Fox News Hourly Update — 3AM ET, January 28, 2026

Main Theme/Purpose

This episode delivers Fox News Radio’s rapid-fire overnight briefing on leading political, domestic, and economic stories. Key foci include President Trump’s midterm campaign trail, a tense episode involving Rep. Ilhan Omar, a border-related shooting, midair safety revelations from the NTSB, forthcoming Federal Reserve action, and a somber Challenger anniversary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

President Trump Campaigns for Republicans Ahead of Midterms

[00:02–00:43]

• President Trump’s Activities: Fox’s Jared Halpern reports on President Trump greeting supporters near Des Moines, shaking hands, and rallying for Republican retention of Congress.
• Focus on Economy & National Reputation:
  • Trump lauds economic performance:

    “But we have great unemployment numbers. Yeah, I think they're great. Is there one number that's bad? … There's not one.” — President Trump [00:20]

  • Claims U.S. “respected,” touts economic boom, rising incomes, surging investment, and the defeat of inflation:

    “Our economy is booming. Incomes are rising. Investment is soaring. Inflation has been defeated. Our border is closed, totally closed.” — President Trump [00:34]

• Midterm Challenges Acknowledged: Trump concedes historical hurdles for the incumbent party in midterm elections (notably, the tendency for the party of the sitting president to lose seats).

Town Hall Incident: Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Attacked

[00:53–01:15]

• Event: Minnesota Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar advocates abolishing ICE and accountability for DHS at a town hall.
• Disruption: Omar is sprayed with a foul-smelling unknown substance by a man at the podium. Security handles the situation; Omar continues her speech.

  • “A man approaching her at the podium, Omar apparently sprayed with an unknown substance that had a disturbing smell. She was okay. The man taken into custody and Omar continued her speech.” — Ted Lindtner [01:15]

• Political Fallout:
  • Call for Resignation: Hilary Barski relays:

    “DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must resign or face impeachment.” — Hilary Barski [01:04]

Border Shootout: Smuggling Suspect Wounded

[01:15–02:00]

• Incident Overview: Authorities report that suspect Patrick Gary Schlegel fired at a federal helicopter as agents tried to apprehend him near the U.S.–Mexico border.
• Outcome: Agents returned fire, wounding Schlegel, who is hospitalized. He was wanted on an escape warrant for a prior smuggling conviction.
• Notable Details: The shootout underscores ongoing border security tensions and the risks faced by law enforcement.

NTSB Report: Deadly Plane-Helicopter Collision

[02:39–03:36]

• Topic: A hearing marks the one-year anniversary of the collision at Reagan National Airport, which killed 67—prompting critical scrutiny.
• Key Findings:
  • Overcrowded airspace and overworked controllers had pleaded for help before the crash, their warnings ignored.
  • NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy voices frustration:

    “Help, we need help. Apparently falling on deaf ears.” — Jennifer Homendy [03:08]

  • Ongoing fears linger, with Homendy quoting airlines’ concerns:

    “Commercial airlines have called me to say the next midair is going to be at Burbank and nobody at FAA is paying attention to us.” — Jennifer Homendy [03:19]

• FAA Response: Hourly plane arrivals at Reagan have since been cut and more controllers hired.

Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision

[03:36–04:15]

• Anticipation: The Fed is expected to keep the benchmark rate steady after three cuts; focus shifts to Chair Jerome Powell’s first comments since DOJ announced an investigation into him.
• Major Questions: Markets wonder when rates will fall again, with job market weakness or easing inflation seen as key triggers.

  • “The big question is when will the Fed start lowering rates again, which could depend on a faltering job market or inflation that resumes falling towards the Fed's 2% goal.” — Hilary Barski [03:41]

Challenger Shuttle Disaster — 40th Anniversary

[04:15–04:36]

• Remembrance: The episode closes by marking 40 years since the Challenger shuttle explosion killed seven astronauts due to a failed O-ring in freezing weather.

  • “Disintegration of the vehicle began after an O ring seal in its right solid rocket booster failed at liftoff because of the cold weather.” — Ted Lindtner [04:15]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Economic optimism and border control—President Trump:

  “Our economy is booming. Incomes are rising. Investment is soaring. Inflation has been defeated. Our border is closed, totally closed.” [00:34]

• NTSB frustration over safety warnings:

  “Help, we need help. Apparently falling on deaf ears.” — Jennifer Homendy [03:08]
  “Commercial airlines have called me to say the next midair is going to be at Burbank and nobody at FAA is paying attention to us.” — Jennifer Homendy [03:19]

• Immediate resilience—Rep. Omar continuing to speak after being attacked:

  “Omar continued her speech.” [01:15]

Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 00:02 | Trump campaigns in Iowa, Fox coverage begins | | 00:34 | Trump touts economy and border control | | 00:53 | Rep. Ilhan Omar attacked at town hall | | 01:15 | Border shootout: suspect wounded | | 02:39 | NTSB recounts deadly Reagan airport midair collision | | 03:36 | Federal Reserve’s anticipated interest rate signal | | 04:15 | Tribute: 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster |

Tone and Style

The update is brisk, direct, focused on headline news with a balance of reporting quotes, expert commentary, and factual recaps. The podcast maintains the matter-of-fact, urgent delivery listeners expect from radio news, blending live quotes with anchoring voice-over summaries.