Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET, February 12, 2026

Host: Ted Lindner
Correspondents: Jonathan Hunt, Jared Halpern, Jessica Rosenthal
Date: February 12, 2026

Episode Overview

This concise Fox News newscast provides listeners with urgent national headlines and major news developments as of early February 12, 2026. The episode leads with the ongoing search for missing Arizona woman Nancy Guthrie, continues with diplomatic updates from Washington regarding Iran nuclear talks, highlights Capitol Hill’s scrutiny over the Justice Department and files related to Jeffrey Epstein, and covers the deaths of 67 people in a mid-air crash as well as the passing of actor James Van Der Beek. Brief human-interest stories and political updates round out the segment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie

• [00:03] The search for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie in Arizona continues into day 12.
  • Investigators are canvassing neighborhoods and following up on tips after doorbell camera footage showed a masked, gloved man at Guthrie's home.
  • Attention is focused on the route between Nancy’s and her daughter Annie’s home.
  • Two unidentified people were seen removing items from Annie Guthrie’s house; their identities (law enforcement or private security) remain unclear.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jonathan Hunt: “Much of the ongoing investigative work continues to be focused on a potential route between Nancy Guthrie's and her daughter Annie's home.” [00:21]
  • Context: Annie’s husband Tomaso is believed to be the last family member to see Nancy, having dropped her off the night of January 31.

2. Trump and Iran Nuclear Talks

• [01:03] President Trump continues to pursue negotiations with Iran following a closed-door meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
  • Netanyahu urged for talks to include restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for terror groups.
  • Trump stated preference for a diplomatic deal but referenced willingness to “see what the outcome is” if a deal isn’t reached, alluding to last year’s U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Jared Halpern: “President Trump says he insisted negotiations with Iran will continue…” [01:08]
  • "His preference is a deal, but warns if not, we just have to see what the outcome is, pointing to US Airstrikes last year targeting Iran's nuclear facilities.” [01:17]

3. Grieving Families Push for Aviation Safety Reforms

• [01:41] Families affected by a mid-air collision near Washington, D.C. (January 2025) that killed 67 people are pressing Congress to act on aviation safety.
  • The crash involved an airliner and an Army helicopter.
  • There’s momentum from families for Congress to pursue meaningful safety reforms.

4. Justice Department Faces Scrutiny Over Epstein Files

• [02:40] Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the House Judiciary Committee regarding the handling and release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Lawmakers, including Rep. Amy Raskin and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, criticized the department for incomplete compliance and for disproportionate redactions (victim names revealed, alleged abusers’ names concealed).
  • Bondi defended President Trump, whose name appeared in the files, and called Epstein a “monster.”
  • She expressed sympathy for victims and encouraged them to come forward to the FBI.
• Memorable Moments:
  • Pramila Jayapal challenged Bondi over redactions, requesting an apology to victims. [03:04]
  • Jessica Rosenthal reports Bondi’s apology:
    • “In her opening statement, Spondy called Epstein a monster and said she's sorry for what any victim of his went through and that any abuse victim should come forward to the FBI.” [03:33]

5. First Lady Melania Trump’s Visit to Children’s Inn

• [03:43] Melania Trump visits the Children’s Inn at NIH to celebrate an early Valentine’s Day with children being treated for severe illnesses.
  • This is her first visit during the second Trump administration; she previously visited three times in her first term.

6. Actor James Van Der Beek Passes Away

• [03:54] James Van Der Beek, known for “Dawson’s Creek,” has died at age 48.
  • His family’s statement: “He met his final days with courage, faith and grace. And there’s much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time.”
  • Van Der Beek had revealed his struggle with colorectal cancer in 2024.
  • The “Dawson’s Creek” theme song by Paula Cole was noted in the background as tribute.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace.” [03:54] (Family statement)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie: 00:03 – 01:03
• Trump and Iran nuclear talks: 01:03 – 01:41
• Aviation safety reforms after deadly crash: 01:41 – 02:00
• Justice Dept. questioned on Epstein files: 02:40 – 03:43
• Melania Trump at Children’s Inn: 03:43 – 03:54
• James Van Der Beek’s death: 03:54 – 04:37

Tone and Style

Succinct, direct, and formal—notable for its rapid delivery and focus on major national and international news, alongside brief mentions of human interest and political drama. Occasional emotional and respectful notes are present in coverage of deaths and direct quotes from family statements.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• “Much of the ongoing investigative work continues to be focused on a potential route between Nancy Guthrie's and her daughter Annie's home.”
  — Jonathan Hunt [00:21]

• “His preference is a deal, but warns if not, we just have to see what the outcome is, pointing to US Airstrikes last year targeting Iran's nuclear facilities.”
  — Jared Halpern [01:17]

• “In her opening statement, Spondy called Epstein a monster and said she's sorry for what any victim of his went through and that any abuse victim should come forward to the FBI.”
  — Jessica Rosenthal [03:33]

• “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace.”
  — Van Der Beek family statement [03:54]

This summary contains all critical events and comments from the episode, structured for clarity and with explicit time references for each segment.