Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dead at 84

Date: February 17, 2026
Host: Dave Anthony (with reporting by Madeline Rivera, Jonathan Savage, Tom Graham, Christina Coleman/Ainsley Earhart)

Episode Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update centers on the passing of iconic civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson at age 84, reflecting on his legacy, contributions, and influence. It also covers breaking news, including renewed US-Iran nuclear talks, ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, tragic incidents of violence in the US, a measles outbreak, and notable achievements in the Winter Olympics. The episode briefly memorializes actor Robert Duvall, who also passed away recently.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jesse Jackson’s Legacy

• Announcement of Death
  • Reported at the top of the broadcast with reverent tone by Dave Anthony.
  • [00:02] “This is a FOX News alert. A civil rights leader has died. I’m Dave Anthony. The Reverend Jesse Jackson at the age of 84.”
• Quoting Jackson’s Words and Mission
  • Clip of Jesse Jackson expressing his dedication to ongoing justice efforts:
    • [00:10] Jesse Jackson: “That is the unfinished business that I’m about, fighting for equal opportunity of all Americans and peace in the world.”
• Major Achievements
  • Prominence in civil rights, runs for president (1984, 1988, 2000), awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  • [00:17] Dave Anthony: “He was prominent in the civil rights movement for decades. Twice ran for president in 1984 and 88 in 2000. And Jesse Jackson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
• Family Statement
  • Death announced to have occurred peacefully, surrounded by family.
  • [00:26] Madeline Rivera: “His family announced his death in a statement saying Jackson died peacefully this morning surrounded by his family. Family, his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity…”
  • Cause of death not disclosed; Jackson had multiple health issues in recent years.
• Recap and Remembrance
  • [02:32] “Look at our top FOX News story. The Reverend Jesse Jackson has died. A civil rights leader for decades who twice ran for President in the 1980s. He was 84 and had been in declining health in recent months.”

2. International Affairs

• US-Iran Talks in Switzerland
  • Indirect nuclear negotiations underway, situation remains tense.
  • [00:45] “A new round of US Talks with Iran underway in Switzerland in direct negotiations through a mediator…”
  • Iran described as “a very tough negotiate” (Tom Graham, [00:56]).
  • President Trump threatens possible military action if talks fail.
  • [00:59] “President Trump has threatened failed talks to get Iran to scale back its nuclear program could lead to an attack like last year. Iran has fired off a missile test and its supreme leader just warned of slapping the US down, adding the president cannot depose the Islamic republic.”
• Russia-Ukraine War
  • US-brokered talks in Geneva; Ukraine bombs Russian oil refinery, responds to Russian attacks.
  • [01:23] Jonathan Savage: “Ukraine's air force says Russia launched 425 drones and missiles overnight... 13 targets were hit. The barrage forced neighboring Poland to stop flights at two airports near the Ukrainian border.”
  • Flights in Poland subsequently resumed.

3. Domestic News: Violent Incidents

• Indiana Police Shooting
  • Officer killed, another wounded in Beech Grove, Indianapolis area. Gunman captured.
• Rhode Island Shooting at Hockey Game
  • Gunman kills two, wounds three, then himself, at high school event. (late the previous night)

4. In Memoriam: Robert Duvall

• Remembering the Hollywood Legend

  • [02:48] Dave Anthony: “His death comes hours after we lost a Hollywood legend, actor Robert Duvall.”
  • Memorable soundbites from The Godfather ([02:48]) and Apocalypse Now ([03:10]).
  • [03:24] “Duvall was awarded a national medal… received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And despite all of his achievements, he remained humble, acknowledging how others contributed to his success.”

• Notable Robert Duvall Quotes:

  • [02:48] (as Sonny Corleone): “Nobody has ever gunned down a New York police captain. Never. It would be disastrous…”
  • [03:10] (as Col. Kilgore): “You smell that napalm, son? Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”

5. Public Health: Measles Outbreak

• Florida and National Impact
  • [03:38] Tom Graham: “More than 40 cases of measles have been reported at Ave Maria University in southwestern Florida. …Outbreak at the Catholic college comes amid a broader national increase in measles cases, with 2,280 confirmed infections nationwide in 2025.”

6. Winter Olympics Achievement

• Historic Medal for Team USA
  • [04:06] “Alana Taylor Myers is the oldest Winter Olympian to win a gold medal in an individual event. She’s 41, took golden bobsled. Kaylee Humphrey's got the bronze, giving Team USA 19 medals at the Winter Games, third behind the leader, Norway.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:10] Jesse Jackson:

  “That is the unfinished business that I’m about, fighting for equal opportunity of all Americans and peace in the world.”

• [00:26] Madeline Rivera (on behalf of Jackson’s family):

  “His unwavering commitment to justice, equality and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity.”

• [03:10] Robert Duvall, as Col. Kilgore in Apocalypse Now:

  “You smell that napalm, son? Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------| | 00:02 | Jesse Jackson’s death announced | | 00:10 | Jackson’s quote on civil rights mission | | 00:26 | Madeline Rivera reads family statement | | 00:45 | US-Iran and Russia-Ukraine negotiations | | 01:23 | Ukraine attacks, impact on Poland flights | | 02:32 | Recap of Jesse Jackson and Robert Duvall | | 02:48 | Robert Duvall film tributes | | 03:38 | Measles outbreak update | | 04:06 | Winter Olympics highlight |

Episode Tone & Language

The tone remains factual, urgent when reporting deaths, and reflective during tribute segments. The language is direct and professional, occasionally letting the significance of soundbites and memorials provide emotional resonance.

Conclusion

This Fox News Hourly Update honors the life of Reverend Jesse Jackson, highlighting his sustained impact on American civil rights and political life. The episode also informs on urgent international and domestic news, provides a heartfelt tribute to Robert Duvall, and concludes with timely health and sports updates. For listeners seeking essential context on national and world events—and the legacies of two American icons—this episode delivers a brisk, complete briefing.