Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET, January 27, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, anchored by Ted Lindner, provides a fast-paced summary of pressing U.S. and international news as of January 27, 2026. Main topics include major changes in federal border enforcement personnel in Minnesota, updates on an agent-involved shooting and its legal aftermath, threats of a government shutdown fueled by partisan tension in Congress, travel disruptions from a winter storm, and escalating U.S.-Iran tensions amidst mass deportations.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Border Enforcement Shifts in Minnesota

(00:02 – 00:39)

• Personnel Shifts: Border Patrol Commander Greg Bevino and some Border Patrol officers are leaving Minneapolis.

• Leadership Change: President Trump designates “border czar” Tom Homan to lead ICE operations in Minnesota, reporting directly to him.

• Comment on Agent-Involved Shooting: FBI Director Cash Patel, appearing on Fox’s Hannity, discusses the recent fatal shooting of Alex Preddy, noting Preddy was armed at the time.

  "It's not smart to go out there with a fully loaded weapon. We're just saying be careful and be reasonable like you've outlined. If you have a right to a permit for a firearm, that's okay. But you cannot incite violence."
  — Cash Patel [00:27]

2. Investigations and Legal Developments Around Shooting

(00:39 – 01:14)

• Ongoing Investigation: Homeland Security confirms agents involved in the Preddy shooting wore body cams, and video is under review.

• Judicial Ruling: Trump administration wins a legal battle overturning restrictions on federal agents’ use of pepper spray against aggressive protesters, deemed an “appeal victory.”

  "Those restrictions now been lifted, an appeal victory by the Trump administration."
  — Steve Harrigan [00:45]

3. Imminent Government Shutdown Threat

(01:14 – 01:55)

• Congressional Gridlock: Lawmakers are attempting to reconvene in D.C. post-winter storm.

• Shutdown Dynamics: Democrats threaten to block a funding bill involving the Department of Homeland Security after Alex Preddy’s death; the House is not planning to return this week, intensifying shutdown risks.

• Key Timeline: The deadline to prevent a shutdown is Friday.

  "If the Senate makes any changes to the minibus package, the House will have to return to vote on it. ... The deadline to avoid a government shutdown is Friday."
  — Ryan Schmelz [01:20]

4. Winter Storm Paralyzes Air Travel

(02:40 – 03:29)

• Travel Disruptions: Thousands of flights delayed or canceled nationwide; airports in New York, Boston, D.C., Dallas, Charlotte, and Atlanta particularly hard hit.

• Passenger Experience: Travelers express frustration over last-minute flight cancellations.

  "We got here and they canceled our flight just minutes before we boarded. It was kind of a letdown for us."
  — Traveler in Atlanta [02:58]

• Ripple Effect: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns of ongoing challenges as canceled travelers compete for remaining seats.

  "You're going to see fuller flights as we come back online."
  — Sean Duffy [03:14]

5. Escalation with Iran: Crackdowns and Deportations

(03:29 – 04:21)

• Protest Crackdown Toll: Activists claim over 6,000 killed in Iranian government crackdowns.

• U.S. Military Movements: USS Abraham Lincoln strike group arrives in the Middle East as Trump administration vows flexibility against Iran.

• Mass Deportation: Nearly 40 Iranians deported from the U.S. on Sunday, the third such ICE flight since September, described as part of a broader “mass deportation strategy.”

• Human Rights Concerns: Advocacy groups warn that deportees may face severe consequences.

  "This is the third ICE deportation flight to Iran since September. It's part of what the Trump administration says is its broader mass deportation strategy. Human rights groups say this could be a death sentence for these Iranians."
  — Jennifer Griffin [03:53]

• Iran Warns of Retaliation: Iranian officials state they will treat any U.S. attack as “all out war.”

  "Iranian officials say they'll treat any US Attack as all out war."
  — Ted Lindner [04:21]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cash Patel on Reasonable Gun Ownership
  "If you have a right to a permit for a firearm, that's okay. But you cannot incite violence." [00:27]

• Ryan Schmelz on Looming Shutdown
  "The deadline to avoid a government shutdown is Friday." [01:50]

• Traveler’s Frustration in Atlanta
  "They canceled our flight just minutes before we boarded. It was kind of a letdown for us." [02:58]

• Jennifer Griffin on Deportations to Iran
  "Human rights groups say this could be a death sentence for these Iranians." [03:53]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Border enforcement shakeup in Minnesota | 00:02 | | Cash Patel on armed suspect and violence | 00:27 | | Legal victory for Trump admin (pepper spray) | 00:45 | | Shutdown threat and Congressional impasse | 01:14 | | Air travel updates after winter storm | 02:40 | | Passenger quote from Atlanta | 02:58 | | Transportation Secretary on flight disruptions | 03:14 | | Iran: crackdown deaths and deportation flights | 03:29 | | Jennifer Griffin on ICE deportation flight | 03:53 | | Iran’s warning: “All out war” | 04:21 |

Tone and Style

The episode delivers content in a brisk, urgent, and authoritative tone, consistent with Fox News hourly updates. Reporting is neutral to slightly critical of government actions, with direct sourcing from administration spokespeople, law enforcement, on-the-scene reporters, and affected individuals.