5AM ET 02/04/2026 Newscast

Summary

---

Fox News Hourly Update: 5AM ET 02/04/2026 Newscast - Episode Summary

Episode Theme:
A fast-paced recap of breaking news stories, covering national events, politics, crime, international sports, and Congressional developments.

---

1. Ongoing Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

Segment begins: [00:03]

• Overview:
  Arizona authorities continue searching for Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing from her Pima County home since Saturday.
• Key Details:
  • Media outlets, including TMZ, report receiving ransom notes purporting to relate to the case.
  • The notes reference details not made public by officials, such as what Nancy Guthrie was wearing when she disappeared.
  • Authorities, including FBI Director Kash Patel and the Pima County Sheriff, confirm awareness of the alleged notes and ongoing pursuit of all leads.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "TMZ and a couple of other media outlets reporting tonight that they received ransom notes, ransom notes that in the words of TMZ included details not made public by the sheriff's office." — Jonathan Hunt [00:19]
  • "All that officials will confirm right now... is that they are aware of these purported ransom notes... they are continuing to follow every tip and every lead." — Jonathan Hunt [00:43]
• Law Enforcement Position:
  Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will.

---

2. Government Shutdown Averted—But More Looms

Segment begins: [00:59]

• Overview:
  Following the partial government shutdown, lawmakers face a new deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before Valentine’s Day.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • A temporary funding patch for DHS gives Congress a brief window to negotiate reforms regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • Democrats are pushing for restrictions: "no masks and no roving patrols," threatening to block further funding for DHS otherwise.
  • Republicans suspect Democrats aim to leverage funding to "undercut" DHS, expressing skepticism over proposed warrant requirements.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "There is now a race to fully fund DHS before Valentine's Day. The bill includes a temporary patch... However, the timeframe is tough. Otherwise, DHS lacks money again." — Chad Pergrim [01:10]
  • "Democrats insist on no masks and no roving patrols. Otherwise, they will block funding for DHS... Republicans believe that Democrats want to withhold money in order to undercut DHS." — Chad Pergrim [01:27]
• Context:
  The debate intensifies after the fatal shooting of Alex Preddy by federal agents in Minneapolis, which sparked national outrage soon after another high-profile shooting.

---

3. 2026 Winter Olympics Kick Off

Segment begins: [02:32]

• Overview:
  The Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games begin, with mixed doubles curling marking the first event.
• Key Points:
  • The games run through February 22, with the opening ceremonies scheduled for Friday.
  • U.S. athletes Aaron Jackson (speed skater) and Frank Del Duca (bobsledder) are chosen as flag bearers.
  • This is the most geographically spread out Winter Games in history, with two hub cities and events in four clusters.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Let the games begin." — Joe Morgan [02:32]
  • "The 2026 Winter Games is the first with two hub cities with events clustered in four areas, making it the most spread out Winter Olympics in history." — Joe Morgan [02:57]

---

4. Assault on Rep. Ilhan Omar: Legal Proceedings

Segment begins: [03:14]

• Overview:
  Anthony James Kaspercheck attends a detention hearing after allegedly assaulting Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during a town hall meeting.
• Key Details:
  • Kaspercheck reportedly made a salute gesture, appeared unsteady, and waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
  • Judge orders Kaspercheck to remain in custody, citing potential danger to the community.
  • He is accused of spraying apple cider vinegar on Rep. Omar during the town hall before being subdued by security.
  • Kaspercheck is held in solitary confinement, signified by his yellow jumpsuit.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Federal prosecutors say Kacperchek sprayed apple cider vinegar on Rep Ilhan Omar as she spoke during a town hall event last week before he was tackled by security." — Jeff Manasso [03:46]

---

5. Clintons to Testify in Congressional Epstein Probe

Segment begins: [04:03]

• Overview:
  Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have finalized an agreement to testify before House Republicans in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
• Key Points:
  • Hillary Clinton will appear before the House Oversight Committee on February 26.
  • Bill Clinton will testify on February 27, making history as the first time a former president is compelled to testify before Congress.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "It'll mark the first time that lawmakers have compelled a former president to testify." — Ted Lindner [04:18]

---

Memorable Moments Recap

• The gravity and urgency in the reporting on Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, heightened by the existence of ransom notes ([00:19]).
• The tension on Capitol Hill about DHS funding, echoing broader disagreements about border policy ([01:10–01:45]).
• Announcement of an Olympic milestone—first time two host cities and four event clusters ([02:57]).
• The courtroom details and bizarre nature of the assault on a sitting member of Congress ([03:46]).
• Bill and Hillary Clinton’s upcoming, unprecedented congressional testimony ([04:18]).

