Fox News Hourly Update – 11PM ET 01/31/2026
Host: Chris DiMaio (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: February 1, 2026
Episode Overview
This hourly update delivers the latest breaking news and developments from around the United States and the world. The episode features live reports and expert analysis on a major nor'easter in the Southeast, a Mardi Gras parade shooting in Louisiana, an FBI probe into anti-ICE protests, escalating violence in Gaza, a potential US military strike on Iran, a national blood shortage, and the ongoing government shutdown over immigration enforcement.
Major News Stories & Key Discussion Points
1. Record Nor’easter Hits the Southeast
[00:03–00:42]
-
Situation:
The Southeast is being pummeled by a significant nor'easter, with record snowfall in the Carolinas. -
Details:
- Greenville, SC through North Carolina’s Piedmont region is seeing rapidly accumulating snow (Bob Van Dillen reporting from Charlotte).
- Heavy winds are creating blizzard-like conditions; drifting snow and reduced visibility are major hazards.
- This is only "phase number one" of the event; storm energy will shift offshore later in the day.
-
Notable Quote:
“Winds have been starting to pick up. Some of these areas might get blizzard like conditions even around the Piedmont. If we see the winds cranking over 35 mph, the visibility is going to start to drop.”
— Bob Van Dillen, FOX Weather [00:23]
2. Mardi Gras Parade Shooting in Louisiana
[00:42–01:02]
- Incident:
Five people, including a 6-year-old, were shot at a Mardi Gras parade in Clinton, Louisiana. - Aftermath:
- The parade was immediately halted.
- Three suspects are in custody.
3. FBI Investigation into Paid Anti-ICE Protests
[01:02–01:40]
- Scope of Investigation:
The FBI is looking into whether some anti-ICE protesters were paid, examining funding sources, organizers, and participants, including groups such as labor unions, Black Lives Matter, and socialist organizations. - Legal Perspective (Free Speech Advocacy):
- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression notes the government can only punish funders if the money is intentionally directed to illegal acts. Broad investigations into advocacy funding are seen as a potentially dangerous precedent.
- Notable Quote:
“Broad investigations into support for political advocacy set a dangerous precedent that threatens organizations across the political spectrum.”
— Free Speech Advocacy Expert [01:32]
4. Israeli Strikes in Gaza
[01:40–02:00]
- Incident:
Israeli military strikes killed 30 Palestinians, including children, in one of the deadliest incidents since the October ceasefire. - Location:
The attacks included an apartment building in Gaza City.
5. Middle East Tomorrow Segment Teaser
[02:00–02:32]
- Host Megan Alexander introduces the "Middle East Tomorrow" podcast, reflecting on the Abraham Accords and their impact on ongoing regional changes.
(Promotional segment for a separate FOX podcast; not a news update.)
6. Possible U.S. Military Action Against Iran
[02:32–03:08]
- Military Update:
The Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, including F-18s, F-35s, and electronic warfare aircraft, is positioned in the Arabian Sea near Iran. - Trump Administration Stance:
President Trump is “considering taking military action,” with negotiations ongoing with Iran. - Notable Quote:
“They are negotiating so we'll see what happens. You know, the last time they negotiated, we had to take out their nuclear — didn’t work.”
— President Trump, via Jackie Heinrich [02:52]
7. National Blood Shortage
[03:08–03:41]
- Current Shortage:
The American Red Cross reports a 35% drop in blood donations in the past month, worsened by recent severe weather and flu season. - Critical Blood Types Needed:
Shortages are acute for A-negative, B-negative, and platelets; O-positive and O-negative are needed for emergencies. - Impact:
Over 350 blood drives were canceled due to weather, resulting in a loss of about 10,000 units of blood and platelets. - Notable Quote:
“The Red Cross is in need of all blood types, but there are shortages of type A negative, type B negative, and platelets. People with blood type O positive or negative are also strongly encouraged to donate as this blood group is most often used in emergencies.”
— Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Red Cross [03:41]
8. Government Shutdown & Immigration Dispute
[03:56–04:20]
- Status:
The government remains shut down despite Senate passage of a funding bill, due to unresolved disagreements over immigration enforcement. - Political Debate:
Congressman Buddy Carter criticizes Democrats, stating ICE is being hindered from deporting dangerous criminals. - Notable Quote:
“The rapists, the murderers, the pedophiles, we need to get them out of this country. And that’s what ICE is trying to do. Yet the Democrats are stopping them from doing it by trying to block ICE.”
— Congressman Buddy Carter [04:08]
Memorable Moments & Tone
- Urgency & Impact:
The reporting style is brisk, direct, and focused on developing news. - Memorable Quotes:
- Bob Van Dillen’s technical weather breakdown paints a vivid scene of the winter storm’s impact.
- The free speech expert’s warning about the implications of broad FBI investigations stands out as a moment of civil liberties concern.
- Congressman Carter uses stark language to highlight partisan divisions over immigration.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Nor’easter Weather Update: 00:03–00:42
- Mardi Gras Parade Shooting: 00:42–01:02
- FBI Anti-ICE Protest Investigation: 01:02–01:40
- Israeli Strikes in Gaza: 01:40–02:00
- Middle East Tomorrow Promo: 02:00–02:32 (skip for news content)
- US–Iran Military Tensions: 02:32–03:08
- National Blood Shortage: 03:08–03:41
- Government Shutdown and Immigration: 03:56–04:20
Conclusion
This newscast provides fast-moving, impactful coverage of current events—ranging from severe weather in the American South to international crises and U.S. political gridlock. Listeners receive more than headlines: direct reports, expert commentary, and political reactions are delivered in a tone that is urgent, accessible, and unmistakably FOX News.