Fox News Hourly Update
Date: February 21, 2026
Host: Paul Stevens
Episode Theme:
This episode combines rapid-fire national and international news updates, with particular focus on:
- The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential tariff powers
- A major “bomb cyclone” nor’easter set to impact the Northeast
- Developing tensions between the U.S. and Iran
- Controversy over Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law
- An anti-Semitic attack in Australia
Supreme Court Strikes Down Presidential Tariffs
Key Segment: 00:02–00:50
- News Update: The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled against President Trump’s ability to impose reciprocal tariffs without Congressional approval.
- Details:
- The ruling was 6-3, striking down (at least temporarily) the administration’s global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
- President Trump has used tariffs as leverage in foreign policy and trade but the court found he overstepped his powers.
- Reaction:
- President Trump criticized the court and responded swiftly with a proposed alternative: a temporary 10% global tariff.
- Notable Quote:
- "President Trump didn't hold back in his criticism of the US Supreme Court following that 6 to 3 decision which...struck down...his global tariffs." – Kevin Cork (00:13)
Northeast Braces for Powerful Nor’easter “Bomb Cyclone”
Key Segment: 00:50–01:36
- Forecast:
- Less than a month after the last event, the Northeast is set for another bomb cyclone bringing record snowfall and dangerous winds.
- Heavy snow will hit from Virginia to Maine, especially major cities along the I-95 corridor.
- Expected Impacts:
- Boston, Cape Cod, New York, Long Island, and the NJ Shore: 12–18 inches of snow
- Philadelphia: up to 12 inches of snow
- Winds of 50–60 MPH may produce blizzard conditions.
- Notable Quote:
- "Another one is set to slam the Northeast with the biggest snowfall in years...likely to bring powerful 50 to 60 mile per hour winds, which could lead to blizzard conditions." – Carmen Roberts (01:00)
U.S. and Iran: Military Tensions Remain High
Key Segments: 01:36–02:00, 02:40–03:22
- Developments:
- President Trump says limited strikes on Iran are possible, citing ongoing nuclear negotiations.
- Iran’s foreign minister claims a draft nuclear proposal may reach Washington soon.
- Regional Risks:
- Iranian officials warn any U.S. attack, even limited, would trigger missile barrages at U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf.
- U.S. significantly increases its military presence, with warplanes stationed in Jordan.
- Geopolitical Insight:
- The potential for escalation without a clear exit strategy is highlighted.
- Notable Quote:
- "In the coming weeks, the US could find itself in another Middle East war without a clear exit strategy." – Jennifer Griffin (02:50)
Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law Upheld
Key Segment: 03:22–04:11
- Legal Background:
- Louisiana passed a law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all public school and university classrooms.
- Parent groups sued, alleging infringement of religious freedom; a lower court blocked the law as unconstitutional.
- Appeals Court Decision:
- The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overruled, noting the law gives local school boards discretion on implementation specifics and the record is incomplete.
- Judicial Perspective:
- The court is withholding a final judgment, pending observation of actual implementation.
- Notable Quote:
- "We do not know...how prominently the displays will appear, what other materials might accompany them, or how, if at all, teachers will reference them during instruction." – 5th Circuit Majority Opinion (03:31)
Anti-Semitic Attack in Australia
Key Segment: 04:11–04:37
- Incident:
- In Brisbane, Australia, a utility truck rammed the gates of a prominent synagogue.
- The driver, a 32-year-old man, was arrested and charged with a hate crime after fleeing the scene.
- Police Response:
- Authorities responded quickly and apprehended the suspect.
- Notable Quote:
- "Cops say he was behind the wheel of a utility truck which rammed the gates of the synagogue before leaving the scene. Cops quickly tracked him down and arrested him." – Paul Stevens (04:11)
Memorable Moments and Quotes
-
President Trump’s Reaction to the Supreme Court Tariffs Ruling:
- "President Trump didn't hold back in his criticism of the US Supreme Court following that 6 to 3 decision..." – Kevin Cork (00:13)
-
Weather Update Dramatic Warning:
- "Another one is set to slam the Northeast with the biggest snowfall in years...likely to bring powerful 50 to 60 mile per hour winds, which could lead to blizzard conditions." – Carmen Roberts (01:00)
-
Middle East Cautions:
- "The US could find itself in another Middle East war without a clear exit strategy." – Jennifer Griffin (02:50)
-
Judicial Caution on Ten Commandments Implementation:
- "We do not know...how prominently the displays will appear..." – 5th Circuit Majority Opinion (03:31)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Supreme Court Tariff Ruling: 00:02–00:50
- Nor’easter Bomb Cyclone Forecast: 00:50–01:36
- US-Iran Tensions: 01:36–02:00, 02:40–03:22
- Louisiana Ten Commandments Law: 03:22–04:11
- Australia Anti-Semitic Attack: 04:11–04:37
This episode is rich with urgent news, focusing on decisions and events that could shape policy and public safety in the coming days. For listeners wanting to stay ahead of developing stories on both a national and international stage, it provides concise but comprehensive coverage with on-the-ground reporting and judicial insight.
