Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: 9PM ET 02/19/2026 Newscast
Date: February 20, 2026
Host: FOX News Podcasts (Lisa Licera et al.)

Episode Overview

This edition of the Fox News Hourly Update delivers a rapid coverage of national news headlines including developments on government disclosures about extraterrestrial life, economic updates from President Trump, updates on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, judicial actions regarding refugee protections in Minnesota, a Treasury Department push against financial fraud, and an FCC probe into possible equal-time violations in political broadcasting.

Key Discussion Points

1. U.S. Government Files on Extraterrestrial Life

[00:03 - 00:29]

• President Trump announced plans to instruct the Secretary of War and other agencies to release files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, referencing recent comments by former President Obama.
• Trump criticized Obama for allegedly sharing classified information:

  "Well, I don't know if they're real or not. I can tell you he gave classified information. He's not supposed to be doing that." — President Trump [00:24]

• Trump stated he has no personal opinion but noted the public's interest in the topic.

2. Economic Updates from President Trump

[00:29 - 01:04]

• During a visit to Rome, Georgia, President Trump highlighted a decrease in prices (airfares, hotels, car payments, rent, sports events, groceries) and promoted his tariff plan.
• The Supreme Court is considering the legality of Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose global tariffs, underlining its impact on American manufacturing.

3. Ongoing Investigation: Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

[01:04 - 01:35]

• The FBI continues searching for Nancy Guthrie (84, mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie), missing since January 31st.
• Investigators probe gun stores after inquiries and photo sharing have yielded no breakthroughs:

  "The gun store inquiries, like so much else in this investigation, have so far come up empty. Despite the FBI showing some gun store owners almost a dozen pictures of potential buyers." — Jonathan Hunt, FOX News [01:04]

• Doorbell camera footage and a possible unusual holster remain inconclusive.
• Guthrie was last seen when a family member dropped her home; she was reported missing after not attending church with friends.

4. Skiing Avalanche Fatalities

[01:35 - 02:00]

• Relatives confirmed that six women killed in a California avalanche were experienced skiers and close friends.

5. Legal Debate Over Refugee Protections in Minnesota

[02:40 - 03:22]

• A federal judge in Minneapolis is reviewing whether to extend temporary protections against the arrest and deportation of refugees who are lawfully present in the U.S. but lack permanent resident status.
• U.S. District Judge John Tunheim previously blocked government actions seen as unlawful detentions:

  "The plaintiffs in the case were likely to prevail on their claims that their arrests and detention were unlawful..." — Jeff Manasso, FOX News [02:48]

• The government cited fraud in Minnesota’s public programs as justification for increased enforcement.

6. Treasury Department’s New Fraud Whistleblower Initiative

[03:22 - 04:07]

• The Treasury Department launched a new webpage for whistleblowers to report financial fraud.
• Secretary Scott Bessant proclaimed:

  "Treasury follows the money... we did it with the mafia, we've done it with the cartels, and we're doing it with the Somali fraudsters." — Secretary Scott Bessant [03:26]

• The initiative offers potential rewards for tips leading to significant penalties and requires identifying information for submission.

7. FCC Investigation Into "The View" and Equal-Time Rule

[04:07 - 04:37]

• FCC Chair Brendan Carr confirmed an investigation into ABC's "The View" over possible violations of “equal time” regulations for political candidates.
• Both James Talarico and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Texas Senate Democratic primary candidates, were recent guests; the FCC issued new guidance in January.

Notable Quotes & Highlights

• On Alien File Disclosures:
  "I don't know if they're real or not..." — President Trump [00:24]
• On Financial Fraud:
  "Treasury follows the money... we've done it with the cartels, and we're doing it with the Somali fraudsters." — Secretary Scott Bessant [03:26]
• On Refugee Protections:
  “The plaintiffs in the case were likely to prevail on their claims that their arrests and detention were unlawful...” — Jeff Manasso [02:48]
• On Missing Person Search:
  "The gun store inquiries, like so much else in this investigation, have so far come up empty." — Jonathan Hunt [01:04]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:03] — President Trump promises to release all government files on aliens
• [00:24] — Trump criticizes Obama on disclosure
• [00:29] — Economic updates & tariffs in Rome, Georgia
• [01:04] — Nancy Guthrie investigation status update
• [01:35] — Details on California avalanche fatalities
• [02:40] — Judge considers extension of refugee protections in Minnesota
• [03:22] — Treasury launches whistleblower fraud reporting webpage
• [04:07] — FCC investigates ABC's "The View" on equal time for political candidates

This summary captures all significant news items and key quotes, equipping listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive snapshot of the hour's top stories and themes.