Fox News Hourly Update – 3PM ET 02/18/2026

Host: Lisa Brady (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: February 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This newscast covers several major national and international news stories as of the afternoon of February 18, 2026. The episode's focus includes a tragic avalanche in California, updates on a high-profile missing persons case, political standoffs affecting Homeland Security funding, a crackdown on commercial driving schools, major developments in humanitarian efforts in Gaza, a significant sports franchise sale, and a consumer alert involving restaurant gift cards.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Deadly California Avalanche

Timestamps: 00:02 – 00:31

• Eight skiers have been confirmed dead after a backcountry avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California.
  • "Multiple deaths confirmed in a search for missing skiers." (Lisa Brady, 00:02)
• One skier remains missing, and the bodies have not yet been recovered due to dangerous conditions.
  • "Our focus remains on recovering, but the snow and the unsure conditions are creating an issue to making sure that we can safely do that." (Sheriff Shannon Moon, 00:20)
• Six skiers were rescued alive yesterday.
• The avalanche is now considered the deadliest in the US in over forty years.

2. Search for Nancy Guthrie & FBI Efforts

Timestamps: 00:31 – 01:08

• FBI uses genetic genealogy on DNA found in Nancy Guthrie’s home (missing for 18 days) after no matches in federal databases.
• Authorities hope this will generate new leads in the ongoing investigation.

3. Homeland Security Funding Stalemate

Timestamps: 01:08 – 01:37

• A shutdown affecting Homeland Security funding has begun, with each side blaming the other.
• Democrats demand major changes in immigration enforcement.
  • "ICE needs to be reformed in a dramatic, bold, meaningful and transformational manner. And if that doesn't happen, the DHS funding bill will not move forward." (House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, 01:08)
• The White House claims negotiations are ongoing but criticizes Democrats’ latest proposals.
  • "Last night they sent over a counter proposal that frankly was very unserious and we hope they get serious very soon because Americans are going to be impacted by this." (White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt, 01:29)

4. Commercial Driving School Closures

Timestamps: 01:37 – 02:00

• Hundreds of US truck and bus driving schools ordered to close after safety deficiencies were found.
• Part of a federal crackdown targeting commercial drivers in the country illegally.

5. International Humanitarian Aid for Gaza

Timestamps: 02:16 – 02:30

• President Trump is set to open the first meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, D.C.
• Announcement: Over $5 billion pledged for Gaza’s humanitarian and reconstruction needs.
  • "Announce that member states have pledged more than 5 billion towards the Gaza humanitarian and reconstruction efforts." (Caroline Levitt, 02:22)
• Thousands of personnel have been committed to international stabilization forces and local police to maintain peace in Gaza.
• More than 20 countries plan to attend, but notable absences include the UK, France, Germany, and the Vatican (concerns mentioned about who should lead the Gaza rebuilding effort).

6. Seattle Seahawks Put up for Sale

Timestamps: 02:30 – 03:27

• The estate of late owner Paul Allen confirms the sale process for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks has begun, as per his wishes.
• Proceeds from the sale will benefit philanthropic causes.
• Transfer of the Trailblazers franchise has already been agreed upon with an investment group.

7. Costco Gift Card Recall

Timestamps: 03:27 – 04:02

• Certain restaurant gift cards sold via Costco are being recalled after issuer Synergy World filed for bankruptcy.
  • "The cards are a third party product from Synergy World, which has filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy." (Lillian Wu, 03:27)
• Affected customers (purchases between Oct 27, 2025 and Jan 26, 2026) can get refunds for unusable cards.

8. Stock Market Update

Timestamp: 04:02

• Dow Jones is up about 88 points, Nasdaq up 134 points at this hour.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Multiple deaths confirmed in a search for missing skiers."
  (Lisa Brady, 00:02)
• "Our focus remains on recovering, but the snow and the unsure conditions are creating an issue..."
  (Sheriff Shannon Moon, 00:20)
• "ICE needs to be reformed in a dramatic, bold, meaningful and transformational manner. And if that doesn't happen, the DHS funding bill will not move forward."
  (House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, 01:08)
• "Last night they sent over a counter proposal that frankly was very unserious..."
  (White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt, 01:29)
• "Announce that member states have pledged more than 5 billion towards the Gaza humanitarian and reconstruction efforts."
  (Caroline Levitt, 02:22)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Avalanche Tragedy: 00:02 – 00:31
• Missing Nancy Guthrie Update: 00:31 – 01:08
• Homeland Security Funding & Political Standoff: 01:08 – 01:37
• Driving School Crackdown: 01:37 – 02:00
• Gaza Reconstruction Announcement: 02:16 – 02:30
• Seattle Seahawks Listing: 02:30 – 03:27
• Costco Gift Card Recall: 03:27 – 04:02
• Stock Market Update: 04:02

This episode provides a rapid-fire roundup of pressing news, blending urgent coverage of tragedy with legislative developments, global politics, consumer issues, and sports industry updates, characteristic of FOX News’ concise and broad-scope newscast format.