Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET 02/23/2026 Newscast

Broadcast Date: February 24, 2026
Host: Tom Graham (FOX News)
Correspondents: Brandi Campbell, David Spunt, Chad Pergrim, Ainsley Earhart

Episode Overview

This FOX News Hourly Update delivers a concise, fact-packed rundown of major news stories from across the United States and internationally. The broadcast covers the aftermath of a devastating winter blizzard in the Northeast USA, a major security breach at Mar-a-Lago, turmoil on Wall Street, political scandal in Congress, international cartel violence, and the resignation of a CBS News contributor amid Jeffrey Epstein-related controversy.

Key News Highlights & Insights

1. Historic Northeast Blizzard and Its Aftermath

[00:02–00:56]

• Overview: A monster winter storm buries cities from Baltimore to Boston, setting snowfall records and causing widespread power outages and hazardous conditions.
• Details:
  • New York City’s Central Park received 19.7 inches of snow—the most powerful winter storm in the city’s history.
  • Providence, RI set a new record with over 32 inches of snow by 1pm, surpassing the previous 28.6-inch record.
  • Over half a million people remain without power as crews race to restore service.
  • Massachusetts Governor urges residents to stay off the roads; travel remains dangerous.
• Notable Quote:

  “Over in Providence, Rhode Island, by 1pm they had over 32 inches of snow, breaking their longest standing record...the strong wind and heavy wet snow led to power outages going into tonight. Over half a million Americans are going to be without power.”
  — Brandi Campbell, FOX Weather [00:18]

2. Mar-a-Lago Security Breach: FBI Investigation

[00:56–01:38]

• Incident: An armed man, 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin, was shot and killed after breaching security at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home.
  • President Trump was not present at the residence during the event.
  • The suspect arrived around 1:30am, wielding a shotgun and gas canister.
  • Secret Service fatally shot Martin after he raised his shotgun despite being ordered to surrender.
• Investigation: FBI examining the suspect’s social media, phone, and personal connections.
• Discussion: Raises critical questions about the security perimeter at Trump’s residence.
• Notable Quote:

  “Even though the president was not at Mar a Lago… it still calls into question the perimeter itself and what needs to be done to make sure this does not happen again.”
  — David Spunt, FOX News [01:04]

3. Tumultuous Day on Wall Street

[01:38–02:02]

• Market Downturn:
  • Dow fell by 822 points.
  • Nasdaq and S&P 500 also saw significant drops.
• Implication: Confirms market volatility likely driven by current national and international unrest.

4. Scandal and Calls to Resign: Rep. Tony Gonzalez

[02:32–03:22]

• Allegations: Leaked explicit texts allegedly between Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez and an aide surface.
  • At least four House Republicans call for Gonzalez to step down.
  • The late aide, Regina Santos Avila, reportedly had an affair with Gonzalez and died by self-immolation last year.
  • Political ramifications: GOP House majority would shrink if Gonzalez resigns.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson urges Gonzalez to address the matter; Gonzalez denies wrongdoing.
• Notable Quote:

  “Congress needs zero tolerance for those who hold power, even if it costs the GOP its narrow majority in the House.”
  — Nancy Mace, South Carolina Republican (reported by Chad Pergrim) [03:10]

• Gonzalez’s Defense:

  “While in Congress, not a single complaint has been levied against my office.”
  — Tony Gonzalez (statement reported, [03:18])

5. Violence in Mexico After Cartel Leader’s Death

[03:22–03:55]

• Event: El Mencho, leader of a major Mexican drug cartel, killed by the military.
  • Retaliation by cartel leads to violence and chaos; 73 people killed, including 25 National Guard members.
  • American citizens near the border ordered to shelter-in-place, must sign waivers to leave.
  • Nearest airport is closed.
• Notable Quote:

  “Anything you do beyond that point is on you, basically.”
  — American citizen discussing waiver requirements (reported by David Spunt) [03:43]
  “So that’s unnerving. But you also feel like they’re looking out for interest. Yeah.”
  — American citizen [03:50]

6. CBS News Contributor Resigns Over Epstein Ties

[03:55–04:28]

• Scandal: Dr. Peter Attia steps down from CBS News after emails reveal a friendship and frequent correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, including an inappropriate joke.
  • Attia had been brought onto CBS News by Barry Weiss.
• Notable Detail: Indicates ongoing fallout from Epstein’s network and associations.

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Northeast Blizzard Coverage: [00:02–00:56]
• Mar-a-Lago Security Breach & Investigation: [00:56–01:38]
• Wall Street Plunge: [01:38–02:02]
• Rep. Tony Gonzalez Scandal: [02:32–03:22]
• Cartel Violence and American Citizens in Mexico: [03:22–03:55]
• Epstein File Fallout – CBS News Resignation: [03:55–04:28]

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The report maintains an urgent and authoritative tone, delivering developing events with crisp journalistic clarity.
• Firsthand weather updates and in-the-field reporting provide a ground-level view of natural disaster impacts.
• Human impact is highlighted with personal perspectives from those affected by the blizzard and cartel violence.

For listeners who missed the broadcast:
This episode offers a rapid, comprehensive update on major national and international news, with a strong focus on crisis events, government accountability, and ongoing investigations, underpinned by clear, direct reporting and notable sound bites from all sectors of public life.