Fox News Hourly Update — 1AM ET 01/31/2026

Overview

This episode covers breaking national and international news, including the U.S. government shutdown, a landmark spending bill, a controversial new Federal Reserve nomination with political implications, major legal updates in a high-profile homicide case, a huge release of files tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, and newly approved U.S. arms deals with Israel and Saudi Arabia amid rising Middle East tensions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Partial U.S. Government Shutdown

• Spending Bill Status:

  • The Senate passed a Trump-backed spending package (71 to 29) funding most of the government, but postponed a decision on Homeland Security for two weeks due to Democratic demands regarding ICE reforms.

    [00:03] “The bill, as amended, has passed. The split spending package funds most of the government but delays money for homeland security for two weeks as Democrats demand changes to restrain ICE.” — Chris DiMeo

• Timeline and Political Divide:

  • The House is out until next week; thus, a partial shutdown began despite Senate approval.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson aims to fast-track the measure, intending for a brief shutdown.
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was highlighted as time expired, with the House not in session to resolve the deadlock.

    [00:34] “The clock, however, ran out and despite Senate passage, the government has partially shut down. That's because the House isn't back in session until next week to take up the measure.” — Chris DiMeo

• Public Tension:

  • Recent violence: Two American citizens killed by federal agents over the prior two weeks is pushing public pressure to a breaking point.

    [00:25] “After not one but two American citizens were killed by federal agents in the last two weeks, the nation is reaching a breaking point.” — Co-anchor

2. Trump Nominates Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair

• Nomination Announcement:
  • Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh nominated without promising rate cuts, despite pressure.

    [00:56] “President Trump nominating his new Fed chair, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, without a commitment to cut interest rates, despite the pressure campaign to do just that on his soon to be predecessor, Jerome Powell.” — Jackie Heinrich

• Trump’s Remarks:
  • Cautious about demanding rate cuts directly:

    [01:07] “I don't want to ask him that question. I think it's inappropriate... But he certainly wants to cut rates. I've been watching him for a long time.” — President Trump (quoted)

• Senate Approval Concerns:
  • Republican Senator Thom Tillis is withholding his support due to a DOJ investigation involving Jerome Powell, Trump’s previous adversary at the Fed.

    [01:34] “The Department of Justice continues to pursue a criminal investigation that no reasonable person could construe as possessing criminal intent.” — Senator Thom Tillis (quoted)

• Controversy:
  • The Trump administration faces criticism over the DOJ’s criminal investigation of Powell.

3. International Update: Gaza Border Reopened

• Israel-Egypt Gaza Crossing:
  • Israel is reopening Gaza's border with Egypt after a prolonged closure, indicating possible shifts in the region's dynamics.

    [01:55] “Israel is reopening Gaza's border crossing with Egypt on Sunday after a long closure.” — Chris DiMeo

4. High-Profile Legal Case: Luigi Mangione and Brian Thompson

• Death Penalty Removed:
  • Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty after the judge dropped the firearm-related murder charge.

    [02:42] “The biggest news here is that the judge has agreed with Mangione's defense team to throw out the most serious charge against him of murder through use of a firearm and another firearm weapons charge. This means that the death penalty is now off the table in this federal case in New York State.” — Nate Foy

• Ongoing Threat of Life Sentence:
  • Mangione still faces stalking charges, carrying possible life imprisonment, and the judge denied a motion to suppress evidence.

    [03:11] “The judge left the stalking charges in place, which could get Mangione up to life in prison. He's pleaded not guilty.” — Chris DiMeo

5. Massive Jeffrey Epstein File Release by DOJ

• Scale and Content of Document Dump:
  • Over 3 million pages released, including more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.

    [03:26] “More than 3 million pages are now being posted to the Justice Department website. This includes more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.” — David Spunt

• Content Sensitivity and Redactions:
  • Most videos are commercial pornography, not all are related to Epstein, and explicit or abusive material—including images showing harm to children—were withheld.

    [03:39] “Blanche says medical records, images that may show harm toward children and any sort of physical abuse were not released publicly.” — David Spunt

• Naming Public Figures:
  • Names like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Steve Bannon appear in the files, though context for their inclusion is lacking; Fox emphasizes no proven criminal activity involving these men.

    [03:47] “Some of the names mentioned... Bill Gates, Elon Musk and Steve Bannon. Again, not much context when names are released. Important to point that out. And we've not seen evidence that anything was criminal between those men.” — David Spunt

6. U.S. Arms Deals and Middle East Tensions

• Arms Sales Approved:
  • The Trump administration greenlit a $6.6 billion arms sale to Israel and a $9 billion deal to Saudi Arabia as concerns grow about potential U.S. military strikes on Iran.

    [04:12] “The Trump administration has approved a massive new series of arms sales to Israel totaling $6.6 billion, and to Saudi Arabia worth 9 billion. This as tensions rise over the possibility of U.S. military strikes in Iran.” — Chris DiMeo

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Shutdown Deadline:

  [00:34] “The clock, however, ran out and despite Senate passage, the government has partially shut down. That's because the House isn't back in session until next week to take up the measure.” — Chris DiMeo

• On Fed Chair Nomination:

  [01:07] “I don't want to ask him that question. I think it's inappropriate. Probably, probably would be allowed, but I want to keep it nice and pure. But he certainly wants to cut rates. I've been watching him for a long time.” — President Trump

• On Epstein File Release:

  [03:47] “Some of the names mentioned in the files dumped today. Bill Gates, Elon Musk and Steve Bannon. Again, not much context when names are released. Important to point that out. And we've not seen evidence that anything was criminal between those men.” — David Spunt

Important Timestamps

• [00:03] — Senate passes spending package, partial government shutdown explained
• [00:34] — Deadline missed, shutdown begins, next House session previewed
• [00:56] — Trump nominates Kevin Warsh for Fed chair; Tillis withholds support
• [01:55] — Israel reopens Gaza-Egypt border crossing
• [02:42] — Mangione’s murder charge dropped; death penalty off the table
• [03:26] — DOJ releases massive Epstein files; content and names overview
• [04:12] — Arms deals with Israel and Saudi Arabia amid Iran tensions

Summary Flow & Tone

The episode maintains a brisk, urgent tone, focused on rapid political developments and high-impact stories. The reporting remains matter-of-fact, with emphasis on immediate political implications and the potential for public impact or concern, especially regarding government operations, justice, and national security. Context is offered to clarify potentially sensational legal news, reflecting the network's intention to inform and caution listeners about ongoing investigations and political maneuvering.

This summary covers all major news points, highlighting the urgency and stakes of each topic for both national and international audiences.