FOX News Hourly Update – 7AM ET 02/15/2026
Host: Chris DiMaio (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: February 15, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode delivers the latest breaking news updates from around the U.S. and the globe, focusing on ongoing major investigations, political deadlock in Washington, international security relations, and high-profile legal disclosures. The newscast is brisk, information-dense, and follows FOX News' signature straightforward tone.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie
- [00:03–00:46]
- The search for Nancy Guthrie, missing for over two weeks, intensifies.
- Police in Pima County recently detained four individuals (three from a home, one from a traffic stop), all since released.
- Another search warrant executed in Rio Rico, near the border.
- Law enforcement seeks a masked suspect, described as a male, 5'9"–5'10", seen in doorbell video.
- Increased Reward:
- The FBI raises the reward for Guthrie’s recovery or conviction to $100,000, reflecting the urgency and difficulty of the case.
Notable Quote:
"The search for Nancy Guthrie now entering its third week without a resolution in sight." — Chanley Painter [00:16]
2. Department of Homeland Security Funding Crisis
- [00:46–01:40]
- DHS is officially shut down due to a lapse in funding, stemming from a legislative standoff over proposed ICE reforms.
- Lawmakers from both parties are in a “blame game,” with Democrats demanding stricter requirements for ICE officers (notably, requiring a judicial warrant before entering private property).
- Congress left for recess without resolving the funding impasse, making this the third partial government shutdown in six months.
- ICE operations retain partial funding via previous bills.
Notable Quote:
"So now DHS is facing a lapse in funding, marking the third time at least part of the government has shut down in less than six months." — Madeleine Rivera [01:18]
3. Lindsey Vonn Leaves Hospital After Olympic Crash
- [01:40–02:00]
- U.S. Olympic skier Lindsay Vonn has exited the hospital following her crash in the women's downhill event.
- Underwent her fourth surgery for a severe tibia fracture sustained during the race.
4. Munich Security Conference: U.S. and Europe Alliance
- [02:40–03:30]
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio, at the Munich Security Conference, emphasized historic ties between the U.S. and Europe.
- Rubio: “The fate of Europe will never be irrelevant to our own.”
- He advocated for revitalizing the transatlantic alliance—focusing on migration, economic, and military partnerships.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new defense commitments, deploying a carrier strike group to the Arctic to counter Russian threats.
Notable Quotes:
"America's roots began on this continent. ...the fate of Europe will never be irrelevant to our own." — Marco Rubio [02:55]
"Europe must be ready to fight and stand on its own two feet when it comes to defense commitments." — Keir Starmer (paraphrased by correspondent Stephanie Bennett) [03:20]
5. Jeffrey Epstein Files Released
- [03:30–04:19]
- Attorney General Pam Bondi: All files relating to Jeffrey Epstein have been made public.
- The disclosure includes a list of 318 high-profile names (Donald Trump, Barack and Michelle Obama, Prince Harry, and more).
- Materials include information on Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, connected organizations and networks, and details of Epstein’s detention and death.
- Explicit assurance that nothing was withheld for reasons of “embarrassment, reputational harm or political sensitivity.”
Notable Quote:
“[The release] includes a list of 318 high profile names... The document outlines materials concerning Epstein and his now incarcerated former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell... networks allegedly linked to Epstein's sex trafficking and financial operations...” — Deborah Valentine [03:50]
6. U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks
- [04:19–04:37]
- Upcoming second round of nuclear program negotiations with Iran to take place in Geneva, hosted by Oman.
- President Trump continues his hardline stance, warning of possible military force if Iran refuses nuclear limits.
Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)
- “The search for Nancy Guthrie now entering its third week without a resolution in sight.” — Chanley Painter [00:16]
- “So now DHS is facing a lapse in funding, marking the third time at least part of the government has shut down in less than six months.” — Madeleine Rivera [01:18]
- "America's roots began on this continent. ...the fate of Europe will never be irrelevant to our own." — Marco Rubio [02:55]
- “[The release] includes a list of 318 high profile names...” — Deborah Valentine [03:50]
Important Segment Timestamps
- [00:03] — Nancy Guthrie missing person update
- [00:46] — DHS shutdown and funding context
- [01:40] — Lindsey Vonn leaves hospital
- [02:46] — Rubio, Starmer on U.S.–Europe alliance
- [03:37] — Attorney General Bondi releases Epstein files
- [04:19] — U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations
Tone and Style
The update maintains a direct, urgent, and factual style, typical of FOX News' radio newscasts. The focus is on clarity, significance, and real-world impact, with soundbites and commentary reflecting both U.S. and international stakes.
