Fox News Hourly Update – 11AM ET 01/31/2026: Podcast Summary

Overview

This episode delivers the latest updates on severe weather impacting the East Coast, developments in the federal government shutdown, nationwide protests, new rulings and legislation on election laws, and breaking international news from Gaza. Hosted by Paul Stevens, the newscast blends live field reporting with concise political and legal updates, emphasizing pressing events and their evolving implications.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nor’easter Hits the East Coast

• Snowstorm Impact:
  • The Outer Banks are experiencing the first flakes of a powerful nor’easter, with forecasts of "the heaviest snow in decades for the Carolinas."
  • Mike Sidell (Field Report, 00:15):
    • Notes heavy snowfall beginning in Kill Devil Hills, stretching to Kitty Hawk and Duck.
    • Anticipates "a long 24 hours of snow" with "wind gusts over 50 miles an hour."
    • Water temperatures vary from the mid-40s (Kill Devil Hills) to mid-60s (Buxton, Hatteras). Southern areas could see rain before a changeover to snow.
    • "We're expecting all snow here right now." (00:37)
• States of Emergency Declared:
  • North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia governors have declared emergencies. (00:48)

2. Federal Government Shutdown (Partial)

• Legislative Stalemate:
  • The Senate altered a House spending package, passing five bills but isolating DHS funding over disagreements on ICE policies.
  • Mike Johnson (Capitol Update, 00:57):
    • "The Senate broke off the DHS bill and sent the rest of the package back to the House. That triggers a shutdown until at least Monday night."
    • House Speaker Mike Johnson urges GOP to approve the revised bills to end the shutdown, with DHS funding only extended for two weeks.
• Uncertainty Remains:
  • It's unclear how many House members will support the revised package. (01:31)

3. Nationwide Protests and Arrests in Los Angeles

• 'ICE Out Everywhere' Protests:
  • Thousands gathered in Los Angeles, leading to unrest and arrests at the federal detention center.
  • Paul Stevens reports, "A mob swarmed the area. All the unrest coming as cities across the US... Many of them taking part in the ICE out everywhere protest." (01:31)

4. Judicial Block on Voter ID Executive Order

• Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump Order:
  • Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly rules that only Congress and states—not the President—can impose changes to federal election law.
  • Jared Halpern (White House, 02:44):
    • "The Constitution does not allow the president to impose unilateral changes to federal election procedures."
    • Several similar rulings are on appeal, with potential to reach the Supreme Court.

5. Republican Election Security Legislation: "Make Elections Great Again Act"

• Bill Highlights:
  • Requires photo ID to vote, citizenship verification at registration, and mail-in ballots to be received by poll closing.
  • Ryan Schmell (Capitol Hill, 03:29):
    • "It’s part of Republicans' push to secure U.S. elections."
    • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calls the bill "dead on arrival."
    • Quote — Hakeem Jeffries (03:55):
      • "Voter suppression is part of the Republican plan to try desperately to hold on to power."
• Uncertainty Over Passage:
  • Ryan Schmell: "It's unclear how soon the bill could get a vote in the House." (04:02)

6. Gaza Strikes and Ceasefire Developments

• Civilian Casualties in Gaza:
  • Reports from local hospitals indicate at least 30 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, including women and children.
  • The Rafah border crossing with Egypt is set to reopen as part of the next phase in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
  • Paul Stevens: "The crossing’s opening, limited at first, marks the first major step in the second phase of a US Brokered ceasefire." (04:08)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike Sidell – On Nor’easter’s Onset:
  "Flake slide here on the Outer Banks… at the very, very beginning of what's going to be a long 24 hours of snow. Heavy snow at times and wind gusts over 50 miles an hour." (00:15)

• Mike Johnson – On Shutdown Trigger:
  "The Senate broke off the DHS bill and sent the rest of the package back to the House. That triggers a shutdown until at least Monday night." (00:57)

• Jared Halpern – On Presidential Powers:
  "The Constitution does not allow the president to impose unilateral changes to federal election procedures." (02:44)

• Hakeem Jeffries – On GOP Election Bill:
  "Voter suppression is part of the Republican plan to try desperately to hold on to power." (03:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Nor’easter Coverage from Outer Banks: 00:15–00:48
• State of Emergency & Shutdown Update: 00:48–01:31
• Protests in Los Angeles, ICE Out Movement: 01:31–02:00
• Judicial Block on Voter ID Order: 02:39–03:23
• GOP Election Bill Announcement: 03:23–04:02
• Gaza Strikes, Ceasefire Update: 04:08–04:36

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a brisk, fact-driven news style characteristic of Fox News Radio—succinct, urgent, and focused on the high stakes and breaking nature of each story. Correspondents and field reporters provide a blend of on-the-ground details and legislative context.

This summary captures the episode's key moments, quotes, and developments, offering a clear guide to all who missed this hour’s Fox News update.