9PM ET 02/21/2026 Newscast

Summary

---

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.

Transcript

[Carmen Roberts]

Trump ups the tariff ante. I'm Carmen Roberts, Fox News. 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.

[Madeleine Rivera]

He is raising the 10% worldwide tariff on countries to what he called the fully allowed and legally tested 15% level. The administration will also be conducting investigations using another authority that opens the door for tariffs on countries that engage in unfair trading practices.

[Carmen Roberts]

Fox's Madeleine Rivera reports that section 122 allows for tariffs for up to 150 days.

[Madeleine Rivera]

The president clearly defiant despite the Supreme Court's sixth re decision that he exceeded his power by imposing duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

[Carmen Roberts]

Critics say President Trump is pushing the US to the brink of war with Iran as he warns Tehran it must make a good nuclear deal or suffer the consequences. They better negotiate a fair deal. Right now there's about three times the amount of air power assembled in the Middle east are heading there compared to Operation Midnight Hammer over the summer. And President Trump is considering unleashing it on Iran unless that country comes to an agreement with the United States. Access Lucas Tomlinson. A powerful nor' easter is just hours away from creating havoc in the Northeast, expected to dump 12 to 18 inches of snow on cities including Boston and New York and other areas. New York Mayor Zahran Mamdani. With this warning, New Yorkers can expect

[Nate Foy]

that Monday morning commute will be extremely hazardous with heavy snowfall and peak winds coinciding to create slippery conditions and greatly reduced visibility.

[Carmen Roberts]

And in California, crews recovered the bodies of nine backcountry skiers killed in an avalanche four days ago. The search team found the eight victims near Lake Tahoe and they also found the body of the ninth person missing and presumed dead. America's listening to FOX News.

[Realtor.com Advertiser]

Nearly home. Isn't home where we all want? Rebahere4realtor.com the Pro's number one most trusted app. If you're hearing me, I'm going to assume you're awake. And if you aren't, because while you're snoozing, someone else might be finding your dream home. That's where realtor.com comes in with over 500,000 new real listings straight from the pros every month. That's a lot of chances to find the place you've been dreaming of. Whether you're searching for a two story mid century with a pool or a little extra space with a Spa inspired bathroom, realtor.com can help you find it today. So Quit hitting that snooze button. Realtor.com isn't sleeping on finding your dream home and neither should you. Download the realtor.com app today cause you're nearly home. Make it real with realtor.com pros.

[NetSuite by Oracle Advertiser]

Number one most trusted app based on August 2024 proprietary survey. Over 500, 000 new listings every month based on average new for sale and rental listings. February 2024 through January 2025.

[Carmen Roberts]

Former Prince Andrew faces new scrutiny in the UK after police arrested the former royal Thursday in connection to his friendship with a late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Fox's Nate Foy has more from London.

[Nate Foy]

Police were back out, still searching the Royal Lodge. That's where Andrew used to live in Windsor before being removed. Police also searched the king's 20,000 acre estate where Andrew now lives. Meanwhile, as for Andrew's older brother, King Charles III, he went out for London Fashion Week on Thursday. He didn't about Andrew's arrest at the event, but he did say earlier in the day that he fully supports the authorities and that the law must take its course now. The fallout of the Epstein files here in the UK has been quite large, of course. Former British ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson was fired from his job. He's also under investigation.

[Carmen Roberts]

Right now, prosecutors in Ohio charge a former American Idol contestant with shooting and killing his wife and staging the crime scene to mislead investigators. Fox's Madeleine Scarpino has more on the case against Caleb Flynn.

[Madeleine Scarpino]

Flynn was booked into jail Thursday, three days after the murder. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. As his attorney says in part, quote, we are both disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and seeming rush to judgment in this case. When the government runs out of leads or can't develop leads and looks at surviving spouses in cases such as these, the chance of a wrongful conviction increases. But the family of Ashley Flynn believes the arrest was made carefully and quote, unquote, not without serious consideration. The 37 year old mother was also a local teacher, a volleyball coach, and her family says she brought endless light into their world. His attorney says that his next court appearance is set to be on Wednesday.

[Carmen Roberts]

And tomorrow, during the final day of the Winter Olympics, the U.S. and Canadian men's hockey teams will face off for the gold. I'm Carmen Roberts and this is FOX news.

[NetSuite by Oracle Advertiser]

Every business is asking the same question, how do we make AI work for us? No more waiting with Netsuite by Oracle. You can put AI to work today. NetSuite is the number one AI cloud ERP trusted by over 43,000 businesses. It's the unified suite that brings your finances, inventory, commerce, HR, and CRM into a single source of truth. The connected data is what makes your AI smarter, helping you make fast decisions. If your revenues are at least in the seven figures, get our free business guide demystifying [e-mail] fox.