Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET 02/24/2026

Date: February 25, 2026
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Episode Theme:
A brisk roundup of key national and international news, with a spotlight on President Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address, the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, crime updates, labor strikes, and economic indicators.

Main Theme Overview

This episode provides a condensed, rapid-fire summary of the day’s most pressing stories. This hour centers on anticipation for President Trump’s State of the Union address, reactions from both parties, the somber anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, legal developments in high-profile cases, labor news, and signs of economic sentiment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s State of the Union Address

• Transformation & Turnaround
  • Excerpts reveal President Trump’s theme: America has undergone “a transformation” and “a turnaround for the ages.”
  • Quote:
    • “We will never go back to where we were just a short time ago.” (Lisa Licera quoting Trump, 00:07)
• Policy Focuses
  • Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt previews the address, emphasizing stories of Americans helped by Trump’s policies and hints at new initiatives, especially regarding affordability.
    • Quote:
      • “He’ll be sharing these stories again of everyday Americans who are directly benefiting from his policies and making a few new policy announcements as well. To continue to tax the affordability crisis that Joe Biden created one year ago.” (Caroline Leavitt via correspondent, 00:22)
• Funding for Homeland Security
  • Trump expected to call on Democrats to restore full funding for border and homeland security.
• Democratic Response
  • Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sharply criticizes Trump’s speech outlook:
    • Quote:
      • “Those days are long gone under Trump. What Americans will get is a state of deception, a state of denial.” (Chuck Schumer, 00:52)
  • Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger to deliver the official Democratic response.

2. Fourth Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

• Commemoration & Defiance
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky leads a minute of silence for those lost.
  • Zelensky remains defiant; a European leader suggests Trump might be able to pressure Putin.
    • Quote:
      • “President Zelensky was defiant. At least one European leader told us he thinks President Trump—along with the diplomatic tools and sanctions at his disposal—is just about the only person who might be able to get Russian President Putin to cry uncle.” (Greg Palkot, 01:25)
  • Fox’s Greg Palkot reports from Kyiv, noting Ukraine’s resilience and Russia’s lack of achieved goals.

3. Crime & Legal Updates

• Florida Execution
  • Melvin Trotter, convicted for a 1986 murder, executed by lethal injection. (01:40)
• Cruise Ship Homicide
  • A 16-year-old boy charged federally for killing his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. Legal documents tie the charge to an ongoing custody battle.
    • “The teen now charged in her death is said to be Kepner’s stepbrother... a federal court will prosecute the boy in connection with Kepner’s killing.” (Eben Brown, 02:41)

4. Other News

• NYPD Incident
  • New York police investigate assaults after officers were hit by snowballs during a large fight in Washington Square Park; several officers hospitalized. (03:14)
• Kaiser Permanente Strikes End
  • 31,000 California and Hawaii health workers return to work after a nearly four-week strike. Details pending, but settlement reportedly based on wage increases from October offer.
    • “A Kaiser spokesperson says the agreement’s based on wage increases the company first offered in October.” (Chris Foster, 03:33)

5. Economic News

• Consumer Confidence Rises
  • The Conference Board reports the consumer confidence index rose to 91.2 in February (up from 89 in January). Short-term expectations up to 72; a figure below 80 is often seen as a recessionary warning.
    • Quote:
      • “80 is the marker that can signal a recession ahead.” (Lisa Licera, 04:14)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Those days are long gone under Trump. What Americans will get is a state of deception, a state of denial.”
  — Chuck Schumer, 00:52
• “President Zelensky was defiant... just about the only person who might be able to get Russian President Putin to cry uncle.”
  — Greg Palkot, 01:25
• “80 is the marker that can signal a recession ahead.”
  — Lisa Licera, 04:14

Timestamps Guide

• 00:02–01:07: President Trump’s State of the Union: themes, previews, and partisan reactions
• 01:08–01:40: Ukraine war anniversary, on-the-ground updates, and international diplomatic hopes
• 01:40–02:00: Florida execution
• 02:31–03:14: Cruise ship homicide charges; implications of juvenile prosecution
• 03:14–03:33: NYPD snowball incident in Manhattan
• 03:33–04:05: Kaiser Permanente strikes resolved
• 04:05–04:29: Consumer confidence index update

Overall Tone

Crisp, fact-driven, and focused on delivering headlines with brief analysis, reflecting the style and urgency of hourly radio news.