Summary4 min read

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.

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Transcript16 lines

[00:03]
A
Blizzard conditions. I'm Debra Valentine, FOX news. Eight states in the Northeast and mid Atlantic are under states of emergency due to a bomb cyclone bringing heavy snow and high winds into Monday. Jay Engel is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. He says the snowfall is going to intensify in the New York City area.
[00:22]
B
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
[00:35]
A
New Jersey travelers dealing with delays. Fox's Brian Yanes reports from LaGuardia Airport in New York.
[00:42]
C
Now, a lot of these flights were preemptively canceled, meaning that's good news. People didn't have to travel in bad weather to come to the airport. But there were some flights that did take off. We spoke to some of those passengers who arrived. Some were lucky, some were not. How did you feel coming in today? How did today go?
[00:59]
D
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.
[01:13]
A
Floodaware.com says there have been at least over 15,000 flight cancellations and delays. Mexican forces killing the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, one of Mexico's most powerful. Fox's Marian Rafferty.
[01:26]
E
Mexico is on high alert after its army killed the leader of one of the world's most powerful drug cartels. The man known as El Mincho died after being captured in a military raid in western Mexico. Officials say cartel members set fire to vehicles and buildings while trying to stop the operation. The US Embassy in Mexico is urging all Americans in affected areas to shelter in place. And some airports, including Puerto Vallarta, are closed.
[01:51]
A
The White House press secretary says the US Government offered intel for the operation. America's listening to FOX News.
[02:03]
F
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[02:32]
A
The Secret Service shot and killed an armed man, 21 year old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina after he breached the perimeter of President Trump's Mar A Lago estate Sunday.
[02:41]
G
We have not heard any reaction from President Trump about the killing of this 21 year old Austin Martin after breaching the comp out of Mar A Lago. Now one person we did hear from is President Trump's press secretary Caroline Levitt, who took to X to post the following quote 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.
[03:17]
A
Fox's Lucas Tomlinson reporting. U.S. men's Hockey Team winning the gold medal over Canada at the Winter Olympics.
[03:24]
H
It was a historic and thrilling overtime win in Milan. This meant the men's hockey game was one of the most anticipated events in the Olympics this year and it did not disappoint. Chants of USA were roaring from the crowd after the 2 to 1 overtime win. Exactly 46 years since the Miracle on Ice game where the US defeated Russia to later go on and win the gold medal. It was 24 year old Florida born Jack Hughes who scored the winning goal just 1 minute and 41 seconds into overtime. And in an interview with NBC after the win, Hughes was saying how proud he was to be an American and just so proud to win for our country.
[04:00]
A
Fox's Madison Scarpino reporting. Anti government protests erupting at Iran universities amid ongoing economic tensions in Tehran this weekend. Oman says the next round of talks between the US And Iran over its nuclear program are Thursday. In Geneva, thousands of anti regime protesters were reportedly killed after protests erupted several weeks ago. I'm Debra Valentine. This is Fox News.
[04:28]
I
This is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining me for the 52 episode podcast series the Life of
[04:33]
J
Jesus A listening experience that will provide hope, comfort and understanding of the greatest story ever told. Listen and follow now@foxnewspodcasts.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.