Fox News Hourly Update – 7AM ET 02/22/2026 Newscast

Host: Paul Stevens (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: February 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers concise updates on urgent breaking news and major developing stories as of the morning of February 22, 2026. Major topics include a looming historic nor'easter for the Northeast, escalating tensions between the US and Iran, a high-profile murder investigation involving a former American Idol contestant, and a sentencing update connected to actor Matthew Perry’s overdose death.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Major Nor’easter Threatens Mid-Atlantic and Northeast

• Timestamps: 00:03–00:50
• The episode opens with newscaster Paul Stevens announcing a significant winter storm set to impact the mid-Atlantic and northeastern US.
• Ainsley Earhart provides detailed warnings:
  • Over 26 million Americans are under a blizzard warning.
  • Forecasts call for 1 to 2 feet of snow in much of the Northeast, with models indicating the Jersey Shore could see up to 4 feet.
  • Blizzard conditions and winds up to 60 mph anticipated.
  • Dangerous travel from Washington, D.C. to Boston and widespread flight cancellations/delays.
• Notable Quote:
  Ainsley Earhart (00:17):

  "More than 26 million Americans are under a blizzard warning. A powerful nor’easter is forecast to bring 1 to 2 ft of snow to much of the Northeast—the Jersey shore could see up to 4 ft before it’s over."

2. Iran Nuclear Deal Tension & US Military Build-Up

• Timestamps: 00:50–01:46

• Paul Stevens transitions to international news, introducing a developing story on Iran’s nuclear program.

• Chan Lee Painter describes increasing pressure from President Trump:

  • President Trump gives Iran 10 to 15 days to reach a deal or face “serious consequences.”
  • The US is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East with aircraft carriers, troops, and aircraft.
  • A draft agreement focused on curbing Iran’s nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief is reportedly close.
  • Divisions exist within the Trump administration over the possibility of military action; some advisors suggest focusing on economic issues as the November midterms approach.

• Notable Quotes:
  Chan Lee Painter (01:05):

  "President Trump is giving Tehran just 10 to 15 days to come to an agreement. He says Iran can't continue to threaten stability in the region."

  Chan Lee Painter (01:35):

  "[The] Trump administration remains divided on possible military action. Some advisers are urging the president to instead put more focus on the economy ahead of November’s midterms."

• Paul Stevens adds the president is now “open to a limited military strike” to force Iran back to the table.

3. High-Profile Murder Investigation: Caleb Flynn

• Timestamps: 02:40–03:36

• Former American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn is charged with the murder of his wife, accused of staging the scene to mislead investigators.

• Madison Scarpino reports:

  • Flynn was arrested three days post-murder and pleaded not guilty at arraignment.
  • Defense expresses concern over “the short timeline and seeming rush to judgment.”
  • The victim, Ashley Flynn, was a teacher, volleyball coach, and mother.
  • The next court appearance is set for Wednesday.

• Notable Quotes:
  Caleb Flynn’s attorney, via Madison Scarpino (03:02):

  “We are both disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and seeming rush to judgment in this case... The chance of a wrongful conviction increases.”

  Madison Scarpino (03:18):

  “The 37-year-old mother was also a local teacher, a volleyball coach, and her family says she brought endless light into their world.”

• Additional details:

  • In a 911 call, Flynn claimed an intruder shot his wife while their two children were home.

4. Matthew Perry Overdose Death: Sentencing Update

• Timestamps: 03:53–04:30
• Eben Brown explains that Jasmine Sanga, allegedly known as “the Ket Queen,” awaits sentencing for distributing ketamine resulting in the death of “Friends” actor Matthew Perry in October 2023.
• Sanga is one of five charged; she pleaded guilty in September 2025. She faces up to 65 years in prison.
• Notable Quote:
  Eben Brown (04:00):

  “Sanga pleaded guilty last September to distributing the drug leading to the death of Friends actor Matthew Perry... She could go to prison for up to 65 years.”

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Extreme weather alert: Widespread, historic snow for the Northeast—“numbers continue to ratchet up,” with possible four-foot snow totals at the Jersey Shore. (Ainsley Earhart, 00:17)
• Rapid political escalation: President Trump’s ultimatum and willingness to consider limited military action: “Iran can’t continue to threaten stability in the region.” (Chan Lee Painter, 01:05)
• Murder investigation insight: Defense attorney questions police timeline and rush to judgment, while victim’s family says arrest was “not without serious consideration.” (Madison Scarpino, 03:02–03:18)
• Celebrity overdose consequences: The “Ket Queen” sentencing in Matthew Perry’s case underscores the crackdown on drug distribution linked to celebrity deaths. (Eben Brown, 04:00)

Summary Table of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | Key Point/Quote | |-----------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | 00:03–00:50 | Nor’easter & Blizzard Warnings | “More than 26 million Americans under a blizzard warning.” – Ainsley Earhart | | 00:50–01:46 | US–Iran Standoff | “President Trump is giving Tehran just 10 to 15 days to come to an agreement.” – Chan Lee Painter | | 02:40–03:36 | Caleb Flynn Murder Case | “We are both disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and seeming rush to judgment.” – Flynn’s attorney | | 03:53–04:30 | Matthew Perry Overdose: Sentencing Update | “She could go to prison for up to 65 years.” – Eben Brown |

Tone & Delivery

The episode delivers urgent and direct updates, in the standard brisk and serious tone characteristic of Fox News hourly newscasts. The focus remains on clarity and gravity, matching the severity of weather, political, and legal events covered.

For those who missed the live broadcast:
This episode offers a compact but thorough snapshot of the morning’s urgent news, with both immediate weather alerts and coverage of nationally significant court and international developments.