Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET 01/30/2026 Newscast

Date: January 30, 2026
Host: Chris DiMeo
Main Theme:
A concise rundown of significant national news including government funding, immigration policy changes, weather alerts, international relations, and cultural highlights.

1. Deal to Avert Government Shutdown

• [00:03] Chris DiMeo opens with a major update: a government shutdown appears to have been averted, with most federal operations expecting to remain funded and open.
• [00:16] Jill Naito reports President Trump and Senate Democrats have reached a deal extending funding for most government departments through September. Notably:
  • Five outstanding funding bills received Senate approval.
  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will operate under a temporary two-week stopgap bill, reflecting ongoing scrutiny.
• Reason for DHS Scrutiny:
  • Recent shooting of Virginia nurse and anti-ICE activist Alex Preddy intensified debate.
  • Several lawmakers express opposition to funding DHS and ICE over accusations of "heavy-handed illegal tactics" against migrants.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jill Naito [00:40]: “Several lawmakers on both sides of the aisle had said they could no longer support funding for DHS and ICE as long as ICE continues to use what some are calling heavy handed illegal tactics against migrants.”

2. Shift in Immigration Policy in Minnesota

• [00:59] Chris DiMeo introduces Matt Finn’s report on border policies.
• [01:06] Matt Finn details a policy change:
  • Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison informs the Trump administration that state jails will now notify ICE prior to releasing wanted criminal illegal aliens.
  • This is a notable concession from a sanctuary jurisdiction.
• Notable Quote:
  • Matt Finn [01:12]: “This is a pretty big shift because the Trump administration has been asking sanctuary jurisdictions like Minnesota to at least notify them when they are going to release wanted criminal illegal aliens. Now the state of Minnesota says it will notify them.”

3. Federal Reserve Leadership Change

• [01:29] Chris DiMeo reports President Trump will nominate Kevin Warsh as the new Federal Reserve Chair, replacing Jerome Powell in May.
  • Warsh is a former Fed governor and Stanford professor.

4. Security Incident: FBI Impersonation

• [01:40] Short report: Authorities have charged a man for impersonating an FBI agent at a federal jail in NYC, where he allegedly presented a fake court order to release a prisoner.

5. Weather Alert: Nor’easter Approaching

• [02:32] Chris DiMeo warns of an incoming nor’easter expected to blanket the East Coast shortly after a previous winter storm.
• [02:39] Ainsley Earhart provides specifics:
  • “Looks like it’s going to be snow, not ice this time. That’s a good thing, but it’s still going to have real impacts on our lives.”

6. US-Venezuela Relations: Flights to Resume

• [02:48] Chris DiMeo notes President Trump’s announcement of resumed commercial flights between the US and Venezuela.
• [02:56] Jarrett Halpern outlines developments:
  • President Trump, after discussions with interim Venezuelan President Delsey Rodriguez, promises American travelers will again be able to visit the country.
  • Airspace to reopen imminently, as per the president’s instruction to Secretary of Transportation and military officials.
• Notable Quotes:
  • President Trump [03:06]: “Venezuela and they’ll be safe there and be safe. It’s under very strong control and the people of formerly of Venezuela, some want to go back and some want to go back to visit and they’re going to be able to do that.”
• [03:21] Jarrett Halpern notes the State Department continues to designate Venezuela as a high-risk country, cautioning against travel.

7. Cultural Highlight: Melania Trump Documentary

• [03:38] Chris DiMeo highlights the upcoming release of "Melania," an autobiographical film featuring First Lady Melania Trump.
• [03:45] Alexandria Hoff describes the film:
  • Follows Mrs. Trump in the 20 days leading to President Trump’s second inauguration.
  • Intends to reveal a “rare personal glimpse” into a key political and personal period.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Melania Trump [03:57]: “I’m very private and selective person. I want to show people my 20 days in my life, all the planning for inauguration, my business, my family, my philanthropy.”
• [04:14] Alexandria Hoff adds that Melania also served as co-producer for the 104-minute documentary.

8. Brief Program Promo

• [04:28] Melania Trump and Ainsley Earhart mention a new podcast series, “The Life of Jesus,” inviting listeners to tune in for comfort and inspiration.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• Jill Naito [00:40]: “Several lawmakers on both sides of the aisle had said they could no longer support funding for DHS and ICE as long as ICE continues to use what some are calling heavy handed illegal tactics against migrants.”
• Matt Finn [01:12]: “This is a pretty big shift… Now the state of Minnesota says it will notify them.”
• Ainsley Earhart [02:39]: “It looks like it’s going to be snow, not ice this time. That’s a good thing, but it’s still going to have real impacts on our lives.”
• President Trump [03:06]: "Venezuela and they’ll be safe there... some want to go back and some want to go back to visit and they’re going to be able to do that."
• Melania Trump [03:57]: “I’m very private and selective person. I want to show people my 20 days in my life…”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Government funding deal: 00:03–00:59
• Immigration policy shift in Minnesota: 01:06–01:29
• Federal Reserve chair nomination: 01:29–01:40
• FBI impersonator incident: 01:40–02:03
• Nor’easter alert: 02:32–02:48
• US-Venezuela relations: 02:48–03:38
• Melania Trump documentary: 03:38–04:24
• Podcast promo: 04:28–end

This episode delivers succinct updates on pressing national issues, government decisions, and cultural events relevant to a broad American audience, maintaining the trademark Fox News pacing and tone.