Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET, February 16, 2026

Episode Overview

This newscast delivers concise updates on major developing stories: the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, a significant winter storm brewing in the western US, the partial government shutdown with partisan divides over ICE reforms, new developments in the Epstein files, and an update on the Bondi Beach mass shooting in Australia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Search for Nancy Guthrie Continues

• Savannah Guthrie’s Public Appeal (00:22 – 00:38)

  • NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie issues a heartfelt plea on social media for her mother’s safe return, as the FBI marks the third week of the search.
    • Quote:

      "I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is... It’s never too late."
      — Savannah Guthrie (00:22, 00:36)

• Emerging Evidence: DNA Testing on a Glove (00:38 – 01:29)

  • FBI reports discovery of a key piece of evidence: a black glove with male DNA, found two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home. The glove matches those seen on the search suspect via doorbell footage.
  • DNA is being processed at a Florida lab, with results soon to be compared through the FBI’s CODIS database.
  • Investigators also recovered 16 additional gloves, most belonging to search volunteers.
    • Quote:

      "The preliminary results are now in and authorities are waiting on official confirmation before putting the unknown male profile into the FBI's DNA database called CODIS."
      — Max Gordon (00:50)

2. Major Western Winter Storm Approaching

• Forecast & Regional Impact (01:29 – 01:43)
  • A massive winter storm is expected to hit the western U.S., primarily impacting Monday through Wednesday morning.
    • Quote:

      "Generally, it's Monday through Wednesday morning for the worst of it, but there'll be even some lingering snow that continues beyond that."
      — Marc Chouinard, National Weather Service Meteorologist (01:34)

  • Heavy snow is anticipated in Northern California, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Nevada; some Sierra Nevada elevations could see over six feet.

3. Partial Government Shutdown: ICE Reform Debate

• Democratic & Republican Perspectives (02:32 – 03:14)
  • The government enters a partial shutdown amid heated conflict over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies.
    • Democrats demand ICE reforms, including calls for body cameras and greater transparency:
      • Quote:

        “You ought to be able to know that they are law enforcement and what agency they’re from and have a name or a badge number.”
        — Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) (02:53)

    • Republicans argue the reforms weaken security and politicize law enforcement:
      • Quote:

        “You’re making our homeland, the United States of America less secure because you’re trying to make a political point.”
        — Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) (03:05)

  • Impact: ICE remains funded, but TSA and other Homeland Security employees face pay delays, raising concerns about travel disruptions.

4. Justice Department Releases Epstein Files

• Congressional Oversight & Accountability (03:23 – 04:11)
  • DOJ announces all available Jeffrey Epstein-related files have been made public.
  • Congressman Robert Garcia (D-CA) pledges to “find every co-conspirator” and expose those responsible for aiding in the crimes.
    • Quotes:

      “Those people need to be exposed. That work has begun.”
      — Rep. Robert Garcia (03:41)
      “It wasn’t just Ghislaine Maxwell. Garcia says the questions he has are for people in both Republican and Democratic administrations, because evidence of Epstein’s crimes existed during both.”
      — Reporter summary (03:58)

  • Investigation seeks to determine the full scope of victimization and all involved parties, regardless of political affiliation.

5. Update on Bondi Beach Mass Shooting (Australia)

• Suspect's Court Appearance (04:11 – 04:28)
  • One accused gunman, Naveed Akram, appeared in court by video link but did not issue any pleas. Charges include murder and acts of terrorism connected to the Bondi attack.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Savannah Guthrie: "It’s never too late." (00:36)
• Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE): "You ought to be able to know that they are law enforcement and what agency they’re from and have a name or a badge number." (02:53)
• Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC): "You're making our homeland, the United States of America less secure because you’re trying to make a political point." (03:05)
• Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA): "Those people need to be exposed. That work has begun." (03:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Search for Nancy Guthrie: 00:02—01:29
• Western Winter Storm: 01:29—01:43
• Partial Government Shutdown/ICE Debate: 02:32—03:23
• Epstein Files Released: 03:23—04:11
• Bondi Beach Shooting Court Update: 04:11—04:28

This episode presents urgent updates on major national and international stories, maintaining an urgent and factual tone while delivering a cross-section of viewpoints on the ongoing issues.