Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET 02/04/2026 Newscast

Host: Sue Guzman (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: February 4, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise roundup of the day’s leading news stories, focusing on the end of a partial government shutdown and high-stakes developments in criminal cases, congressional investigations, and a national dog show. Reporting is dynamic and fast-paced, delivering updates directly from Capitol Hill to courtrooms and beyond.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. End of the Government Shutdown & DHS Funding Battle

[00:02–00:50]

• The partial government shutdown has officially ended.

• Urgency surrounds fully funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before the temporary extension expires on Valentine’s Day.

• Lawmakers face a tough timeline to negotiate reforms, particularly concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies.

• Points of contention:

  • Democrats demand no “masks and no roving patrols” for ICE, threatening to block DHS funding otherwise.
  • Republicans suspect Democrats of leveraging funding to weaken DHS and are skeptical about policies like requiring warrants for certain enforcement activities.

  Notable Quote:

  • Chad Pergram:

    “There is now a race to fully fund DHS before Valentine’s Day. The bill includes a temporary patch for DHS that gives lawmakers time to impose reforms on ICE. However, the time frame is tough. Otherwise, DHS lacks money.” [00:16]

2. Minneapolis Shooting and DHS Reform Pressures

[00:50–01:06]

• The drive to modify DHS policies intensified following the shooting death of Alex Preddy, an anti-ICE protester in Minneapolis.
• The event has become a flashpoint influencing the debate around ICE’s future operations and Congressional negotiations.

3. Search for Nancy Guthrie: New Evidence Revealed

[01:06–01:55]

• Updates from Tucson, AZ, on the search for Nancy Guthrie—the mother of Savannah Guthrie (Today Show co-host).

• Authorities have found DNA at her home, confirmed as Nancy Guthrie’s, as well as reports of blood drops and blood spatter.

• Purported ransom notes have surfaced, sent to TMZ and local media, containing details not publicly released before.

• Law enforcement remains cautious, not confirming the full details of findings or notes.

  Notable Quote:

  • Jonathan Hunt:

    “We have seen video of blood drops and blood spatter across the entryway to Nancy Guthrie’s home. The sheriff today would not confirm that they found blood. He did merely confirm that they found, as he put it, DNA. And he also said so far that they only have one match … and that is Nancy Guthrie herself.” [01:06]

  • On ransom notes:

    “They include, apparently, details that the writer says are about what Nancy Guthrie was wearing … that sort of detail has not been made public.” [01:50]

4. Charlie Kirk Assassination Case: Courtroom Drama

[02:40–03:27]

• Tyler Robinson, accused in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, returns to court.

• Defense questions whether prosecutors should be removed due to possible bias—the senior prosecutor’s daughter was present at the murder.

• The defense claims potential emotional bias could affect the entire office, arguing for a fair trial.

• Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erica, is pushing for expedited, transparent hearings.

  Notable Quote:

  • Claudia Cowan:

    “The defense maintains Grunander’s family connection creates an emotional bias that not only taints him, but his whole office. And they all need to go to ensure Robinson receives a fair trial.” [02:52]

  • On Kirk’s widow’s filing:

    “Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erica, in a new filing, is urging the court to speed things up and to keep these hearings fully transparent.” [03:20]

5. Congressional Hearing: Clintons to Testify on Jeffrey Epstein

[03:27–04:00]

• Bill and Hillary Clinton agree to appear before Congress about their ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

• House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer states two hearing dates are set; if missed, a contempt vote will proceed.

• Comer notes possible bipartisan support for holding the Clintons in contempt if they miss the depositions.

  Notable Quote:

  • James Comer:

    “This will be their third date that we’ve given the Clintons, and three strikes and you’re out. The votes are there for contempt. I think there are Democrats that will vote to hold him in contempt.” [03:49]

6. 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: Penny the Doberman Wins

[04:00–04:37]

• The Doberman Pinscher, Penny, takes top honors at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

• This marks the fifth time a Doberman has won “Best in Show,” and the first since 1989.

• The runner-up, Reserve Best in Show, was awarded to Cota, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

  Notable Quote:

  • Sue Guzman:

    “It was the fifth time a Doberman has won Best in Show and the first since 1989. Penny besting six other finalists…” [04:18]

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode maintains a brisk, urgent pace, reflecting the breaking-news ethos of Fox News.
• Direct, skeptical language captures the tension in political reporting, e.g., “Republicans believe that Democrats want to withhold money in order to undercut DHS.”
• Human drama and emotion come through in the reporting on legal proceedings and missing persons.

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Shutdown ends, DHS funding race: 00:02–00:50
• DHS reform pressures after protester’s shooting: 00:50–01:06
• Nancy Guthrie investigation, new evidence: 01:06–01:55
• Charlie Kirk assassination case, court debate: 02:40–03:27
• Clintons to testify on Epstein, contempt threat: 03:27–04:00
• Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show results: 04:16–04:37

Summary

This newscast delivers key national updates, encapsulating the closure and aftermath of a partial government shutdown, pressing cases in the courts, Congressional oversight developments, and lighter fare with the crowning of the top dog at Westminster. The episode excels at balancing hard news with a crisp, informative style, keeping listeners briefed and engaged.