Fox News Hourly Update: 11PM ET, February 17, 2026 – Episode Summary
Main Theme
This episode delivers a concise roundup of the day's top news stories, spanning crime, ongoing investigations, political disputes over vaccine changes, legislative moves on fraud, a high-profile legal case, and major media merger negotiations.
Key News Stories & Insights
1. Pawtucket, Rhode Island Ice Rink Shooting
[00:02 - 00:46]
- Incident Details:
- Police confirm a deadly shooting at a local ice rink was a targeted attack aimed at the shooter’s family members.
- Suspect: Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito.
- Victims: Ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their adult son, Aiden Dorgan, were killed. Three others (ex-wife’s parents and a family friend) were wounded.
- Resolution:
- Police Chief Tina Gonsalves: Credited a "good Samaritan" with subduing the gunman—“bringing the attack to what she described as a swift end.”
- Memorable Moment:
- The revelation of a family motivation and prompt civilian intervention adds gravity and a sense of community bravery.
2. Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie
[00:46 - 01:17]
- Update:
- Search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, enters its third week.
- Sheriff Chris Nanos:
- Quote [00:46]: “I believe it was a kidnapping, but I'm not the one investigating this. I have a team of some very qualified, very hardworking young men and women.”
- New clue: DNA found on a glove at the scene does not match any database profiles.
3. California Prepares to Sue Over CDC Vaccine Updates
[01:17 - 01:46]
- Issue:
- CDC released a new childhood immunization schedule, removing recommendations for several vaccines, including rotavirus, influenza, hepatitis A and B.
- Response:
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticizes the changes and plans to challenge them in court.
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.:
- Quote [01:17]: “I like the facts, I like science.”
- Asserts: “the update protects children, respects families and rebuilds trust in public health.” [01:46]
- Notable Insight:
- The removal of vaccine recommendations signals significant shifts in federal health policy and ignites legal and political conflict between state and federal leaders.
4. Capitol Security Incident
[02:30 - 02:49]
- Event:
- US Capitol Police arrested an 18-year-old man, who ran towards the Capitol's west side with a shotgun, tactical vest, and gloves.
- Context:
- Congress is in recess.
5. Minnesota Legislature Targets Widespread Fraud
[02:49 - 03:23]
- Allegation:
- Whistleblowers and prosecutors allege over $9 billion in taxpayer fraud went unchecked for years.
- Political Reaction:
- House Republicans push for the creation of an independent Inspector General’s Office.
- Democrats propose increased transparency for ICE operations.
- Reporter Jeff Manasso:
- Details divided legislative agenda and prior failures to establish anti-fraud oversight.
6. Legal Case: Jill Biden’s First Husband Charged
[03:23 - 03:41]
- Update:
- William Stevenson, first husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, pleads not guilty to murdering Linda Stevenson, his wife, found dead on December 28th in Wilmington, Delaware.
7. Major Media Merger Negotiations
[03:41 - 04:22]
- Development:
- Warner Bros. Discovery will reopen merger talks with Paramount Skydance.
- Paramount aims for full acquisition, offering to raise bid from $30 to $31 per share.
- Netflix already has a partial bid (excluding cable channels).
- Netflix asserts their deal remains “superior” but offers a 7-day waiver for Warner’s decision-making.
- Notable Quote:
- “Netflix said in a statement that it believes its offer remains superior, but granted Warner a seven day waiver to fully and finally resolve this matter.” [04:22]
Notable Quotes
- Chief Tina Gonsalves (Pawtucket Police): “...subduing the shooter, bringing the attack to what she described as a swift end.” [00:46]
- Sheriff Chris Nanos (Pima County): “I believe it was a kidnapping, but I'm not the one investigating this...” [00:46]
- Attorney General Rob Bonta: “I like the facts, I like science.” [01:17] (as attribution to Kennedy, but Bonta is quoted as preparing a legal challenge)
- Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: “The update protects children, respects families and rebuilds trust in public health.” [01:46]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Pawtucket Shooting: 00:02 – 00:46
- Nancy Guthrie Search: 00:46 – 01:17
- Childhood Vaccine Guidelines Lawsuit: 01:17 – 01:46
- Capitol Security Incident: 02:30 – 02:49
- Minnesota Fraud Investigation: 02:49 – 03:23
- Jill Biden’s First Husband Trial: 03:23 – 03:41
- Warner Bros.-Paramount Merger Negotiations: 03:41 – 04:22
Memorable Moments
- The swift intervention of a good Samaritan during a family-targeted mass shooting.
- The lingering uncertainty and hopefulness in the Nancy Guthrie missing person investigation.
- Sharp state-federal conflict over childhood vaccine policy, with strong public statements from both California’s Attorney General and federal officials.
- A high-stakes media industry showdown, with Netflix and Warner-Paramount vying for transformative deals.
This episode offers a rapid-fire, headline-driven look at the day's major stories, spotlighting impactful developments across law enforcement, health policy, government oversight, and business.
