Fox News Hourly Update – 11PM ET 02/18/2026

Host: FOX News Podcasts | Date: February 19, 2026

Overview

This episode delivers a concise, high-level summary of the day’s most significant political, legal, and cultural stories. Key segments focus on President Trump’s administration’s economic messaging leading up to the midterm elections, the ongoing scrutiny of social media’s effect on youth through legal testimony, missing persons cases, a deadly avalanche in California, and business and entertainment updates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Administration Refines Economic Messaging for the Midterms

• [00:03–00:44]
  • Lisa Lacera introduces President Trump’s cabinet efforts in shaping their communication strategy on the economy ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
  • Caroline Levitt reports dozens of administration officials gathering on Capitol Hill to coordinate their approach and emphasize economic success.
  • Ainsley Earhart highlights Trump’s intention to travel more frequently to promote his economic record:

    "That's what the president loves to do to get out across the country. He's spoken about his intention to go across the country a lot more." [00:20]

  • Despite efforts, polling suggests most Americans remain dissatisfied with the handling of the economy, while Democrats focus their campaigns on affordability.
  • The White House hints the economy will be central to next week’s State of the Union address.

2. Tech on Trial: Mark Zuckerberg Testifies in LA

• [00:44–01:15]
  • Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appears in a Los Angeles court as part of a trial focused on social media companies’ roles in youth self-harm and addiction.
  • A 20-year-old accuser alleges platforms are purposely addictive and harmful to young users.
  • Zuckerberg admits children under 13 aren’t allowed on Instagram but concedes:

    "[Admitting] age verification is difficult." [00:44–01:15]

3. Ongoing Search for Missing Nancy Guthrie

• [01:15–01:31]
  • Jonathan Hunt describes the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie.
  • DNA searches have failed to find a match in the FBI database; authorities now turn to genetic genealogy—including companies like Othram—for leads.
  • Nancy Guthrie has been missing for 18 days.

4. Lake Tahoe Avalanche Leaves Eight Dead

• [01:31–02:00]
  • Six people were rescued after being trapped for six hours following an avalanche at Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada.
  • Eight skiers are confirmed dead, and one remains missing as search and rescue operations continue.

5. Legal Inquiry: Les Wexner Questioned on Epstein Relationship

• [02:31–03:17]
  • House Oversight Committee staff attorneys deposed 88-year-old billionaire Les Wexner, longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Wexner’s opening statement (via Jessica Rosenthal) denies any close friendship and asserts:

    "I've been the subject of outrageous and untrue statements, but my heart goes out to the survivors of Epstein's crimes." [02:36]

  • He claims to have cut ties with Epstein nearly 20 years ago upon discovering theft and labels Epstein "a con man," expressing regret for ever having met him.

6. Uber Invests in Autonomous Vehicle Infrastructure

• [03:17–03:59]
  • Ginny Coselda reports Uber’s $100+ million investment to establish charging hubs for autonomous vehicles.
  • The project begins in key markets like California’s Bay Area, LA, and Dallas, facilitating Uber’s expansion into self-driving rideshare and freight through partnerships (Google’s Waymo and China’s Weride).

7. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Hosts Paul McCartney Exhibit

• [03:59–04:28]
  • The new summer exhibit will spotlight Paul McCartney and Wings, featuring instruments, outfits, handwritten lyrics, and other memorabilia.
  • The exhibit traces McCartney’s work from his 1970 solo debut to Wings’ disbandment in 1981.
  • Opens May 15th in Cleveland.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Ainsley Earhart on Trump’s campaign style:

  "That's what the president loves to do to get out across the country. He's spoken about his intention to go across the country a lot more." [00:20]

• Jessica Rosenthal quoting Les Wexner:

  "I've been the subject of outrageous and untrue statements, but my heart goes out to the survivors of Epstein's crimes." [02:36]

• Jonathan Hunt on the Guthrie case:

  "Investigators hit something of a DNA dead end in terms of finding a match on the FBI's database. They're now also looking at genetic genealogy testing, turning to companies like Othram..." [01:15]

Timestamps for Significant Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |-------------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:03–00:44 | Trump admin economic messaging, midterm context | | 00:44–01:15 | Zuckerberg court testimony, youth self-harm | | 01:15–01:31 | Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation | | 01:31–02:00 | Lake Tahoe avalanche tragedy | | 02:31–03:17 | Les Wexner deposition on Epstein ties | | 03:17–03:59 | Uber autonomous charging hub investment | | 03:59–04:28 | Paul McCartney & Wings Hall of Fame exhibit |

Tone:
The episode maintains an urgent, fact-forward news delivery style—direct, focused, and informative, with correspondents delivering reports in a neutral, concise manner.