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.