Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET Newscast (February 21, 2026)

Episode Overview

This 9PM edition of the Fox News Hourly Update, hosted by Carmen Roberts, delivers concise reporting on major U.S. and international developments. The episode's key focus is President Trump’s new tariff measures following a Supreme Court decision, growing U.S.-Iran tensions, a massive impending northeastern blizzard, updates on the tragic Lake Tahoe avalanche, new scrutiny on former Prince Andrew over Epstein-related investigations, a murder case involving a former American Idol contestant, and a preview of the Winter Olympics men’s hockey gold medal match.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump Raises Worldwide Tarriffs (00:02–00:41)

• Action: President Trump increases tariffs on all countries from 10% to 15%, following a Supreme Court defeat that limited his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
  • “After a major Supreme Court setback on Friday, President Trump signed an order to impose sweeping 10% tariffs on every country. And less than 24 hours later, he raised the stakes.” — Carmen Roberts (00:02)
• Legal Authority & Scope:
  • Madeleine Rivera explains the administration is invoking “section 122,” allowing tariffs for up to 150 days and new trade investigations on unfair practices.
  • “He is raising the 10% worldwide tariff… to the fully allowed and legally tested 15% level.” — Madeleine Rivera (00:17)
• Context: The move comes in open defiance of the Supreme Court’s 6–3 ruling that Trump exceeded his powers with earlier measures.

2. U.S.–Iran Tensions Escalate (00:51–01:32)

• Military Posturing: Critics warn Trump is risking war with Iran, with the U.S. bolstering its air power in the region.
  • “Right now, there’s about three times the amount of air power assembled in the Middle east … compared to Operation Midnight Hammer over the summer.” — Carmen Roberts (00:51)
• Ultimatum: Trump warns Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal or face consequences, with the U.S. military prepared for action.

3. Major Nor’easter Set to Hit Northeast (01:32–01:42)

• Weather Warning: A nor’easter is predicted within hours, threatening Boston, New York, and nearby cities with 12–18 inches of snow.
• Commuter Impact:
  • New York Mayor Zahran Mamdani issues a public warning about Monday’s commute:
    • “That Monday morning commute will be extremely hazardous, with heavy snowfall and peak winds coinciding to create slippery conditions and greatly reduced visibility.” — Nate Foy relaying from the mayor (01:32)

4. Lake Tahoe Avalanche Tragedy (01:42–02:00)

• Casualties: Search teams find nine backcountry skiers' bodies after a four-day search in California’s Lake Tahoe region, confirming all missing individuals have been located.

5. Prince Andrew Faces New Scrutiny in Epstein Investigation (03:03–03:52)

• Police Action: Former Prince Andrew is arrested following renewed investigations into his ties with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
  • “Police were back out, still searching the Royal Lodge… Police also searched the king's 20,000 acre estate where Andrew now lives.” — Nate Foy (03:15)
• Royal Family Response: King Charles III supports authorities, urging the law take its course.
• Further Fallout: Former British ambassador Peter Mandelson is fired and under investigation for related allegations.

6. Murder Case Against Ex-American Idol Contestant Caleb Flynn (03:52–04:46)

• Case Details: Caleb Flynn is charged with murdering his wife Ashley Flynn and allegedly staging the crime scene.
• Defense & Family Views: Flynn pleads not guilty. His lawyer voices concern over possible rush to judgment, while the victim’s family believes the arrest was justified and carefully considered.
  • “The family of Ashley Flynn believes the arrest was made carefully and quote, unquote, not without serious consideration.” — Madeleine Scarpino (04:06)
• Victim Profile: Ashley Flynn was a mother, teacher, and volleyball coach. Caleb’s next court date is Wednesday.

7. Winter Olympics: USA vs. Canada in Men’s Hockey Gold Medal Final (04:46–04:59)

• Sports Preview: The U.S. and Canadian men’s hockey teams clash for gold in the Olympics’ final day matchup.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He is raising the 10% worldwide tariff … to what he called the fully allowed and legally tested 15% level.” — Madeleine Rivera (00:17)
• “The president clearly defiant despite the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision that he exceeded his power …” — Madeleine Rivera (00:41)
• “Right now, there’s about three times the amount of air power assembled in the Middle east or heading there compared to Operation Midnight Hammer…” — Carmen Roberts (00:51)
• “That Monday morning commute will be extremely hazardous with heavy snowfall and peak winds coinciding to create slippery conditions and greatly reduced visibility.” — Nate Foy, quoting Mayor Zahran Mamdani (01:32)
• “Police also searched the king’s 20,000 acre estate where Andrew now lives.” — Nate Foy (03:15)
• “We are both disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and seeming rush to judgment in this case.” — Attorney for Caleb Flynn, via Madeleine Scarpino (04:06)

Important Timestamps

• 00:02 — Trump raises tariffs after Supreme Court decision
• 00:51 — U.S.–Iran tension and military buildup
• 01:32 — Nor’easter warning for Northeast U.S.
• 01:42 — Lake Tahoe avalanche victims found
• 03:15 — Prince Andrew investigation updates
• 03:52 — Ex-American Idol contestant charged with murder
• 04:46 — Olympics gold medal hockey preview

This summary captures the main news themes, key quotes, and the episode’s tone, providing an informative digest for listeners and non-listeners alike.