Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET 02/23/2026 Newscast

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

Episode Overview

This episode provides a fast-paced roundup of breaking national and international news stories as of early February 23, 2026. Coverage spans an intense bomb cyclone on the East Coast, a security breach at Mar-a-Lago, major updates in international relations and trade, economic highlights, and critical public safety alerts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Historic Northeast Blizzard (“Bomb Cyclone”)

Timestamps: [00:03] – [00:40]

• Severe weather event:
  The Northeast is being hit by a "potentially historic bomb cyclone."

• Impact:

  • Heavy snow, blizzard conditions
  • 11 inches of snow reported in NYC (Battery Park), 8.8 inches in Central Park
  • Significant variability across NYC’s five boroughs
  • Snowfall rates reached up to 2 inches per hour in some areas
  • States of emergency declared in 8 states
  • National Guard activated in New York and Massachusetts
  • Travel bans issued, especially in New York City

• Memorable Moment:

  “We had that one convective band that pumped in probably snowfall rates close to 2 inches per hour. But we're not done with this system yet.”
  — Fox Weather’s Haley Meyer, [00:29]

2. Mar-a-Lago Security Breach and Secret Service Shooting

Timestamps: [00:40] – [01:31]

• Incident:
  The Secret Service shot and killed a 21-year-old man, Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina, who breached the security perimeter at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
• Reactions:
  • No comment yet directly from President Trump
  • Press Secretary Caroline Levitt issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) praising the Secret Service’s swift action and criticizing Democrats for a shutdown.
• Notable Quote:

  “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.”
  — Caroline Levitt via Lucas Tomlinson, [00:56]

3. US Supreme Court on Trump-Era Tariffs & European Reaction

Timestamps: [01:31] – [01:59]

• Court decision:
  The Supreme Court struck down some of President Trump’s tariffs.
• International response:
  The European Commission demanded the US adhere to existing trade deals, warning against any increase in tariffs post-ruling.

4. Alaska Earthquake

Timestamp: [01:59]

• Event:
  Alaska experienced a 6.3-magnitude earthquake on Sunday night.

5. Netflix’s Economic Impact

Timestamps: [01:59] – [02:31]

• Highlight:
  Over the past 10 years, Netflix contributed $225 billion to the US economy, creating over 150,000 jobs across all 50 states
• Jobs reached:
  Cast, crew, carpenters, electricians, and small businesses benefited from company investments

6. Mexico Cartel Leader Killed

Timestamps: [02:31] – [03:03]

• Event:

  • Mexican forces killed El Mincho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, in a military raid.
  • Cartel members retaliated by setting fire to vehicles and buildings; airports and the US Embassy advise citizens to shelter in place.

• US Role:
  White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt confirmed US intelligence aided the operation.

• Memorable Moment:

  “Mexico is on high alert after its army killed the leader of one of the world's most powerful drug cartels. ... The US Embassy in Mexico is urging all Americans in affected areas to shelter in place.”
  — Fox’s Marianne Rafferty, [02:39]

7. US-Iran Nuclear Talks & Political Reactions

Timestamps: [03:03] – [03:42]

• Diplomacy:
  The US and Iran to resume nuclear talks Thursday in Geneva. The Trump administration is pressuring Iran for a nuclear deal.

• Domestic response:
  Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) demands transparent explanations ahead of any military action.

• Notable Quote:

  “You will find no sympathy from me when it comes to the Iranians. But what I want to see from our commander in chief is clear purpose, clear intentions, clear directives, and I think he owes the American people that answer before engaging in military action.”
  — Gov. Josh Shapiro, [03:27]

• Presidential stance:
  President Trump stated a 10–15 day window for Iran to reach an agreement on the nuclear issue.

8. International Headlines: Hong Kong & North Korea

Timestamps: [03:42] – [04:26]

• Hong Kong:
  Appeals dismissed for 12 pro-democracy activists under the national security law; convictions and sentences stand. Beijing accused them of conspiracy to commit subversion.
• North Korea:
  Kim Jong Un reelected to top post; credited for strengthening the country’s nuclear arsenal.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It's shameful and reckless that Democrats have chosen to shut down their department.”
  — Caroline Levitt (via Lucas Tomlinson), [00:56]

• “Over the past 10 years, Netflix has contributed $225 billion to the US economy.”
  — Fox News Newscast, [02:00]

• “You will find no sympathy from me when it comes to the Iranians. But what I want to see from our commander in chief is clear purpose, clear intentions, clear directives…”
  — Gov. Josh Shapiro, [03:27]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Blizzard conditions: [00:03] – [00:40]
• Mar-a-Lago security shooting: [00:40] – [01:31]
• Tariff ruling & Europe: [01:31] – [01:59]
• Alaska earthquake: [01:59]
• Netflix US economic impact: [01:59] – [02:31]
• Mexico cartel leader killed: [02:31] – [03:03]
• US-Iran talks and reaction: [03:03] – [03:42]
• Hong Kong activists, North Korea: [03:42] – [04:26]

This episode delivers a succinct, up-to-the-minute roundup of urgent events, global politics, economic highlights, and American public safety, reflecting the brisk and high-stakes tone typical of FOX News' hourly newscasts.