Fox News Hourly Update — 3PM ET 01/30/2026 Newscast
Date: January 30, 2026
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Episode Theme:
This hourly update delivers real-time coverage of breaking national events, legal developments, tributes, and political updates, offering listeners a fast-paced snapshot of major U.S. news stories as they happen.
Main Themes and Purpose
- Protests against federal immigration enforcement and nationwide shutdowns
- High-profile legal cases including new federal charges and murder trial updates
- The passing of celebrated actress Catherine O’Hara
- Ongoing controversies and political maneuvering in the Federal Reserve nomination
- Key updates in major criminal cases and the Jeffrey Epstein file release
- A quick look at financial markets
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Immigration Protests in Minneapolis
[00:02–00:21]
- Protesters continue demanding the removal of federal immigration agents from Minneapolis despite frigid, seven-degree weather.
- A larger national movement called for a "shutdown day" with no school, work, or shopping, showing unwavering commitment from protestors.
- Notable Quote [00:10]:
“It’s seven degrees here. Feels a lot colder than that. So this cold weather, it’s not stopping people either.” – Brooke Taylor, FOX News
- Notable Quote [00:10]:
2. Don Lemon Charged with Federal Civil Rights Crimes
[00:21–00:44]
- Don Lemon, former CNN anchor, was arrested after federal civil rights charges were brought against him.
- The charges relate to his livestream coverage of anti-ICE protesters disrupting a Minnesota church service, which Attorney General Pam Bondi deemed a “coordinated attack.”
- Lemon’s legal team asserts that he was protected by his First Amendment rights as a journalist.
- Notable Quote [00:44]:
“He was exercising his First Amendment rights as a journalist.” – Lemon’s attorney (attribution by host)
- Notable Quote [00:44]:
3. Update on Luigi Mangione Murder Case
[00:44–01:13]
- Federal judge dismisses a technically flawed murder charge against Luigi Mangione, preventing prosecutors from seeking the death penalty if convicted.
- Double jeopardy issues arise, as Mangione faces three cases for one incident.
- However, prosecutors retain the right to use key evidence, including a gun found in Mangione’s backpack.
- Notable Quote [01:02]:
“Double jeopardy is a big thing here, right? Mr. Mangione is being charged in three different cases for one incident. So we're going to continue to fight for that as well.” – Karen Agnifolo, Defense Attorney
- Notable Quote [01:02]:
4. Remembering Catherine O’Hara
[01:13–01:48]
- Tributes pour in for comedy legend Catherine O’Hara, who passed away after a brief illness at age 71.
- Her early comedy career started in Toronto’s Second City, rose to prominence on SCTV, and included iconic roles in film, notably “Beetlejuice” and “Home Alone.”
- Notable Quote [01:48]:
“That was followed by what became an iconic role, Kevin’s mom in Home Alone. Catherine O’Hara was 71.” – Lisa Brady, FOX News
- Notable Quote [01:48]:
5. Motion for New Trial in Georgia Nursing Student Murder
[02:15–03:02]
- Attorneys for Jose Ibarra, convicted of murdering nursing student Laken Riley, seek a new trial citing alleged incompetence at the time of proceedings.
- Court-ordered evaluation confirmed Ibarra was competent at trial.
- The prosecution notes that Ibarra’s DNA was found under Riley’s fingernails and described the attack as an attempted sexual assault.
- Summary Quote [02:55]:
“His DNA was found under her fingernails.” – Jessica Rosenthal, FOX News
- Summary Quote [02:55]:
6. Justice Department Releases Epstein Files
[03:02–03:20]
- Justice Department completes the release of Jeffrey Epstein files as mandated by Congress.
- Officials maintain that any redactions are to protect victims, denying protection of any political figures.
7. Turmoil over Federal Reserve Nominee
[03:20–03:45]
- President Trump nominates Kevin Walsh to chair the Federal Reserve, describing him as the "perfect candidate."
- Trump clarifies he never pressured Walsh to lower rates.
- Political tension as Senator Thom Tillis threatens to block confirmation until DOJ investigations into current chair Jerome Powell end.
- Notable Quotes:
- [03:27] “I think it’s inappropriate. Probably. It probably would be allowed, but I want to keep it nice and pure.” – President Trump
- [03:37] “Top student, best schools. Everything was like perfect. The youngest person ever to serve on the Fed got the whole package.” – President Trump
- Notable Quotes:
8. Wall Street Update
[04:01]
- An hour before market close, both Dow and Nasdaq are down more than 200 points, continuing a broader sell-off.
Memorable Moments
- Braving the Cold: Protesters in Minneapolis braving subzero temperatures to make their voices heard ([00:10]).
- O’Hara’s Legacy: Warm tributes to Catherine O’Hara, highlighting her wide-ranging and influential career ([01:31–01:48]).
- Legal Nuances: Discussion on double jeopardy and competency in two high-profile criminal cases ([00:44–01:13], [02:15–03:02]).
- Political Chess: Trump’s careful wording regarding Federal Reserve influence, and the Senate’s political maneuvers ([03:27], [03:45]).
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Protests & Shutdown Movement: [00:02–00:21]
- Don Lemon Charges & Comments: [00:21–00:44]
- Mangione Murder Case Ruling: [00:44–01:13]
- Catherine O’Hara Tribute: [01:13–01:48]
- Jose Ibarra Trial Update: [02:15–03:02]
- Epstein Files Release: [03:02–03:20]
- Federal Reserve Nomination Drama: [03:20–03:45]
- Wall Street Sell-Off: [04:01]
Overall Tone
The update is urgent, concise, and information-dense, typical of hourly news radio, with straightforward reporting and the occasional emotional reflection—especially in the tribute to Catherine O’Hara. Reporter attributions and quick transitions keep the pace brisk and focused on national interest.
This summary provides a complete overview of the January 30, 2026, 3PM ET Fox News newscast, highlighting the most significant developments for listeners seeking a quick yet detailed briefing.
