Fox News Hourly Update – 11PM ET 02/13/2026 Newscast

Date: February 14, 2026
Host: Lisa Licera (with reports from Chad, Jenny Coselda, and segments featuring Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others)
Podcast: FOX News Hourly Update
Episode Purpose:
A fast-paced breakdown of the top national and international news stories of the hour, with a focus on U.S. political standoffs, international security developments, economic indicators, and notable moments from political leaders.

Main Theme

This episode centers on the political stalemate over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, the ramifications of the partial shutdown, international tensions involving Iran and U.S. military mobilization, notable activity by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the global stage, and updates on inflation and chocolate prices in the U.S.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DHS Shutdown & Congressional Stalemate

• Backdrop: No bipartisan agreement was reached to fund DHS. Democrats pushed for changes to ICE policy, contributing to the standoff.

• Impact: Critical agencies like ICE and Customs and Border Protection are funded, but other DHS departments, including FEMA and TSA, will face operational disruptions.

• Consequences: Tens of thousands of FEMA and TSA employees face working without pay — for the third time since October.

  • Quote: “Republicans say you could see an impact at the airport or in disaster recovery zone.” (00:22, Reporter)

• Congress in Recess: With Congress now in recess, the shutdown is expected to last at least a week and a half. (00:35)

2. Criminal Investigation in Florida

• A Florida lab is examining DNA found at the home of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.
• Sheriff Chris Nanos reports that the DNA does not belong to Guthrie or her family.
• The FBI is investigating doorbell cam footage showing a masked man attempting to cover the camera. (00:35)

3. U.S.–Iran Tensions and Military Maneuvers

• Escalation: President Trump, seeking a new nuclear deal with Iran, ordered a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

  • Quote: “Regime change is the best thing that could happen to Iran.” (01:10, President Trump)

• The USS Gerald Ford moves from the Caribbean to join another strike group in the region.

• Strategic Context: USS Ford was previously deployed near Venezuela for potential actions related to Nicolas Maduro.

• Warnings to Iran: President Trump threatens “very traumatic consequences” if a nuclear deal isn’t reached in roughly a month. (01:27, Chad)

• Notable Exchange:

  • President Trump: “Well, in case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need…” (01:22)
  • Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: “If we don’t have a deal, we’ll need it.” (01:26)

4. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the International Stage

• Event: Ocasio-Cortez participates in the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Germany.

  • Quote: “We have to have a working class centered politics if we are going to succeed and also if we are going to stave off the scourges of authoritarianism.” (02:52, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)

• She reiterates her critique of President Trump, labeling him a fascist, and is mentioned as both a key figure for the 2028 presidential race and a possible challenger to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. (03:04)

5. Economic Updates

• Inflation:

  • Price increases moderated in January 2026.
  • Key Stats:
    • Consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.2% in January; 2.4% annually.
    • Core CPI (excl. food/energy): up 0.3% in January, 2.5% annually.
  • Historical Note: CPI peaked at 9.1% in June 2020.
  • Context: January inflation numbers are often distorted by post-holiday price hikes, making this moderation especially notable.
  • Quote: “The improvements in the report are especially encouraging since January readings are often skewed by companies raising prices at the start of the year following the holiday season.” (03:23, Jenny Coselda)

• Chocolate Prices:

  • Cocoa prices have plummeted nearly 70% since last Valentine’s Day.
  • Paradox: Chocolate retail prices are up 14% year-over-year, and price hikes in Europe are even sharper.
  • Explanation: Despite falling cocoa prices, supply chain issues and other factors keep chocolate prices high. (04:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On shutdown impact:

  • “The money runs out in about an hour. I’m Lisa Licera. FOX News.” (00:02, Lisa Licera)
  • “Tens of thousands of employees at FEMA and TSA may need to work without pay for the third time since October.” (00:22, Reporter)

• On Iran/Tensions:

  • “Regime change is the best thing that could happen to Iran.” (01:10, President Trump)
  • “President Trump has warned Iran will face very traumatic consequences if it does not make a deal over its nuclear program.” (01:27, Chad)

• On Ocasio-Cortez and security:

  • “We have to have a working class centered politics if we are going to succeed and also if we are going to stave off the scourges of authoritarianism.” (02:52, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)

• On Inflation:

  • “Price increases moderated in January. The consumer price index rose just 0.2% for the month and 2.4% on an annual basis… The improvements in the report are especially encouraging.” (03:23, Jenny Coselda)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:02] DHS shutdown imminent; background and impacts
• [00:35] Nancy Guthrie case update; DNA and FBI investigation
• [01:10] Trump comments on Iran; second carrier deployed
• [01:27] White House warnings; U.S. military maneuvers near Venezuela/Iran
• [02:44] Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at Munich Security Conference
• [03:23] Inflation data and core CPI
• [04:07] Paradox of cocoa prices and chocolate inflation

Conclusion

This hour delivers a rapid, information-dense briefing: from the immediate consequences of partisan gridlock on DHS funding, to the escalating U.S.-Iran standoff and high-profile remarks at a major security conference. Economic news tempers anxieties with positive inflation data, while consumer caution persists due to persistent chocolate price hikes despite falling cocoa costs. The episode effectively captures the volatile intersection of American politics, global affairs, and household economics in early 2026.