over a nuclear deal, warning of possible consequences if an agreement isn’t reached.- “President Trump is not giving Iran much of an option over a nuclear deal.” (Carmen Roberts, 00:03)
- Potential Military Action:
Trump mentions a decision on possibly striking Iran will be made “within days,” while the U.S. continues increasing its military presence.- “He'll make a decision within days over whether to strike Iran even as the U.S. continues a major naval buildup in the region.” (Carmen Roberts, 00:13)
- Escalation of Forces:
The region now has double the number of mid-air refueling planes compared to the June B2 strike, with 15 tankers stationed in the Azores.- “There are over 100 mid air refueling planes either in the Middle East or Europe right now…15 of those tankers are in the Azores.” (Commercial Announcer/Carmen Roberts, 00:22–00:33)
2. U.S. Trade Policy: Tariff Hike
- Surprise Tariff Increase:
President Trump unexpectedly raises the previously announced 10% global tariff to 15%, emphasizing legality and authority under Section 122.- “He is raising the 10% worldwide tariff on countries to what he called the fully allowed and legally tested 15% level.” (Carmen Roberts, 00:33)
- Future Investigations & Duration:
The administration will probe unfair trading practices, using Section 122 to allow tariffs for up to 150 days.- “Section 122 allows those tariffs to be in effect for up to 150 days.” (Madeline Rivera via Carmen Roberts, 00:33–01:19)
3. Arizona Missing Person — Nancy Guthrie
- Ongoing Search and Public Requests:
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office continues searching for Nancy Guthrie, now entering its third week.- DNA evidence from inside the house awaits lab results, but there is no timeline for matches.
- Officials warn that more than one suspect might be involved.
- Public Cooperation Needed:
Authorities urge the public to stop calling 911 with theories as it disrupts the investigation and clogs lines. They explicitly discourage private searches that interfere with official operations.- “Here in Pima County, the 911 dispatch center is asking people to stop calling 911 with theories or thoughts because it’s clogging the phone lines and taking up detectives' time.” (Matt Fenn, 01:19–01:53)
- “They’re not asking for help. They’re asking people who are searching to stay out of the way of agents in the area.” (Matt Fenn, 01:19–01:53)
4. Northeast Braces for Historic Winter Storm
- Blizzard and Storm Warnings:
Tens of millions along the I-95 corridor face a major storm, with forecasts of 12–18 inches of snow and winds up to 60 mph.- “It includes Philadelphia, New York getting up towards Boston. Wouldn’t be surprised if they see a little bit more snow than that. And it’s not just the snow, it’s the winds…at times 40, 50, 60 miles an hour.” (Adam Klotz, 03:15–03:40)
- Travel & Safety Alerts:
The first blizzard warning in New York City since March 2017 is issued; major travel disruptions are expected from Virginia to Maine.- “Travelers should expect major disruptions.” (Carmen Roberts, 03:40)
5. Ukraine–Russia Conflict: Industrial Strike
- Ukrainian Attack Inside Russia:
Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a key Russian missile factory; 11 people were injured, 3 hospitalized.- “Ukrainian forces strike an industrial site deep inside of Russia which Ukraine and unofficial Russian news channels say was a key state owned missile factory. That attack injured 11 people, three of whom were hospitalized.” (Carmen Roberts, 03:40–03:59)
6. Death of Salsa Great Willie Colon
- A Musical Legacy:
Salsa icon Willie Colon has passed away at 75. Over a prolific career, he produced 40+ albums and sold over 30 million copies.- “Willie did not just change salsa, he expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles and took it to the stages where it had not been heard before.” (Familial statement via Carmen Roberts, 03:59–04:40)
7. Posthumous Interview of Eric Dane
- Eric Dane’s Final Message:
Netflix releases a posthumous interview with actor Eric Dane, reflecting on his life and sharing a final message for his daughters after his death from ALS.- “Dane shared his thoughts about his life and a final message for his daughters.” (Carmen Roberts, 04:40–04:59)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On U.S.–Iran Strategy:
- “President Trump is not giving Iran much of an option over a nuclear deal.”
— Carmen Roberts (00:03)
- “President Trump is not giving Iran much of an option over a nuclear deal.”
- On Tariffs:
- “He is raising the 10% worldwide tariff on countries to what he called the fully allowed and legally tested 15% level.”
— Carmen Roberts (00:33)
- “He is raising the 10% worldwide tariff on countries to what he called the fully allowed and legally tested 15% level.”
- On Public Involvement in Investigations:
- “The 911 dispatch center is asking people to stop calling 911 with theories or thoughts because it’s clogging the phone lines and taking up detectives' time.”
— Matt Fenn (01:19–01:53)
- “The 911 dispatch center is asking people to stop calling 911 with theories or thoughts because it’s clogging the phone lines and taking up detectives' time.”
- On the Severity of the Winter Storm:
- “Wouldn’t be surprised if they see a little bit more snow than that. And it’s not just the snow, it’s the winds. The winds are going to be intense…40, 50, 60 miles an hour.”
— Adam Klotz (03:15–03:40)
- “Wouldn’t be surprised if they see a little bit more snow than that. And it’s not just the snow, it’s the winds. The winds are going to be intense…40, 50, 60 miles an hour.”
- On Willie Colon’s Impact:
- “Willie did not just change salsa, he expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles and took it to the stages where it had not been heard before.”
— Colon's Family/Manager (03:59–04:40)
- “Willie did not just change salsa, he expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles and took it to the stages where it had not been heard before.”
Segment Timestamps
- U.S.–Iran Nuclear Standoff & Military Moves — 00:03–00:33
- Global Tariff Increase Announcement — 00:33–01:19
- Nancy Guthrie Arizona Search Update — 01:19–01:53
- Northeast Winter Storm & Blizzard Warning — 03:03–03:40
- Ukrainian Strike on Russian Missile Factory — 03:40–03:59
- Death of Willie Colon — 03:59–04:40
- Eric Dane Posthumous Interview — 04:40–04:59
Summary Tone:
The episode maintains a brisk news brief style, focused on delivering urgent national and international news with clarity, incorporating reports from field correspondents and subject experts. The language is factual and direct, with moments of reverence for cultural loss and reminders about public safety and cooperation.
This summary provides a comprehensive, structured overview of the Fox News Hourly Update, February 21, 2026, at 7PM ET. All major stories and significant moments are detailed for listeners who want the headlines and key insights without listening to the full broadcast.
