3PM ET 01/31/2026 Newscast

Summary

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Fox News Hourly Update – 3PM ET 01/31/2026 Newscast

Date: January 31, 2026
Host: Carmen Roberts (FOX News)
Main Theme: Comprehensive update on major national events, severe weather in the Carolinas and Virginia, Congressional spending standoff, FBI investigations, US military buildup in the Middle East, and the passing of actress Catherine O’Hara.

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1. Severe Nor’easter Hits the Carolinas and Virginia

• Summary:
  The episode opens with reports of a major nor’easter affecting the East Coast, particularly targeting the Carolinas and Virginia. Multiple weather alerts have been issued as the storm brings intense winds and hazardous beach conditions.

• Key Points:

  • The National Weather Service has issued several alerts for Virginia Beach.
  • States of emergency declared by the governors of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
  • Fox Weather correspondent Chelsea Torres provides on-the-ground updates describing the severe weather.
  • The storm’s effects are expected to reach Washington, D.C. as well.

• Notable Quote:

  • Chelsea Torres: “This wind chill is absolutely insane. And this wind, it's really starting to bring some of that sand up here. It's not as rocky as we've seen with past storms, but still those waves kind of pushing up on shore.” [00:15]

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2. Implications for Congress and Potential Government Shutdown

• Summary:
  The storm poses logistical challenges for House lawmakers who must return to Washington to vote in order to prevent a partial government shutdown. There is ongoing tension between the House and Senate over a package of spending bills.

• Key Points:

  • The Senate altered a House-passed spending package, causing delays.
  • Five bills were passed by the Senate, but the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) bill was separated due to disputes, particularly regarding ICE.
  • A shutdown will persist until at least Monday night unless a House vote can resolve the impasse.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson is urging Republicans to support the revised measure, but the outcome is uncertain.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Chad Pergram (Capitol Hill):
    “That's because the Senate changed what the House passed last week. … That triggers a shutdown until at least Monday night. Now, House Speaker Mike Johnson implored Republicans to vote yes on Monday. That would end the shutdown after 70 hours. But DHS is only funded for two weeks.” [00:48]

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3. Epstein Investigation Document Release

• Summary:
  The Justice Department has released what may be the last round of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Scrutiny follows over redactions and withheld information meant to protect victims.

• Key Points:

  • More than 3 million pages of documents, plus videos and photos, released under Congressional mandate.
  • Criticism aimed at the DOJ for extensive redactions and withheld evidence.
  • DOJ defends its actions, citing the need to protect victims of sexual assault.

• Notable Quote:

  • None directly, but context given by the host [01:21].

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4. FBI Investigations in Minnesota

• Summary:
  Updates from the FBI regarding two sensitive investigations: the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Prudy by federal agents, and an extensive fraud probe into abuse of federal social service programs in Minnesota.

• Key Points:

  • The death of Alex Prudy is being investigated in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, as officials involved were HSI agents.
  • A separate FBI investigation involves billions in alleged fraud from programs like Feeding Our Future and Medicaid.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Kash Patel (FBI Director):
    “We're collecting information. And we continue to follow the facts. And we'll continue as the FBI to lead any investigation where the facts predicate opening of criminal cases. And we're going to do that in conjunction with our Department of Justice partners.” [02:25]

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5. US Military Moves in the Middle East & Trump’s Comments on Iran

• Summary:
  The episode provides an overview of US military deployments near Iran, accompanied by comments from President Trump indicating possible military action.

• Key Points:

  • Deployment of EA-18 Growler and F-35 jets from Puerto Rico to European bases, some proceeding to Jordan.
  • Eight guided missile destroyers in the Middle East, capable of launching Tomahawk missiles and interceptors.
  • Submarines also present, with details classified.
  • Part of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group now in the Arabian Sea.

• Notable Quotes:

  • President Trump (reported):
    “He hopes he doesn’t have to use them at sea.” [Summarized by reporter]
  • Lucas Tomlinson (White House):
    “That’s over 750 vertical launch tubes that can fire Tomahawk cruise missiles to hit targets deep in Iran, or SM3 and SM6 missile interceptors should Iran launch a salvo of short or medium range ballistic missiles… There are also submarines lurking in the area, their names and locations classified.” [02:59]

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6. Catherine O’Hara’s Passing

• Summary:
  News of beloved actress Catherine O’Hara’s death at age 71. Her family announces plans for a private celebration of life. Tributes pour in for her iconic roles in “Home Alone” and “Schitt’s Creek”.

