Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: 11PM ET 02/03/2026 Newscast
Date: February 4, 2026
Host: Lisa Licera, with reporting from Jonathan Hunt and Tanya J. Powers

Overview

This episode covers the latest national and international headlines, flagging major developments in high-profile news stories. Top items include the ongoing investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, legislative action ending the partial government shutdown, new moves by President Trump against Harvard, and Team USA’s flag bearers for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Key Segments and Insights

1. Nancy Guthrie Abduction in Arizona

• [00:03–00:40]
  • DNA Found & Search Intensifies: DNA samples have been collected at the scene as the Pima County Sheriff's Office continues investigating the apparent abduction of Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie.
  • Circumstances: Helicopters are searching the area; Nancy was last seen Saturday night and reported missing Sunday morning after missing church.
  • Health & Safety: Authorities confirm Nancy has physical ailments but no cognitive issues—suggesting she likely didn’t wander off on her own.
  • Targeted Abduction Suspected:

    "His answer... clearly implying no, there is no further threat which would further imply that this was a targeted abduction." — Jonathan Hunt [00:21]

2. End of Partial Government Shutdown

• [00:40–01:10]
  • Trump Signs Off: President Trump has signed a measure to end the partial government shutdown.
  • Fiscal Responsibility:

    "We've succeeded in passing a fiscally responsible package that actually cuts wasteful federal spending." — Jonathan Hunt quoting official statements [00:57]

  • Short Term Solution: The funding extension is only for two weeks to buy time for a longer-term deal and further negotiations, especially over the Department of Homeland Security.
  • ICE Reform Pressure: Democrats and some Republicans seek reforms to ICE, including banning face coverings for agents.

3. Clintons to Testify about Epstein Ties

• [01:10–01:43]
  • Congressional Hearing: Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify about their ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • First Time:

    "Unlike President Trump, the Clinton, neither Clinton has ever answered any questions about Epstein. They've never done a sit down interview. They've never talked about it." — Jonathan Hunt [01:36]

  • Committee Offers Two Dates: Hearings are set for the end of the month.

4. President Trump vs. Harvard University

• [02:31–03:12]
  • Escalation: President Trump is demanding a $1 billion settlement from Harvard to restore federal funding, upgrading previous demands for $200 million.
  • Criminal Proceedings Urged: Trump now calls for criminal, not civil, investigations.
  • Wider Push Against Higher Ed: Universities like Columbia, Brown, and Cornell have signed deals with the administration; Harvard continues to fight in court.

  • "President Trump wants Harvard to pay a billion dollar settlement to restore federal funding." — Tanya J. Powers [02:35]

5. International News: Libya

• [03:12–03:30]
  • Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Shooting: Reports emerge that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, was shot by gunmen at his home in Zintan, southwest of Tripoli.

6. Winter Olympics Updates

• USA Flag Bearers Announced
  [03:30–04:11]
  • Flag Bearers:
    • Erin Jackson: Speed skater, first black woman to win an individual gold at the Winter Olympics (2022, 500m).
    • Frank Del Duca: Bobsledder from Maine, making his second Olympics appearance for Team USA.

  • "Team USA announced... its contingency of 232 athletes... will be led... by flag bearers, speed skater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca." — Jonathan Hunt [03:30]

• Lindsey Vonn’s Injury
  [04:11–04:28]
  • Comeback Hope: Despite a ruptured ACL only four days ago, legendary skier Lindsey Vonn says she’s confident she can compete in Milan/Cortina.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jonathan Hunt on abduction threat:

  "No, there is no further threat which would further imply that this was a targeted abduction." [00:21]

• Fiscal Responsibility Statement:

  "We've succeeded in passing a fiscally responsible package that actually cuts wasteful federal spending." — [00:57]

• Comer on Clintons’ testimony:

  "Unlike President Trump, the Clinton, neither Clinton has ever answered any questions about Epstein. They've never done a sit down interview. They've never talked about it." — [01:36]

• Trump’s Harvard ultimatum:

  "Investigations of Harvard should now be criminal, not civil." — Tanya J. Powers reporting [02:35]

• Olympics Announcement:

  "Erin Jackson... became the first black American just to medal in speed skating." — Jonathan Hunt [03:30]

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:03 | Nancy Guthrie abduction investigation (Lisa Licera, Hunt) | | 00:40 | Partial government shutdown ends (Licera, Hunt) | | 01:10 | ICE reform discussion & Clinton/Epstein hearing (Comer) | | 02:31 | Trump escalates action against Harvard (Tanya J. Powers) | | 03:12 | Saif al-Islam Gaddafi shooting in Libya (Licera) | | 03:30 | Olympic flag bearers for Team USA announced (Hunt) | | 04:11 | Lindsey Vonn hopeful to return after injury (Licera) |

Tone and Style

The reporting maintains a brisk, urgent, and objective newscast style, delivering facts directly with concise expert commentary. Notable breaking stories are given color through direct speaker attributions and brief analyses.

This summary provides a comprehensive guide to the episode’s key topics, ensuring listeners stay informed on the latest political, legal, and world news, as well as a glimpse at the upcoming Winter Olympics.