Fox News Hourly Update — 1AM ET, February 1, 2026

Host: Chris DiMaio
Podcast: FOX News Hourly Update
Date: February 1, 2026

Episode Overview

This fast-paced newscast delivers concise updates on major national and international events as of the early morning of February 1, 2026. Key topics include a severe winter storm in the Southeast U.S., a mass shooting at a Mardi Gras parade in Louisiana, FBI investigations into paid protestors, deadly Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, U.S.-Iran military posturing, a critical national blood shortage, and the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

Severe Nor’easter Hits the Southeast

[00:03–00:39]

• Chris DiMaio: Opens with reports of a record-setting nor’easter slamming the Carolinas.
• Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen (Charlotte, NC):
  • Heavy snow is spreading from Greenville, SC into Central North Carolina, with totals rapidly increasing.
  • Winds are picking up, risking blizzard conditions (over 35 mph winds could drop visibility and cause dangerous drifting).
  • Notable Quote:
    “Some of these areas might get blizzard-like conditions even around the Piedmont...and it’s already starting to pile up.” (00:24, Bob Van Dillen)
  • Indicates that this storm is only the first phase, with potential energy transfer offshore.

Shooting at Louisiana Mardi Gras Parade

[00:39–00:59]

• Chris DiMaio: Reports five shot, including a six-year-old boy, during a Mardi Gras parade in Clinton, Louisiana.
  • Parade was halted immediately.
  • Three suspects are in custody.

FBI Probes Paid Protesters at Anti-ICE Demonstrations

[00:59–01:38]

• FIRE Representative (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression):
  • FBI is investigating “paid protest campaigns,” focusing on the organization, participants, and funding sources.
  • Multiple groups, such as labor unions and BLM, reportedly involved or encouraging protests.
  • Governmental punishment of funders is only legitimate when there is “intentional direction” of money to illegal acts.
  • Notable Quote:
    “Broad investigations into support for political advocacy set a dangerous precedent that threatens organizations across the political spectrum.” (01:25, FIRE Representative)

Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza

[01:38–02:00]

• Rich Edson (Washington):
  • Israeli strikes in Gaza City have killed at least 30 Palestinians, including children—one of the highest tolls since October’s ceasefire.
  • Israeli military has not commented.
  • End of segment: “America is listening to Fox.”

U.S.-Iran Tensions & Possible Military Action

[02:51–03:38]

• Chris DiMaio: Announces President Trump is considering military action against Iran.
• Lucas Tomlinson (White House Correspondent):
  • The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is in the Arabian Sea, within range of Iran.
  • Its arsenal includes F-18 Super Hornets, Navy F-35s, and Growler EW jets.
  • President Trump (to Jackie Heinrich):
    • 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.” (03:27, President Trump via Lucas Tomlinson)

Critical U.S. Blood Shortage

[03:38–04:28]

• Chris DiMaio and Dr. Courtney Lawrence (Red Cross):
  • The American Red Cross faces a 35% drop in blood donations in the last month.
  • Reasons: Ongoing severe flu season and storm-related cancellation of 350+ blood drives from Oklahoma to Maine (10,000+ lost units).
  • Acute shortages: Type A negative, B negative, platelets, and especially O positive/negative.
  • Notable Quote:
    “People with blood type O positive or negative are also strongly encouraged to donate as this blood group is most often used in emergencies.” (04:17, Dr. Courtney Lawrence)

Federal Government Shutdown & Immigration Dispute

[04:28–04:52]

• Chris DiMaio: Despite Senate passage of a funding bill, the government remains shut down over immigration enforcement disputes.
• Congressman Buddy Carter (on FOX Report):
  • Pushes for stricter immigration enforcement.
  • 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.” (04:40–04:45, Buddy Carter)

Notable Quotes

• Bob Van Dillen (Meteorologist, Charlotte):
  “Some of these areas might get blizzard-like conditions even around the Piedmont...and it’s already starting to pile up.” (00:24)
• FIRE Representative:
  “Broad investigations into support for political advocacy set a dangerous precedent that threatens organizations across the political spectrum.” (01:25)
• President Trump (via Lucas Tomlinson):
  “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.” (03:27)
• Dr. Courtney Lawrence (Red Cross):
  “People with blood type O positive or negative are also strongly encouraged to donate as this blood group is most often used in emergencies.” (04:17)
• Congressman Buddy Carter:
  “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.” (04:40–04:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment | |---------|------------------------------------------------------| | 00:03 | Nor’easter in Carolinas | | 00:39 | Mardi Gras Parade Shooting in Louisiana | | 00:59 | FBI Probe into Paid Protesters | | 01:38 | Israeli Strikes in Gaza | | 02:51 | U.S.-Iran Military Standoff | | 03:38 | Blood Shortage Crisis | | 04:28 | Government Shutdown over Immigration |

Summary Takeaways

• Weather Emergencies: The southeastern U.S. is dealing with rare, dangerous snowstorms and possible blizzard conditions.
• Domestic Crises: Mass shooting events and a severe blood shortage exacerbate national anxieties.
• Civil Liberties: Government investigations into the funding of protests spark debate about free speech and civil engagement.
• International Tensions: Continued conflict in Gaza and rising military tensions with Iran keep foreign policy at the forefront.
• Partisan Deadlock: The government shutdown underscores ongoing immigration disputes and heightened partisan rhetoric.

This newscast delivers urgent headlines with direct reporting, marked by the brisk and urgent tone characteristic of all FOX News hourly updates.