---

For listeners who missed the episode:
This update covered major national concerns—from a high-profile missing persons case and Capitol Hill budget fights, to the launch of the Winter Olympics and a shocking assault on a member of Congress. It closed with news about the Clintons’ upcoming testimony, marking a historic moment in congressional oversight.

---

Transcript

[A]

The search continues. I'm Ted Lindner. Fox News Arizona authorities say they're aware of a potential ransom note following the disappearance of today's show host Savannah Guthrie's mother. The 84 year old's been missing from her Pima county home since Saturday. Fox's Jonathan Hunt with more.

[B]

TMZ and a couple of other media outlets reporting tonight that they received ransom notes, ransom notes that in the words of TMZ included details not made public by the sheriff's office. Details, for instance, about what Nancy Guthrie, at least according to the writer, the ransom note was wearing the night she was taken. Now, all that officials will confirm right now, including FBI Director Kash Patel, is that they are aware of these purported ransom notes. And in the words of the Pima county sheriffs, they are continuing to follow every tip and every lead.

[A]

Authorities believe she was taken against her will. The partial government shutdown is over and now the attention turns to preventing another one in less than two weeks. Fox's Chad Pergrim on Capitol Hill with more.

[C]

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 timeframe is tough. Otherwise, DHS lacks money. Again, Democrats insist on no masks and no roving patrols. Otherwise they will block funding for dhs. But Republicans believe that Democrats want to withhold money in order to undercut dhs. Republicans are skeptical about the push for warrants.

[A]

The push for changes comes after the shooting death of Alex Preddy by federal agents in Minneapolis, which had triggered another nationwide surge of outrage just weeks after Renee Goode was killed. America's listening to FOX News.

[D]

Building a business is hard, but protecting it doesn't have to be with LegalZoom. For more than 20 years, LegalZoom's online tools and network of attorneys have helped over 4 million businesses start strong and stay compliant. Rest easy knowing your business formation is done right from day one with LegalZoom. When you need a legal hand, trust LegalZoom. Get started at LegalZoom. LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self service tools. LegalZoom is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

[A]

Let the games begin. Fox's Joe Morgan with the details on the Olympics.

[E]

The Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games get underway today with curling taking center stage as the mixed doubles round robin session one kicks off. Competition will run through February 22nd with the opening ceremony taking place on Friday From Milan. Speed skater Aaron Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca were selected by a group of their fellow Olympians as the U.S. flag bearers for Friday night's festivities. The 2026 Winter Games is the first with two hub cities with events clustered in four areas, making it the most spread out Winter Olympics in history. Joe Morgan, Fox News.

[A]

A detention hearing is set for the man accused of assaulting Minnesota Congresswoman Elon Omar during a town hall in Minneapolis.

[F]

Anthony James Kaspercheck in federal court in Minneapolis making a salute gesture to people, his feet shaky as he waived his right to a preliminary hearing to establish probable cause. A judge also ordering Kacperchek to remain in custody on assault charges, saying that he could be a danger to the community. Federal prosecutors say Kacperchek sprayed apple cider vinegar on Reb Ilhan Omar as she spoke during a town hall event last week before he was tackled by security. He faces federal and state assault charges. Kacmerchek was wearing a yellow jumpsuit during the hearing, which signifies that he's being held in solitary confinement. Jeff Manasso, FOX News and former President.

[A]

Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton finalizing an agreement with House Republicans to testify in a House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Hillary Clinton is going to testify before the House oversight committee on February 26th. Former President Bill Clinton will appear on February 27th. It'll mark the first time that lawmakers have compelled a former president to testify. I'm Ted Lindner and this is FOX News.

[D]

This is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining me for the 52 episode podcast series the Life of.

[A]

Jesus, a listening experience that will provide.

[F]

Hope, comfort and understanding of the greatest story ever told. Listen and follow [e-mail] or wherever you listen to podcasts.