Fox News Hourly Update: 5PM ET 02/09/2026 – Newscast Summary

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode delivers a fast-paced summary of breaking national news, centering on the urgent search for Nancy Guthrie, distressing events at a Maryland high school, looming government shutdown negotiations on Capitol Hill, new developments in the Ghislaine Maxwell inquiry, and updates on the passing of Catherine O'Hara, alongside a quick financial market wrap-up.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Urgent Appeal in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

• Family Plea: Savannah Guthrie and her family publicly appeal for any information regarding her missing 84-year-old mother Nancy, missing for nine days.
• Escalating Desperation:
  • Ainsley Earhart (00:04): “We are at an hour of desperation and we need your help.”
  • Savannah Guthrie's emotional video is shared, with the family preparing for a second deadline related to a suspected ransom.
• Ransom Note & Family Hope:
  • The family received a message over the weekend; they indicate willingness to comply with ransom demands.
  • Jonathan Hunt (00:48): “The message on Saturday appeared to be using language that sort of played into a worst case scenario…We believe our mother is hearing these prayers. We believe our mother is out there.”

2. Maryland High School Shooting

• Incident Details:
  • A student was hospitalized and another student taken into custody following a shooting at Wootton High School, Rockville, MD.
  • The school experienced a full lockdown and a reunification center was established for parents.
• Community Concerns:
  • Local Resident (01:36): "You would think that this neighborhood wouldn't have problems like this, but there’s been numerous incidents and I'm not really sure how they've been handled.”
  • Jessica Rosenthal notes prior racist vandalism and threats at the school.

3. Congress Faces Homeland Security Funding Deadline

• Imminent Partial Government Shutdown:
  • Funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is at risk, with a Friday deadline looming.
  • Podcast Host (02:21): “Here we go again. Congress only has until the end of the day on Friday to figure out some sort of a deal…Democrats are digging in on their demands that ICE either be reformed or defunded.”
• Political Gridlock:
  • Democrats offer a 10-point reform plan.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune (02:42): “I expect that the Trump administration, with the full backing of congressional Republicans, will continue to resist any effort to make it harder for law enforcement to detain and deport dangerous illegal aliens.”

4. Ghislaine Maxwell Deposition: Frustration in Epstein Probe

• Testimony Stonewalled:
  • Maxwell, serving time in Texas, declined to answer questions from the House panel by invoking the Fifth Amendment.
  • James Comer (03:07): "She had an opportunity today to answer questions that every American has..."
• Ongoing Investigation:
  • The committee hopes for more clarity when Bill and Hillary Clinton testify later in the month; Epstein’s accountant expected in March.

5. Catherine O’Hara’s Cause of Death Confirmed

• Medical Details Released:
  • Death certificate lists a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as an underlying cause.
  • Catherine O’Hara passed away at 71 in Santa Monica on January 30. She had been undergoing cancer treatment since March of the previous year.

6. Market Update

• Dow Surges to Record:
  • The Dow closes up 20 points, setting a new record at 50,135. S&P and Nasdaq also post gains.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ainsley Earhart on Guthrie Family Appeal:
  • “We are at an hour of desperation and we need your help.” (00:04)
• Savannah Guthrie’s Hope:
  • “We believe our mother is hearing these prayers. We believe our mother is out there.” (01:03, paraphrased by Jonathan Hunt)
• Local Resident on School Shooting:
  • “You would think that this neighborhood wouldn't have problems like this, but there’s been numerous incidents…” (01:36)
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune on DHS Stalemate:
  • “I expect that the Trump administration, with the full backing of congressional Republicans, will continue to resist any effort to make it harder for law enforcement to detain and deport dangerous illegal aliens.” (02:42)
• James Comer on Maxwell Deposition:
  • “She had an opportunity today to answer questions that every American has…” (03:07)

Important Timestamps

• 00:02-01:15: Guthrie family’s appeal and update on ransom note in the search for Nancy Guthrie
• 01:15-01:56: Maryland school shooting incident, community reaction, and history of prior incidents
• 02:15-02:52: Homeland Security funding crisis and partisan standoff
• 03:07-03:36: Ghislaine Maxwell deposition, congressional frustration, and upcoming witness schedule
• 03:36-03:55: Confirmation of Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death and obituary
• 03:55-end: Financial market report

This brisk newscast maintains a tone of urgency and seriousness, adeptly capturing the day’s most pressing and developing national stories, blending direct quotes and straightforward reporting with a clear-eyed presentation of unfolding crises and political impasses.