Fox News Hourly Update – 11PM ET 01/30/2026 Newscast

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: January 31, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode provides a fast-paced, comprehensive summary of national and international news as of late January 2026. Major stories include impending government shutdown drama, new revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, federal rulings on President Trump’s voter ID executive order, developments in high-profile criminal cases, the death of comedy legend Catherine O’Hara, and a delay in NASA's Artemis moon mission.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Looming Government Shutdown and DHS Funding

• Senate Action: The Senate passed a package of bills to mostly fund the government through September, with separate short-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while reforms to I.C.E. are considered.
  • “The Senate has passed a package of bills that will mostly fund the government through the end of September and a bill that will provide money for the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks as lawmakers work on reforms to I.C.E.” (Lisa Licera, 00:02)
• Democratic Position:
  • Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stresses the need for meaningful I.C.E. reform, warning, “If there is no real reform, Democrats will not back a longer term bill.” (Lisa Licera paraphrasing Schumer, 00:25)
  • “No secret police. Every officer must have clear identification.” (Chuck Schumer, 00:19)
• Shutdown Imminent:
  • House is not in session until Monday, guaranteeing a limited shutdown before a full vote. (Lisa Licera, 00:25)

2. Jeffrey Epstein Investigation Records Released

• Justice Department Compliance: The DOJ released a trove of new Epstein records after congressional demand—over 2,000 videos, 180,000 images, and 3.5 million pages.
  • “That means that the department produced approximately three and a half million pages in compliance with the act.” (Deputy AG Todd Blanche, 00:59)
• Sensitive Content Handling: Every image of women and girls has been blacked out; the rationale behind each redaction will be formally explained to Congress.

3. Federal Rulings on Trump’s Voter ID Order

• Judicial Block: Another federal judge, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, blocks parts of President Trump's March executive order on citizenship verification for voter registration and absentee ballots.
  • “Congress and the states have power to set rules for federal elections, not the president.” (Reporter, 01:12)
  • The judge writes: “The Constitution does not allow the president to impose unilateral changes to federal election procedures.” (Judge’s ruling paraphrased, 01:12)
• Ongoing Legal Battles: Multiple federal courts have found against the administration’s order, setting the stage for eventual Supreme Court review.

4. Legal Update: Luigi Mangione Murder Case

• Prosecution Restrictions: A federal judge bars prosecutors from pursuing the death penalty and dismisses a murder charge against Luigi Mangione (accused in the murder of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson) due to a technical flaw.
• Double Jeopardy Concerns:
  • Defense attorney Karen Agnifolo warns about overlapping charges: “Double jeopardy is a big thing here, right? Mr. Mangione is being charged in three different cases for one incident. So we're going to continue to fight for that as well.” (Karen Agnifolo, 02:45)
• Trial Dates: Federal jury selection starts September 8, opening statements October 13; New York state trial date pending.

5. Passing of Catherine O'Hara

• Death Announced:
  • “Emmy Award winning comedic actress Catherine O'Hara has died.” (Lisa Licera, 03:19)
• Tribute:
  • Described as a “legend in the truest sense of the word,” with career highlights including SCTV, Beetlejuice, and her iconic portrayal of Kevin’s mom in Home Alone. (Jonathan Hunt, 03:21)
• Memorable Quote:
  • Macaulay Culkin pays tribute: “Mama, I thought we had more time. I love you. I'll see you later.” (Instagram via Jonathan Hunt, 04:06)

6. NASA Artemis Moon Mission Delay

• Launch Delay:
  • NASA pushes back the Artemis launch due to freezing temperatures at the site. (Lisa Licera, 04:06)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Government Shutdown
  • Chuck Schumer: “No secret police. Every officer must have clear identification.” (00:19)
• Epstein Records
  • Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche: “The department produced approximately three and a half million pages in compliance with the act.” (00:59)
• Voter ID Order
  • Federal judge: “Congress and the states have power to set rules for federal elections, not the president.” (01:12)
  • District Court ruling: “The Constitution does not allow the president to impose unilateral changes to federal election procedures.” (01:12)
• Mangione Case
  • Attorney Karen Agnifolo: “Double jeopardy is a big thing here, right? Mr. Mangione is being charged in three different cases for one incident.” (02:45)
• Catherine O’Hara’s Legacy
  • Jonathan Hunt: “A legend in the truest sense of the word, a star on our screens big and small for decades in roles that endeared her to generations.” (03:21)
  • Macaulay Culkin (tribute): “Mama, I thought we had more time. I love you. I'll see you later.” (Instagram via Jonathan Hunt, 04:06)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 — Government shutdown update; Senate votes, DHS funding
• 00:47 — Justice Department releases Epstein files
• 01:12 — Federal judge blocks parts of Trump Voter ID executive order
• 02:30 — Luigi Mangione case death penalty barred; attorney speaks
• 03:19 — Catherine O’Hara’s death & legacy
• 04:06 — NASA Artemis moon mission delayed

Conclusion

This newscast delivers high-level national headlines and legal updates, as well as a heartfelt segment on Catherine O’Hara’s passing. In typical Fox News fast-news fashion, the episode is brisk, information-dense, and timely, keeping listeners informed on top stories as they develop.