3AM ET 02/08/2026 Newscast

Summary

---

Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET 02/08/2026

Host: Debra Valentine (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: February 8, 2026
Main Theme:
A fast-paced roundup of major national and global news stories, covering U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, the ongoing situation involving the missing mother of Savannah Guthrie, recent arrests tied to the Benghazi attack, threats against Vice President J.D. Vance, and Super Bowl Sunday headlines.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. High-Stakes U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks

Segments: 00:03–00:54

• Overview: Ongoing negotiations in Oman between the U.S. and Iran focus on Iran’s nuclear program, with major figures involved and a backdrop of regional military activity.
• Field Report (Lucas Tomlinson):
  • The CENTCOM commander (Admiral Brad Cooper), special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner visited the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea after meetings with Iran’s foreign minister.
  • F22 Raptors are still expected to arrive; two F22s were redirected from the upcoming Super Bowl flyover for “operational needs.”
• Presidential Statement (Donald Trump aboard Air Force One):
  • Trump's direct message:

    “We’re going to meet again early next week and they want to make a deal as they should want to make a deal. They know the consequences if they don't.” (President Donald Trump, 00:41)

  • Suggests pressure on Iran and optimism for diplomatic outcome.
• Upcoming Summit:
  • Announcement of President Trump’s upcoming Oval Office meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to further discuss Iran (Debra Valentine, 00:54).

---

2. Ongoing Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother

Segments: 00:54–01:34

• Context:
  • The 84-year-old mother of NBC Today co-host Savannah Guthrie remains missing.
  • A new social media video shows Guthrie pleading for her mother’s return and referencing ransom demands.
• Notable Quote (Savannah Guthrie):

  “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay.”
  (Savannah Guthrie, 01:16)

• FBI Update:
  • The FBI has yet to authenticate the latest ransom note, saying it offers “no proof of life” and doesn’t introduce new deadlines. The prior Monday deadline remains a focus (FBI Spokesperson, 01:34).

  • “We also don’t believe it contained any new deadlines. So at the moment, that Monday deadline... is a consequential deadline.”
    (FBI Spokesperson, 01:34)

---

3. Arrest in 2012 Benghazi Attack

Segments: 02:31–03:27

• Arrest Update:
  • U.S. authorities have arrested Zubair Al Bakush, alleged leader in the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate at Benghazi, which resulted in four deaths (including Ambassador Christopher Stevens).
• On-the-ground Report (Madeline Rivera):
  • Details about Al Bakush’s arrival in the U.S. under FBI escorts.
  • Charges include terrorism, murder, and arson; the suspect could face the death penalty.
  • Two others connected to the attack remain in prison.

  “Zubair Al Bakush could face the death penalty if he’s convicted.”
  (Madeline Rivera, 02:44)

• Upcoming Proceedings:
  • A tentative detention hearing set for February 11, subject to adjustments as Al Bakush seeks new legal representation (Debra Valentine, 03:27).

---

4. Threat Against Vice President J.D. Vance

Segments: 03:27–04:20

• Incident Details:
  • Shannon Mather (33) is charged for making an online threat to kill Vice President J.D. Vance during a recent Ohio visit, allegedly stating he’d use an M14 automatic rifle.
  • Mather’s defense cites physical and mental incapacity.
  • Federal investigators uncovered digital files depicting child sexual abuse, leading to a far more serious charge (up to 20 years imprisonment).

  • “Mather’s lawyers say his physical and mental condition make it unlikely he would have been able to carry out that threat.”
    (Kathleen Maloney, 03:42)

  • “That charge carries a potential penalty of 20 years in prison, far more than the five years he could face on the threat charges.”
    (Kathleen Maloney, 04:06)

---

5. Super Bowl Sunday Preview

Segments: 04:20–04:28

• Sports Headline:
  • It’s Super Bowl Sunday, with the New England Patriots facing the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California (Debra Valentine, 04:20).

---

Notable Quotes

• President Donald Trump on Iran Talks:

  “We’re going to meet again early next week and they want to make a deal as they should want to make a deal. They know the consequences if they don't.” (00:41)

• Savannah Guthrie Plea:

  “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay.” (01:16)

• FBI on Ransom Letter:

  “We also don’t believe it contained any new deadlines. So at the moment, that Monday deadline... is a consequential deadline.” (01:34)

• Madeline Rivera on Benghazi Arrest:

  “Zubair Al Bakush could face the death penalty if he’s convicted.” (02:44)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations and military activity: 00:03–00:54
• President Trump statement on negotiations: 00:41
• Savannah Guthrie’s plea and FBI update: 01:16–01:34
• Benghazi attack arrest details: 02:31–03:27
• Threat against VP J.D. Vance and related charges: 03:27–04:20
• Super Bowl Sunday preview: 04:20

---

Memorable Moments

• President Trump’s assertive comments about Iran’s nuclear negotiations from Air Force One (00:41).
• Emotional plea from Savannah Guthrie regarding her missing mother, highlighting the human aspect of a national news story (01:16).
• Breaking news of a high-profile Benghazi suspect’s arrival and arraignment in the U.S., emphasizing accountability and justice (02:31).
• Shocking details of a violent threat against the vice president, as well as the unexpectedly severe additional charges uncovered during the investigation (03:27).

