Fox News Hourly Update: 5AM ET 02/19/2026 Newscast

Host: Chris DeMaio
Air Date: February 19, 2026

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers concise coverage of several major breaking news events from February 19, 2026. The episode covers a deadly avalanche in California, an update on a high-profile kidnapping case, a security incident at the U.S. Capitol, Uber's investment in autonomous vehicle technology, and key international and financial headlines. The tone is urgent and factual, focused on immediacy and impact.

Major News Stories and Key Insights

1. Deadly Avalanche in the Sierra Nevada ([00:02]–[00:50])

• Event: Eight skiers found dead, one missing after an avalanche near Castle Peak, California.

• Details:

  • The group (four guides, eleven clients) was finishing a three-day winter camping trip.
  • An avalanche warning was in effect, with “heavy snow and gale force winds.”
  • Survivors (ages 30–55) dug themselves out, used emergency beacons/texts for rescue. Two survivors couldn’t walk out but are expected to recover.
  • Over 50 rescuers participated; the avalanche was “the length of a football field.”

• Notable Quote:

  • “Six that managed to survive the avalanche ... dug their way out and were able to send text messages with their emergency beacons and call for help.” (Unidentified Fox News Reporter, [00:23])

• Historical Note:

  • “The deadliest avalanche in the country since 1981.” (Chris DeMaio, [00:50])

2. Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Investigation ([00:50]–[01:51])

• Development: The FBI is utilizing genetic genealogy to identify a suspect in Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping.
• Key Points:
  • Investigators examining “interesting Internet searches for both Nancy Guthrie’s home and Savannah Guthrie’s salary,” via reconstructed Google Trends data.
  • Direct criminal database DNA matching stalled; FBI now turning to private companies like Othram (who previously aided other high-profile murder cases).
  • The search for Nancy has lasted 19 days.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Having come to something of a DNA dead end ... investigators are now asking for help from private companies that look at genetic genealogy.” (Unidentified Fox News Analyst, [01:19])
  • Reference to Othram’s role in solving previous major cases (Brian Kohberger, Rachel Morin).

3. Armed Security Incident at the Capitol ([02:32]–[03:20])

• Event: Arrest of 18-year-old Carter Camacho near the Capitol.
• Details:
  • Camacho was apprehended with a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, wearing tactical gear, and carrying extra ammunition.
  • Security found a gas mask and helmet in his vehicle.
  • In court, he “spoke clearly and said he was in his second semester of college” (institution not named).
  • Charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds.
• Notable Quote:
  • “He spoke clearly and said he was in his second semester of college, but didn’t say where.” (Unidentified Fox News Reporter, [03:10])

4. Uber’s Autonomous Vehicle Expansion ([03:20]–[04:06])

• Announcement: Uber is investing more than $100 million in self-driving car charging infrastructure.
• Details:
  • Construction of charging “hubs” and “pit stops” in priority cities (starting with Bay Area, Los Angeles, Dallas).
  • Uber’s partnerships: Google’s Waymo (U.S.), WeRide (China) for robotaxi integration.
  • Expansion includes support for autonomous freight and delivery.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Uber Technologies is investing more than $100 million to develop autonomous vehicle charging hubs. It’s Uber’s latest push to scale up its self-driving service.” (Ginny Kosila, [03:27])

5. International Update and Market News ([04:06]–[04:28])

• South Korea:
  • Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life in prison for a brief martial law imposition. “Yoon is likely to appeal.”
• Pakistan:
  • A gas explosion in southern Pakistan killed 13 following an apartment building collapse.
• Markets:
  • U.S. stock market: “Stocks finishing higher on Wednesday, the Dow ending up 129 points.”

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On the avalanche rescue:

  • “With heavy snow and gale force winds, it took hours for some 50 rescuers to get to a group of six that managed to survive the avalanche ...” (Unidentified Fox News Reporter, [00:15])

• On genealogy in policing:

  • “Investigators are now asking for help from private companies that look at genetic genealogy.” (Unidentified Fox News Analyst, [01:19])

• On technology expansion:

  • “The charging expansion will start in California’s Bay Area and Los Angeles, also in Dallas. Before expanding, Uber has partnered with Google’s Waymo in the US, China’s WeRide ...” (Ginny Kosila, [03:40])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Avalanche tragedy and rescue: [00:02]–[00:50]
• Guthrie kidnapping investigation: [00:50]–[01:51]
• Capitol arrest incident: [02:32]–[03:20]
• Uber autonomous vehicle developments: [03:20]–[04:06]
• International/legal/market updates: [04:06]–[04:28]

Summary

This episode delivers fast-paced news highlights with a focus on immediacy, tragedy, and technological progress. The tone is straightforward, prioritizing facts and clarity. The tragic avalanche story is the most emotionally resonant, while updates on the Guthrie investigation and Uber's expansion touch on both criminal justice and innovation. Brief international headlines round out the coverage, with the episode concluding on a measured note about financial markets. Each segment provides listeners with critical updates, encapsulating the dynamic nature of a “fastest growing radio news network.”