FOX News Hourly Update – Episode Summary
Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Daria Albinger (FOX News Podcasts)
Major Theme: A rapidly shifting news cycle highlighted by the desperate search for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, the latest on Ghislaine Maxwell’s congressional testimony, a Maryland school shooting, looming government funding deadlines, and escalating US–Iran tensions.
Main Theme Overview
This episode delivers a concise, urgent update on headline news stories: the ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, new developments regarding Ghislaine Maxwell’s congressional testimony, a school shooting in suburban Washington, D.C., contentious negotiations over Department of Homeland Security funding, and rising military tension with Iran. The tone is serious and immediate, capturing a landscape of ongoing crises and political confrontation.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother
[00:02–00:57]
- Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, has been missing for nine days.
- Savannah released a new video message addressed not to the kidnappers, but to the broader public, expressing “an hour of desperation.”
- Quote (Savannah Guthrie via Jonathan Hunt, 00:18):
“We are in an hour of desperation...we, the Guthrie siblings, believe our mother is still out there. She hears your prayers...we all need your help. She is out there somewhere.”
- Tone Analysis: The plea is heartfelt and urgent, with a sense of investigation having stalled:
Jonathan Hunt (00:46):"It certainly sounds from the tone of that message that the investigation is at something of a dead end at this point... [Savannah’s] tone in this is absolutely desperate."
- There are no suspects or persons of interest currently identified by officials.
2. Ghislaine Maxwell’s Testimony and Political Repercussions
[00:57–01:34]
- Ghislaine Maxwell exercised her Fifth Amendment rights during a House Oversight Committee deposition.
- Her attorney volunteered that Maxwell has “no indication” that either Donald Trump or Bill Clinton are culpable for wrongdoing related to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Quote (Bill Melugin, 01:19):
“The attorney for Ms. Maxwell said that she has no indication and would say that neither Presidents Trump or Clinton are culpable for any wrongdoing.”
- Maxwell has hinted at a willingness to offer more information in exchange for a pardon.
3. Maryland School Shooting
[01:34–02:03]
- A shooting occurred at a high school in Montgomery County, Maryland.
- Status: The wounded student is hospitalized in stable condition; the suspect, also a student, was arrested near the school.
- The report is succinct, emphasizing the immediate response and current state of the investigation.
4. Looming Deadline for DHS Funding and ICE Reforms
[02:32–03:16]
- Congress faces a Friday deadline to approve funding for the Department of Homeland Security, including potential reforms or defunding of ICE.
- Democratic demands: Judicial warrants, body cams, end to roving patrols, requiring ICE agents to unmask, display ID, and more.
- Senate Democrats have submitted their spending plan proposals to Republicans, intensifying partisan standoff.
- Quote (Bill Melugin, 02:40):
“Democrats are digging in on their demands that ICE either be reformed or defunded.” “Last week...Chuck Schumer announced a list of 10 demands for ICE reforms...”
- Republican response: Senate Republican negotiator Sen. Katie Britt claims the latest proposal, “is not what Americans want.”
5. US–Iran Tensions and Middle East Military Buildup
[03:16–04:07]
- Anticipated focus: Potential nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran in Oman; Iran refuses to discuss its missile program but is open to avoiding a major war.
- Significant US military assets are being deployed to the region:
- Over 112 US Air Force C-17 transport planes.
- The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and strike group remain stationed in the Arabian Sea.
- Quote (Trey Yingst, 03:33):
“Iranian officials have ruled out discussing their country’s ballistic missile program, but do appear open to finding a diplomatic solution to avoid a large war...Open source intelligence trackers indicate that more than 112 US Air Force C17 transport planes have now arrived or are on their way to the region.”
- Global responses:
- President Trump threatens military action if Iran fails to cooperate.
- Iran vows to retaliate by striking US bases.
- Israel pledges to stop Iranian missile development.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Savannah Guthrie (via Jonathan Hunt, 00:18):
“We are in an hour of desperation...we, the Guthrie siblings, believe our mother is still out there. She hears your prayers...we all need your help. She is out there somewhere.”
- Jonathan Hunt (00:46):
"It certainly sounds from the tone of that message that the investigation is at something of a dead end at this point... [Savannah’s] tone in this is absolutely desperate."
- Bill Melugin (01:19):
“The attorney for Ms. Maxwell said that she has no indication and would say that neither Presidents Trump or Clinton are culpable for any wrongdoing.”
- Bill Melugin (02:40):
“Democrats are digging in on their demands that ICE either be reformed or defunded.”
- Trey Yingst (03:33):
“Iranian officials have ruled out discussing their country’s ballistic missile program, but do appear open to finding a diplomatic solution to avoid a large war...”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [00:02–00:57]: Savannah Guthrie’s desperate plea and update on missing mother
- [00:57–01:34]: Ghislaine Maxwell’s testimony and denial of wrongdoing linked to Trump or Clinton
- [01:34–02:03]: Breaking news on Maryland school shooting
- [02:32–03:16]: Deadline for DHS funding and ICE reform battle in Congress
- [03:16–04:07]: Rising US–Iran tensions and US military moves in the Middle East
Overall Tone & Style
The episode is fast-paced, brisk, and focused on headline updates. The language reflects the urgency and gravity of the ongoing news stories, with direct attributions to individuals and officials. Hosts and correspondents use straightforward, reportorial language, adding human and emotional context especially in the Guthrie family story.
This summary covers the essential news events, providing context, central quotations, and detailed timestamps for listeners who want a full picture without needing to tune in.