---

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive, timestamped breakdown of the Fox News Hourly Update’s 3AM ET newscast on February 8, 2026.

Transcript

[Debra Valentine]

Nuclear talks. I'm Debra Valentine, Fox News. The U.S. and Iran are holding high stakes talks in Oman about the fate of Iran's nuclear program. Fox's Lucas Tomlinson has more from West Palm Beach, Florida.

[Lucas Tomlinson]

One day after negotiation with Iran's foreign minister in Oman, the head of US Forces in the Middle east, the CENTCOM commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner flew out to the USS Abraham Lincoln. That's the aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. And F22 Raptors still need to arrive along with more air defense systems. Officials say a pair of F22s were pulled from the super bowl flyover tomorrow night citing operational needs.

[President Donald Trump]

We're going to meet again early next week and they want to make a deal as they should want to make a deal. They know the consequences if they don't.

[Lucas Tomlinson]

President Trump aboard Air Force One about those negotiations.

[Debra Valentine]

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with President Donald Trump on Wednesday at the White house in Washington, D.C. over Iran's nuclear program. The 84 year old mother of NBC Today show co host Savannah Guthrie remains missing. In a new video posted to social media, Savannah Guthrie sat alongside loved ones addressing ransom letters.

[Savannah Guthrie]

We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay.

[Debra Valentine]

Fox's Jonathan Howe reports the FBI has not yet authenticated the latest ransom letter.

[FBI Spokesperson]

They're working to do that. We do believe that that contained no proof of life as asked for by the Guthrie family. We also don't believe it contained any new deadlines. So at the moment, that Monday deadline that the FBI has talked about and that those who have seen the ransom note say is a consequential deadline.

[Debra Valentine]

America's listening to Fox News.

[LegalZoom Advertiser]

You're building a life, running a business and raising a family. Keep it protected with LegalZoom. LegalZoom has helped over 6 million people start businesses, stay compliant and secure wills or trusts with our step by step tools and attorney guidance. We're the number one choice for online legal services when you need a legal hand trust LegalZoom. Get started at legalzoom.com LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self service tools. LegalZoom is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

[Debra Valentine]

The US arrested one of the alleged leaders in the 2012 attack on an American consulate in Benghazi. The attack leaving four people dead. The suspect arriving in the U.S. friday. Fox's Madeline Rivera reports that alleged attacker.

[Madeline Rivera]

Zubair Al Bakush could face the death penalty if he's convicted. Fox News was there exclusively. As Al Bakus arrived at a local airport, FBI agents walked him down the stairs into a waiting ambulance. Al Bakus is facing eight counts, including terrorism, murder and arson. Authorities say he's one of the men behind the deadly September 11, 2012 attack on the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. According to a federal indictment, Al Baqush and more than 20 heavily armed men stormed the complex and set it on fire. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and U.S. government personnel Sean Smith, Tyrone woods and Glen Doherty were killed. Two other men are already in prison after being convicted of helping lead the attack.

[Debra Valentine]

A detention hearing is tentatively scheduled for February 11, but it could be delayed as the defendant works to secure new legal representation. An Ohio man is charged with threatening to kill Vice President J.D. vance while he was visiting his home state last month.

[Kathleen Maloney]

According to an indictment, 33 year old Shannon Mather made an online threat to find out where the vice president was going to be and used his M14 automatic gun to kill him. Mather's lawyers say his physical and mental condition make it unlikely he would have been able to carry out that threat. But the Justice Department and Secret Service are. They're also charging Mather with possessing digital files depicting child sexual abuse, which were discovered during the investigation. That charge carries a potential penalty of 20 years in prison, far more than the five years he could face on the threat charges. Kathleen Maloney, FOX News.

[Debra Valentine]

It's Super Bowl Sunday as the Patriots battle the Seahawks for the Lombardi Trophy at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. I'm Debra Valentine. This is.

[Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Well, the holidays have come and gone once again, but if you've forgotten to get that special someone in your life again gift, well, Mint Mobile is extending their holiday offer of half off unlimited wireless. So here's the idea. You get it now. You call it an early present for next year.

[Lucas Tomlinson]

What do you have to lose?

[Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Give it a [e-mail] Switch limited time.

50% off regular price for new customers. Upfront payment required $45 for three months, $90 for six month or $180 for 12 month plan taxes and fees. Extra speeds may slow after 50 gigabytes per month when network is busy. See terms.