Fox News Hourly Update – February 18, 2026

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This episode centers on Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, testifying in a landmark social media addiction trial in Los Angeles, where platforms are accused of creating addictive, harmful products for children. The update also covers several other stories: Congressional responses to the President’s upcoming State of the Union, reactions to Reverend Jesse Jackson’s passing, the 25th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt’s death, and new environmental lawsuits against the EPA.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mark Zuckerberg Testifies in Social Media Addiction Trial

• Court Proceedings: Mark Zuckerberg appears in Los Angeles court to testify in a trial accusing social media companies of knowingly creating addictive, harmful products for children.
• Legal Strategy
  • Use of Apology in Court: In 2024, Zuckerberg apologized to parents who lost children (referencing a Congressional hearing). Plaintiffs hope to use this in questioning, though the defense is pushing back.
    • Quote (Mark Lanier, Lead Plaintiff Attorney, 00:28):
      “The other side is very careful about wanting to limit what I can do from his congressional testimony, but that he apologized may very well be acceptable.”
• Defendants and Settlements: Besides Meta, YouTube (Google) is on trial; TikTok and Snapchat settled prior.
• Defense Tactics: The defense is also challenging references to Zuckerberg’s net worth to limit potential jury bias.

2. Congressional Boycott of State of the Union & Counter Programming

• Progressive Boycott: Several Democrats plan to boycott the President’s State of the Union address. Progressive groups MoveOn and Midas Touch are organizing a rally on the National Mall.
  • Attending Lawmakers: Senators Chris Van Hollen, Chris Murphy, Congress members Veronica Escobar, Greg Casar, and others.
• House Minority Leader’s Response:
  • Quote (Hakeem Jeffries, 01:32):
    “When I go into his house, he’s coming to our house and it’s the people’s house. And having grown up where I grew up, you never let anyone run you off your block.”
• Counter Programming: Midas Touch producing YouTube content featuring individuals affected by Trump’s administration.
• Ongoing Negotiations: Immigration policy and Homeland Security funding remain points of contention in Congress.

3. Reverend Jesse Jackson Remembered

• Family Tributes: After Jesse Jackson’s passing, his family speaks publicly about his legacy.
  • His son, Yousef Jackson, highlights his lifelong dedication to public service.
  • Quote (Hakeem Jeffries, 02:32):
    “Our nation better, to make the world more just.”
  • Quote (Ainsley Earhart, 02:41):
    “May he rest in peace, but may his spirit live forever and let us continue the work, everyone. That is what he would want us to do.”
• Open Funeral: Jesse Jackson Jr. states that the funeral will welcome everyone, regardless of differences.
• Legacy: Santita Jackson emphasizes his faith and dedication as a father.

4. Dale Earnhardt’s Legacy - 25 Years On

• Anniversary of Death: Commemorating 25 years since NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt’s fatal crash in the 2001 Daytona 500.
  • Impact: The tragedy led to major safety reforms, including energy-absorbing barriers and mandatory head-and-neck restraints.
  • Quote (Jared Max, 03:11):
    “On the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt, driving his black number 3 Chevrolet, collided with two other cars that sent Earnhardt's vehicle into a retaining wall. It was determined the impact killed him instantly… This tragedy 25 years ago led to a safer sport.”
  • Since then, there have been zero fatal accidents in NASCAR’s three racing divisions.

5. EPA Sued Over Greenhouse Gas Regulation Decision

• Lawsuit Filed: Health and environmental groups sue the EPA, challenging its decision to rescind a regulation foundational for controlling greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Financial Markets Update

• Wall Street Rally: Both the Dow and Nasdaq surge, up by more than 300 points.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[Mark] Zuckerberg apologized during a congressional hearing to parents who've lost children. Plaintiff's lead attorney Mark Lanier tells Fox Business he's not sure if he'll be allowed to use that during questioning.”
  — Lisa Brady, 00:10
• “The other side is very careful about wanting to limit what I can do from his congressional testimony, but that he apologized may very well be acceptable.”
  — Mark Lanier, 00:28
• “When I go into his house, he's coming to our house and it's the people's house. And having grown up where I grew up, you never let anyone run you off your block.”
  — Hakeem Jeffries, 01:32
• “Our nation better, to make the world more just.”
  — Hakeem Jeffries, 02:32
• “May he rest in peace, but may his spirit live forever and let us continue the work, everyone. That is what he would want us to do.”
  — Ainsley Earhart, 02:41
• “On the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt, driving his black number 3 Chevrolet... It was determined the impact killed him instantly... This tragedy 25 years ago led to a safer sport.”
  — Jared Max, 03:11

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – Zuckerberg takes the stand; legal strategies discussed
• 01:09 – Congressional boycott of State of the Union addressed
• 01:32 – Hakeem Jeffries comments on the boycott
• 02:15 – Jesse Jackson’s family pays tribute
• 03:11 – 25th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt’s passing and NASCAR safety
• 03:55 – EPA faces new lawsuit over greenhouse gas regulations
• 04:10 – Financial markets rally update

This news update provided a comprehensive sweep through major legal, political, and cultural issues unfolding across the United States, balancing breaking coverage of trials, tributes, and regulatory battles with reflective commentary and notable soundbites from political and family leaders.