Fox News Hourly Update – 7PM ET, February 4, 2026

Main Theme:
This episode provides a rapid-fire summary of breaking national and international news. The top stories include updates on the Nancy Guthrie disappearance, political confrontation over Homeland Security funding, a major scandal in British politics linked to Jeffrey Epstein, high-profile crime reports, and congressional pressure on social media companies’ liability protections.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FBI Expands Probe into Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

• [00:02-00:32] Lisa Licera (Host), Jonathan Hunt (Reporter)

  • Federal agents expanded their search at the home of Annie Guthrie, daughter of missing Nancy Guthrie.
  • Family members who last saw Nancy on Saturday night are under new scrutiny.
  • Unconfirmed ransom notes have been reported by TMZ and other local media, but police have not released details.
  • President Trump personally called Savannah Guthrie with condolences and offered assistance.

  Notable Quote:

  • "The FBI has arrived at the home of Annie Guthrie... as they widen their investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance." – Lisa Licera [00:02]

2. Homeland Security Funding Standoff

• [00:32-01:36] Lisa Licera, Sen. John Thune (R), Sen. Chuck Schumer (D)

  • President Trump signed a short-term package with two weeks of funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged Democrats to negotiate, emphasizing the bill supports TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and other vital agencies.

    Notable Quote:

    • "If they actually do want to fund the government... they need to sit down with the White House and figure out what it is they actually want." – Sen. John Thune [01:03]

  • Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer declared Democrats’ willingness to negotiate but argued any deal must be “strong, tough, and rein in ICE in very serious ways.”

    Notable Quote:

    • "It's gotta be strong, it's gotta be tough. It's gotta rein in ICE in very serious ways and end the violence." – Sen. Chuck Schumer [01:22]

3. Border Security Administrative Shifts

• [01:36] Lisa Licera
  • Border Czar Tom Homan announced a reduction in border agents in Minneapolis due to increased local cooperation.
  • Supreme Court declined to hear California Republicans’ appeal over the state’s redistricting plan.

4. British Political Scandal: The Epstein Files

• [02:30-03:12] Lisa Licera, Jonathan Savage (Reporter), Parliamentary Leaders

  • Scandal surrounds Lord Peter Mandelson, the UK’s appointee as US Ambassador and former confidant of Jeffrey Epstein.

  • Leaked files suggest Mandelson shared sensitive financial data with Epstein during the 2008 crisis.

  • Parliamentary outrage erupted, with accusations of betrayal and repeated lying about the nature of the relationship.

    Notable Quote:

    • "Mandelson betrayed our country, our parliament and... my party, Mr. Speaker. He lied repeatedly to my team." – Parliamentary Leaders [02:51–03:05]

  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer admitted knowing Mandelson and Epstein were close when making the appointment.

    • "Prime Minister Starmer, under pressure, admits he knew the men had been close when he sent Lord Mandelson to Washington." – Jonathan Savage [03:05]

  • Related: Former Prince Andrew was relocated due to his own Epstein ties.

5. Crime Updates: William Stevenson Charged

• [03:12-03:20] Lisa Licera
  • William Stevenson, Jill Biden’s ex-husband, is held without bail on charges of murdering his current wife, Linda Stevenson, found deceased in Wilmington, Delaware.

6. Social Media Liability: The Push to End Section 230

• [03:20-04:20] Jessica Rosenthal (Reporter), Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Bridget Noring (Parent Advocate), Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt

  • Bipartisan move in Senate (Durbin and Graham) to sunset Section 230, stripping social media companies of legal immunity for third-party content.

  • Bridget Noring, mother of a child victim to fentanyl purchased via social media, shared emotional testimony.

    Notable Quote:

    • "How does big tech respond to our efforts? It opens the lobbying war chest to make sure the bills never become law." – Senate testimony [03:54]
    • "Innovation should not excuse harm, and children's lives should never be the cost of doing business." – Bridget Noring [04:07]

  • Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt spoke as a parent and called for unanimous Senate support to end Section 230.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• "The FBI has arrived at the home of Annie Guthrie... as they widen their investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance." – Lisa Licera [00:02]
• "If they actually do want to fund the government... they need to sit down with the White House and figure out what it is they actually want." – Sen. John Thune [01:03]
• "It's gotta be strong, it's gotta be tough. It's gotta rein in ICE in very serious ways and end the violence." – Sen. Chuck Schumer [01:22]
• "Mandelson betrayed our country, our parliament and... my party, Mr. Speaker. He lied repeatedly to my team." – UK parliamentary leaders [02:51–03:05]
• "Innovation should not excuse harm, and children's lives should never be the cost of doing business." – Bridget Noring [04:07]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | |-------------------------------------------|--------------| | Nancy Guthrie disappearance | 00:02-00:32 | | Homeland Security funding dispute | 00:32-01:36 | | Border/security Supreme Court news | 01:36 | | UK Epstein/Mandelson scandal | 02:30-03:12 | | Stevenson crime story | 03:12-03:20 | | Section 230 social media debate | 03:20-04:20 |

Tone & Summary Usefulness

This summary captures the urgent and brisk tone of a rapid news radio update, emphasizing the major political, legal, and international stories of the day. It provides a comprehensive yet succinct guide for listeners who missed the broadcast and need both the headlines and key context.