• Key Point:

  • O’Hara died at home in Los Angeles after a brief illness.

• Notable Quote:

  • None directly quoted, but context given by the host [03:44].

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Key Segment Timestamps

• Nor’easter & Weather Updates: 00:02–00:31
• Congressional Shutdown / Spending Bills: 00:31–01:21
• Epstein Files DOJ Release: 01:21–02:00
• FBI Investigations & Minnesota Fraud: 02:16–02:43
• US Military & Iran Tensions: 02:59–03:44
• Catherine O’Hara’s Death: 03:44–end

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This concise bulletin-style newscast moves swiftly through national and international headlines, reporting with urgency and a focus on developing stories. The tone is factual, brisk, and news-driven throughout.

Transcript

[A]

Nor' easter slams the Carolinas and Virginia. I'm Carmen Roberts, FOX News. The National Weather Service issues multiple weather alerts for Virginia beach as a powerful storm moves through the region. Fox Weather's Chelsea Torres is there with the latest.

[B]

This wind chill is absolutely insane. And this wind, it's really starting to bring some of that sand up here. It's not as rocky as we've seen with past storms, but still those waves kind of pushing up on shore. The white cats really out in the distance. So that's definitely something that we're watching for.

[A]

The governors of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia have declared states of emergency. The nor' easter is also expected to impact Washington, D.C. where House members need to return Monday to vote on spending bills and stop the partial government shutdown. Fox's Chad Pergrim explains from Capitol Hill.

[C]

That's because the Senate changed what the House passed last week. The Senate approved five spending bills, but Democrats insisted on holding up the DHS bill. They wanted changes at ice. The Senate broke off the DHS bill and sent the rest of the package back to the House. That triggers a shutdown until at least Monday night. Now, House Speaker Mike Johnson implored Republicans to vote yes on Monday. That would end the shutdown after 70 hours. But DHS is only funded for two.

[A]

Weeks and it's unclear how many House members will support the revised package. People around the world are pouring through the latest and possibly final batch of files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The Justice Department released more than 3 million pages of documents, plus videos and photos as Congress mandated. However, the DOJ is drawing criticism for holding back a lot of information. It says redactions and other withholdings are necessary to protect Epstein's sexual assault victims. America's listening to FOX news.

[B]

This is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining me for the 52 episode podcast series the Life of.

[D]

Jesus, a listening experience that will provide hope, comfort and understanding of the greatest story ever told. Listen and follow [e-mail] or wherever you listen to podcasts.

[A]

The FBI is investigating the death of Alex Prudy, the ICU nurse fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis. Director Kash Patel told FOX News today.

[E]

We'Re working with our Department of Homeland Security partners because those involved in the shooting were HSI officials. So we're calling collecting information. And we continue to follow the facts. And we'll continue as the FBI to lead any investigation where the facts predicate opening of criminal cases. And we're going to do that in conjunction with our Department of Justice partners.

[A]

The FBI is also investigating fraud in Minnesota, claiming people have stolen billions of dollars from federally funded social services programs, including Feeding Our Future and Medicaid. President Trump says he's considering military strikes against Iran as He builds up US forces in the region.

[D]

EA18 Growlers, as well as the F35 stealth fight fighter jets departed from Puerto Rico. They've been sent over the Atlantic. Most of them are at bases in Europe, some of them following on to Jordan. And President Trump says he hopes he doesn't have to use them at sea. There are now eight guided missile destroyers in the waters of the Middle east. That's over 750 vertical launch tubes that can fire Tomahawk cruise missiles to hit targets deep in Iran, or SM3 and SM6 missile interceptors should Iran launch a salvo of short or medium range ballistic missiles. There are also submarines lurking in the area, their names and locations classified. Some of these destroyers are part of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group now on station in the Arabian Sea, within striking distance.

[A]

Fox's Lucas Tomlinson reporting from the White House. And the family of Catherine o' Hara reveals they will hold a private celebration of life after she died yesterday. Tributes are pouring in for the beloved actress best known for her roles in the Home alone films and TV's Schitt's Creek. And O' Hara died at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. She was 71 years old. I'm Carmen Roberts and this is FOX News.