Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET 02/22/2026 Newscast

Date: February 22, 2026
Host: Chris DiMaio, Ainsley Earhart (FOX News Podcasts)
Episode Purpose:
To deliver the latest national and international news headlines affecting Americans, with a focus on urgent weather warnings, significant political developments, public safety updates, and NASA’s latest setbacks.

Main Theme

This newscast centers on a historic blizzard threatening the Northeast corridor, major policy and security updates, the ongoing governmental standoff on immigration, high-profile avalanches, delays in NASA’s Artemis program, and urgent diplomatic moves regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Record-Shattering Blizzard Slams the Northeast

• Historic Snowfall Expected
  • "Millions of Americans on the i95 corridor are bracing themselves for a historic blizzard threatening to drop records amount of snow across the northeast." (Chris DiMaio, 00:03)
  • "More than 26 million Americans are under a blizzard warning. A powerful nor' easter is forecast to bring 1 to 2ft of snow to much of the Northeast...Jersey shore could see up to 4ft before it's over. Heavy snow and strong winds...up to 60 miles per hour...dangerous and messy travel from Washington, D.C. to Boston." (Ainsley Earhart, 00:14–00:49)

2. Avalanche Disaster in California

• Recovery Efforts and Tragedy
  • "Rescuers have recovered the bodies of nine skiers killed in an avalanche earlier this week in California. State search teams were previously unable to retrieve the bodies because of the risk of another avalanche." (Chris DiMaio, 00:50)

3. Immigration Policy & Public Safety Debate

• Voter Sentiment and Political Response
  • "A new Fox poll finds 59% of American voters say ICE has been too aggressive in stopping illegal migrants who are living in the U.S."
  • "Vice President Vance says the nation has seen...a lot safer due to the immigration crackdown. You saw murders come down by 20% in 2025." (Chris DiMaio quoting VP Vance, 00:50)
  • "A big part of that is you've gotten these violent, criminal illegal aliens out of the country." (Vice President Vance, as quoted, 00:50)

4. TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Suspended Amid Government Shutdown

• Travel Complications
  • "The Department of Homeland Security says it's suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs...The suspension is in response to the partial government shutdown in which Democrats and Republicans are trying to resolve differences on immigration enforcement." (Chris DiMaio, 00:50–02:03)

5. NASA’s Artemis Program Faces New Delays

• Artemis II Launch Delayed Again
  • "It's another setback for NASA's plan to send astronauts back to the moon...April is now the earliest the four astronauts could launch." (Carmen Roberts, 02:36)
  • "Administrator Jared Isaacman says the disappointment is real, especially for the teams working tirelessly to make the mission happen." (Carmen Roberts, 02:36)
  • "The setback comes just one day after NASA announced the March 6 launch target. NASA says the new problem involved the flow of helium to the rocket's upper stage." (Chris DiMaio, 03:14)

6. U.S.-Iran Nuclear Showdown

• Intensifying Diplomatic Pressure
  • "President Trump is giving Tehran just...10 to 15 days to come to an agreement...The warning comes as the US continues building up a major military presence in the Middle East." (Chanley Painter, 03:31)
  • "A top Iranian official claims a draft deal could be ready in the next few days...centers on curbing Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.” (Chanley Painter, 03:31)
  • "The president has suggested he's open to a limited military strike against Iran to force the Middle east nation to the negotiation table.” (Chris DiMaio, 04:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You saw murders come down by 20% in 2025. Well, a big part of that is you've gotten these violent, criminal illegal aliens out of the country.”
  — Vice President Vance, as quoted by Chris DiMaio, (00:50)

• “Administrator Jared Isaacman says the disappointment is real, especially for the teams working tirelessly to make the mission happen.”
  — Carmen Roberts, (02:36)

• “President Trump is giving Tehran just 10 to 15 days to come to an agreement.”
  — Chanley Painter, (03:31)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Blizzard Alert & Weather Updates: 00:03 – 00:49
• Avalanche Recovery: 00:50
• Immigration Policy, Public Safety, & TSA Suspension: 00:50 – 02:03
• NASA Artemis Program Delay: 02:32 – 03:14
• US-Iran Nuclear Negotiations & Military Posturing: 03:31 – 04:14

This concise, fact-focused newscast highlights the urgency and gravity of headline events for listeners, with brisk reporting and clear attributions, capturing the rapid-fire pace and direct, informative tone of Fox News Radio.