Skiers missing after avalanche hits

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February 18, 2026

Good morning, NewsNation. Can your morning cup of Joe reduce your risk of dementia? Doctors break down a new study >

6 skiers rescued, 9 missing after avalanche hits California's backcountry

Avalanche: Crews have rescued six skiers caught in a California avalanche, while nine more remain stuck in mountainous snow and ice. The group was in a backcountry area near the Donner Summit, heading back to a trailhead when the avalanche struck. The latest >

Dark history: Blackbird Mountain Guides said a dozen clients and several guides had been staying at huts in Castle Peak, north of Donner Summit, a peak named for a party of pioneers who turned to cannibalism when they were trapped there in 1846 and 1847. Map >

Extreme weather: Rescue teams are facing extreme conditions trying to reach the remote site, battling mounting snow, strong winds and more potential avalanches. Some areas have seen 30 inches of snow in the last 24 hours. What to know >

Meta's Mark Zuckerberg to testify in landmark social media addiction trial

In court: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify today in a closely watched trial examining whether social media platforms were deliberately designed in ways that addict and harm children. The latest >

What to expect: Zuckerberg is expected to answer questions from attorneys representing a now 20-year-old woman who alleges her early use of social media led to addiction and worsened her depression and suicidal thoughts. Read more >

Bellwether: Meta and Google's YouTube are the remaining defendants in the case after TikTok and Snap reached settlements. The case is a bellwether trial, and the outcome could shape how thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies unfold. What to know >

Nancy Guthrie case: Google trying to recover footage from other home cameras

Video: Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NewsNation that investigators don't yet have footage from various cameras at Nancy Guthrie's home, but Google is trying to retrieve it. He said authorities so far have only obtained Google Nest video from the front of the house. The latest >

No match: DNA from gloves found near Guthrie's house did not get a hit in CODIS, the FBI's database for DNA from criminal offenders. An FBI official told NewsNation the sample will undergo genealogical testing. Read more: How does the 'signal sniffer' used in the Nancy Guthrie search work? >

Who is Nancy Guthrie? A close-up look at missing grandmother >

Nancy Guthrie search: Timeline from her disappearance to now >

How often are people over 70, like Nancy Guthrie, kidnapped? >

Epstein files claim Victoria's Secret billionaire Les Wexner was 'co-conspirator'

Epstein: Victoria's Secret founder Leslie Wexner was identified as a co-conspirator of Jeffrey Epstein in a 2019 FBI document, as well as his "best friend." Wexner paid Epstein to help him manage his money, and a search of Wexner's name in the Epstein files returned hundreds of results. Details >

Wexner: A spokesperson for Wexner told NewsNation their legal team was informed in 2019 that he was neither a co-conspirator nor a target. The spokesperson said, "Wexner cooperated fully by providing background information on Epstein." Read more >

Happening today: Wexner is scheduled to sit for a deposition in response to a subpoena issued by the House Oversight Committee. The latest >

Epstein files include mentions of prominent figures. Here's who was named >

Why weren't the Epstein files released during the Biden administration? >

Epstein allegedly grew toxic plants in nursery, emails show >

What did it cost to send ICE to Minneapolis and Chicago?

ICE: The estimated cost to send federal immigration agents and officers to "sanctuary cities" is hard to pin down but conservatively ranges from $18 million a week in Minneapolis to at least $59 million over two months in Chicago. And it all depends on who you ask. Details >

Zoom in: More than $409 billion in federal funding was devoted to immigration enforcement over more than 20 years since the Department of Homeland Security was created, but the amount has jumped by hundreds of millions since President Donald Trump's crackdown began. Read more >

Funding fight: Lawmakers are at an impasse over funding the department as Democrats demand immigration enforcement reforms following the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers. The latest >

FBI, St. Paul police probing ICE arrest that resulted in skull fractures >

Georgia teacher killed in crash involving migrant chased by feds >

Perjury probe opened into ICE officers' testimony on shooting of Venezuelan man >

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

Ukrainian and Russian envoys hold a second day of U.S.-brokered talks in Geneva.
Trump participates in a Black History Month reception.
Gisèle Pelicot's memoir launches in 22 languages.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth travels to Missouri to visit Boeing.
The Winter Olympics continue after Team USA's "Blade Angels" were upstaged by Japan for the short program in the women's figure skating competition.

Authorities in rural Maine are uncovering large-scale marijuana grow operations inside ordinary homes that are allegedly tied to organized Chinese criminal networks. Exclusive report >

At least four people have died in a Colorado crash that involved 30 vehicles. The latest >

A Minnesota man accused of pretending to be an FBI agent tasked with releasing Luigi Mangione from jail has pleaded not guilty. Read more >

Investigators in Alabama are asking the public for information on missing toddler Genises Reid, who neighbors say has not been seen in over a month. What to know >

Authorities say a woman was nearly drowned by a stranger's "violent, unprovoked" attack at a Florida beach. The investigation >

Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested and accused of punching multiple people after he was told to leave a business in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Details >

Dollywood and Allegiant are planning a special Dolly Parton-themed flight taking tourists from Florida to Tennessee. Flight #925 >