Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET 02/24/2026

Host: Sue Guzman (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: February 24, 2026
Episode Theme: Latest breaking news headlines covering severe weather in the Northeast, escalating cartel violence in Mexico, upcoming State of the Union address by President Trump, corporate lawsuits over tariffs, and major market reactions.

Episode Overview

This tightly packed newscast delivers fast updates on several concurrent events: the aftermath of a record-setting blizzard in the Northeast, escalating violence following a cartel leader’s death in Mexico (with impacts on U.S. tourists), political friction ahead of President Trump's State of the Union, and fallout from a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. Each segment features reporting from Fox News correspondents or weather experts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Historic Blizzard Paralyzes Northeast

• Massive Snowfall and Aftermath

  • The Northeast is recovering from a blizzard Monday, with 2-3 feet of snow in some areas.
  • Widespread shutdowns: schools and roadways closed, power outages affect thousands, and flights canceled.
    (00:02-00:21)

• Record-Breaking Stats by Region
  Brandy Campbell (Fox Weather):

  • "We got a lot of snow. We also had some winds gusting nearly 70 miles per hour." (00:22)
  • Key Records:
    • Central Park, NY: nearly 20 inches – among the most powerful storms in city history.
    • Providence, Rhode Island: 37.9 inches – “broke their longest standing record, making this the greatest snowstorm in Providence’s history.” (00:21-01:04)

2. U.S. Tourists Ordered to Shelter Amid Cartel Violence in Mexico

• Violence After Death of El Mencho
  Sue Guzman:

  • "American tourists still hunkering down in parts of Mexico as the U.S. State Department ordered them to shelter in place." (01:04)
  • The unrest follows the killing of El Mencho, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

• On-the-Ground Details
  Reporter:

  • "El Mencho's henchmen responded by taking to the streets, killing dozens of people in stores, gas stations, roadways all burned." (01:17)
  • Flights from Puerto Vallarta grounded; U.S. tourists in the area remain under shelter-in-place orders (second night running).
  • Mexican officials confirm El Mencho died from gunshot injuries after a standoff in the woods. (01:45)
  • Mexico’s president "urging calm" nationwide.
    (Segments: 01:04-01:54)

3. Anticipation and Controversy Around Trump's State of the Union Address

• Deep Political Division
  Sue Guzman:

  • "President Trump set to deliver his annual State of the Union address. Tonight." (02:40)

• Democratic Boycotts and Protests
  Reporter Bill Maluja:

  • "Over a dozen Democrats have said they plan on skipping the speech." (02:48)
  • Cites last year's backlash, noting some Democrats "refused to stand for angel parents as well as a young boy who was battling cancer." (02:48)
  • Texas Congressman Al Green's outburst last year led to his removal.
  • Boycotting Democrats will attend a rally at the National Mall, hosted by Midas Touch and Move On.
  • Other Democrats plan to bring "victims and survivors associated with Jeffrey Epstein" to the speech.
    (Segments: 02:40-03:28)

4. Major Lawsuits and Legislative Moves Over Trump Tariffs

• Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Fallout

  • Supreme Court: President Trump lacked authority to impose “Liberation Day” tariffs.
  • Major corporations, including FedEx, are suing the U.S. government for refunds on tariffs paid.
    Jill Nado:
    • "FedEx didn’t specify a dollar amount yet, but they filed a lawsuit Monday against U.S. Customs and Border Protection." (03:33)
    • “More than $175 billion in tariff collections may be subject to refunds.” (03:33)

• Political Response & Market Impact

  • 22 Senate Democrats introduce legislation to fully refund the tariffs (04:11).
  • The Dow drops over 800 points Monday due to “uncertainty over President Trump’s tariff plans.” (04:11)
  • Despite the court’s ruling President Trump will “just tariffs 10 to 15% on all US imports anyway.” (04:11)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Brandy Campbell, on the blizzard:
  "We got a lot of snow. We also had some winds gusting nearly 70 miles per hour." (00:22)

• On the Rhode Island snowfall:
  "That broke their longest standing record, making this the greatest snowstorm in Providence’s history." (00:32)

• On the violence in Mexico:
  "El Mencho's henchmen responded by taking to the streets, killing dozens of people in stores, gas stations, roadways, all burned." (01:23)

• Bill Maluja, on political protest:
  "Over a dozen Democrats have said they plan on skipping the speech... Some of the Democrats... are going to plan to attend a rally at the National Mall that's being hosted and co-sponsored by Midas Touch and Move On." (02:48-03:15)

• Jill Nado, on the tariff lawsuits:
  “More than $175 billion in tariff collections may be subject to refunds.” (03:47)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Northeast Blizzard Updates: 00:02 – 01:04
• Mexico Cartel Violence & Tourist Advisory: 01:04 – 01:54
• Preview of Trump’s State of the Union: 02:40 – 03:28
• Corporate Lawsuits Over Tariffs: 03:33 – 04:11
• Market and Legislative Response: 04:11 – 04:41

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a fast-paced, urgent tone with succinct reporting, focusing on high-impact headlines and key facts.

This summary offers a clear look at all main stories covered and provides context, key moments, and important timestamps to guide listeners who missed the episode.