Fox News Hourly Update: 3AM ET 02/02/2026 Newscast

Host: Ted Lindner, FOX News Podcasts
Date: February 2, 2026

Episode Overview

This edition of the Fox News Hourly Update delivers rapid-fire reporting on key national and international developments, with a focus on the partial government shutdown, immigration policies, health concerns at a Texas ICE facility, U.S. policy towards Iran amid Middle Eastern tensions, highlights from the Grammy Awards, and reactions to the music industry’s big night. Throughout, the tone is brisk and news-oriented, encapsulating the urgency and variety of overnight breaking stories.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Partial Government Shutdown & Congressional Maneuvering

• Senate's Spending Package:
  The U.S. Senate approved a stopgap spending bill (71-29 vote) to stave off a government shutdown, but without full funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

• Democratic Opposition:
  Democrats withheld support for any bill channeling DHS funds amid ongoing disputes over immigration enforcement.

• House Decision Pending:
  Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence that the House will pass the package, which funds DHS for just two more weeks.

  Notable Quote:

  • Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) criticized Democrats for their stance:

    "I wish the Democrats would be as upset about the deaths of Lincoln Riley and Rachel Morin and the many, many, many, many others who have been victimized by crimes committed by illegal immigrants."
    (00:20)

2. ICE Protests and White House Policy Shift

• ICE Protests Quiet Down:
  Reporting indicated a quieter day for ICE protests, possibly related to President Trump’s recent announcement on dealing with civil unrest.

• Trump’s Directives:
  President Trump declared changes in federal response to unrest in Democrat-led cities, stating assistance would only be provided upon local request.

  Trump Statement:

  "I've instructed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and that under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat cities with regard to their protests and or riots unless and until they ask us for help."
  (00:49)

3. Measles Outbreak at Texas ICE Facility

• Facility Lockdown:
  The Dilley Immigration Processing Center near San Antonio halted all movement due to confirmed measles infections.

• Quarantines and Public Health:
  Two detainees tested positive; contacts were quarantined. The facility had recently released five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father, but advocacy groups expressed concern for other families still detained.

  Health Official Statement:

  • Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary, confirmed steps being taken:

    "[Texas officials] confirmed active measles infections of two detainees… individuals suspected of making contact with the infected have been quarantined and they're ceasing all movement within the facility."
    (01:16)

4. U.S. Policy Toward Iran and Military Presence

• Trump Rules Out Strikes, Open to Diplomacy:
  President Trump confirmed there would be no military strikes on Iran despite regional tensions, but did not rule out future action and kept diplomatic channels open.

• Military Plans Kept Secret:
  The administration committed to not briefing Gulf allies on military plans, maintaining operational secrecy.

• Ball in Iran's Court:
  Administration and diplomatic voices urged Iran to de-escalate, warning that U.S. patience is finite.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Unnamed U.S. official:

    "You could make a negotiated deal that would be satisfactory with no nuclear weapons… they are talking to us."
    (02:41)

  • U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matt Whitaker:

    "The Iranians could de escalate very easily and simply and we'll see the balls in their court. But you know, President Trump is not going to be forever patient on this."
    (03:03)

5. Grammy Awards Highlights & Political Fallout

• Kendrick Lamar Makes History:

  • Won Best Rap Album for "GNX"; broke Jay Z's record for most Grammys by a rapper.
  • Won Record of the Year for "Luther" with SZA.

• Bad Bunny’s Big Night:

  • Won Album of the Year and Best Musica Urbana Album for "dtmf."

• Other Notable Wins:

  • Olivia Dean: Best New Artist; Billie Eilish: Song of the Year (“Wildflowers”); Jelly Roll: Best Contemporary Country Album; Lady Gaga: Best Pop Vocal Album (“Mayhem”).

• Artists Use Platform for Advocacy:
  Several artists, including Olivia Dean and Billie Eilish, spoke out against ICE during their acceptance speeches.

• Trump’s Response:
  President Trump blasted the Grammys on social media, denouncing the show and threatening legal action against host Trevor Noah over comments tying the President to Jeffrey Epstein.

  Notable Quote:

  • Trump’s social media reaction:

    "The awards show [is] the worst virtually unwatchable, [and] criticized Grammys host Trevor Noah for suggesting he and former President Bill Clinton spend time on Jeffrey Epstein's private island. The president threatening to sue Noah over the comments."
    (04:07)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Senator Ron Johnson on immigration and crime:
  (00:20)

  "I wish the Democrats would be as upset about the deaths of Lincoln Riley and Rachel Morin and the many, many, many, many others who have been victimized by crimes committed by illegal immigrants."

• President Trump on federal response to protests:
  (00:49)

  "Under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat cities with regard to their protests and or riots unless and until they ask us for help."

• Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin on measles outbreak:
  (01:16)

  "Individuals suspected of making contact with the infected have been quarantined and they're ceasing all movement within the facility."

• U.S. official on negotiating with Iran:
  (02:41)

  "You could make a negotiated deal that would be satisfactory with no nuclear weapons… they are talking to us."

• Matt Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to NATO, on Iran crisis:
  (03:03)

  "President Trump is not going to be forever patient on this."

• President Trump’s reaction to the Grammys:
  (04:07)

  "The awards show the worst virtually unwatchable," and a warning to host Trevor Noah regarding Epstein comments.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:03–00:33 — Senate spending package and Senator Ron Johnson on immigration
• 00:33–01:06 — House outlook, Speaker Johnson’s confidence, and President Trump’s directive on city protests
• 01:06–01:56 — Measles outbreak quarantines at Texas ICE facility; situation with detained families
• 02:32–03:21 — Trump’s stance on Iran, diplomatic overtures, and military planning
• 03:21–04:07 — Grammy Awards results, on-stage advocacy, and Trump’s criticism of the event

Summary

This episode delivers a concise, punchy sweep of developing national and global stories. Centering on high-stakes budget negotiations amid a government shutdown, it highlights the interplay between party leaders and the White House over immigration funding and law enforcement. The episode transitions to public safety challenges, illustrated by a measles outbreak inside a key Texas ICE facility. On foreign policy, it explores the U.S. posture toward escalating tensions with Iran, emphasizing restrained but stern rhetoric. The cast closes with a look at the Grammy Awards—spotlighting historic wins, artist activism, and a fiery presidential response—demonstrating how American politics and culture remain deeply interlinked.