Fox News Hourly Update – 1AM ET 02/23/2026 Newscast

Host: Debra Valentine (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced roundup of major overnight headlines including a dangerous winter storm in the Northeast, a dramatic cartel raid in Mexico, a security breach at Mar-a-Lago, historic Olympic news, and unfolding unrest in Iran. The tone is urgent and informative, seeking to cover breaking national and international stories for early-morning listeners.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Blizzard Hits Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

[00:02–01:13]

• States of Emergency: Eight states are under a state of emergency due to a bomb cyclone, bringing heavy snow and high winds stretching into Monday.
• Expert Insight:
  • Jay Engel, National Weather Service meteorologist, explains:

    "This storm is starting to get closer and closer to what we call vertically stacked. And that's when this machine is really going to start to drive and we're going to see more of these higher snowfall rates like they're seeing in southern New Jersey." (B, 00:22)

• Travel Disruptions:
  • Preemptive flight cancellations at LaGuardia Airport helped passengers avoid dangerous conditions.
  • On-the-ground reaction:

    "A little terrified. It was super smooth. Credit to the Fort Lauderdale airport. We got through security in 15 minutes. Not even. Plane was 30 minutes late. Not bad. And why did we come back into a blizzard? We're not quite sure, but here we are." (D, 00:59)

  • Flight Impact: Over 15,000 cancellations and delays reported (01:13).

2. Major Cartel Leader Killed in Mexico

[01:13–01:50]

• Event: Armed Mexican forces killed "El Mincho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, sparking violent reprisals.
• Violence Erupts: Cartel members set fire to vehicles and buildings in response.
• US Involvement: The White House contributed intelligence to the operation; US Embassy in Mexico urges American citizens to shelter in place.
• International Impact: Airports including Puerto Vallarta were closed due to unrest.

"Mexico is on high alert after its army killed the leader of one of the world's most powerful drug cartels... Officials say cartel members set fire to vehicles and buildings while trying to stop the operation."
— Marian Rafferty (E, 01:26)

3. Security Incident at Mar-a-Lago

[02:31–03:16]

• Incident: Secret Service shot and killed 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin after he breached the perimeter at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.
• Official Response:
  • No reaction heard yet from President Trump, but his press secretary, Caroline Levitt, posted on social media:

    "In the middle of the night while most Americans were asleep, the United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person armed with a gun and a gas canister who intruded President Trump's home. Federal law enforcement are working 24, 7 to keep our country safe and protect all Americans. It's shameful and reckless that Democrats have chosen to shut down their department." (Levitt, 02:41)

• Law Enforcement Praised: Quick action credited for averting further crisis.

4. US Men’s Hockey Team Wins Olympic Gold

[03:16–03:59]

• Historic Victory: US beats Canada 2–1 in overtime at the Milan Winter Olympics, exactly 46 years since the "Miracle on Ice."
• Hero Moment:
  • Jack Hughes, 24, scores the game-winner just 1:41 into OT.
  • The crowd erupted with “USA” chants; Hughes expresses national pride in NBC interview.
• Highlights:

  "It was a historic and thrilling overtime win in Milan... Chants of USA were roaring from the crowd... Jack Hughes who scored the winning goal just 1 minute and 41 seconds into overtime."
  — Madison Scarpino (H, 03:23)

5. Iran: Protests and Diplomacy

[03:59–04:28]

• University Protests: Anti-government demonstrations flared at Tehran universities over the weekend, in response to ongoing economic strains.
• Diplomatic Developments: Next US–Iran nuclear talks scheduled Thursday in Geneva.
• Casualties: Reports of thousands killed as protests escalate in recent weeks.
• International Concern: Unrest continues to draw global attention.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "This storm is starting to get closer and closer to what we call vertically stacked..."
  — Jay Engel, NWS Meteorologist (00:22)
• "A little terrified. It was super smooth... And why did we come back into a blizzard? We’re not quite sure, but here we are."
  — Flight passenger at LaGuardia (00:59)
• "In the middle of the night while most Americans were asleep, the United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively..."
  — Caroline Levitt (President Trump's Press Secretary), read by Lucas Tomlinson (02:41)
• "It was a historic and thrilling overtime win in Milan... Jack Hughes who scored the winning goal just 1 minute and 41 seconds into overtime."
  — Madison Scarpino (03:23)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Bomb Cyclone & Blizzard Impact: 00:02–01:13
• Cartel Leader Killed in Mexico: 01:13–01:50
• Mar-a-Lago Perimeter Breach: 02:31–03:16
• US Wins Olympic Hockey Gold: 03:16–03:59
• Iran Protests and Nuclear Talks: 03:59–04:28

This episode provides a concise yet impactful snapshot of breaking news overnight, covering urgent weather alerts, international crime, national security, Olympic triumph, and political unrest abroad. The reporting tone remains brisk, prioritizing facts, official statements, and on-the-ground perspectives for listeners starting their day.