Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET 01/24/2026 Newscast

Episode Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, hosted by Chris DiMaio, delivers a fast-paced summary of the top U.S. news stories as of January 24, 2026, at 5 AM ET. The episode covers severe winter storms disrupting much of the country, ongoing issues with the U.S. power grid, a notable botulism outbreak, new defense strategies emphasizing the “America First” doctrine, and the Muppets’ highly anticipated return to television.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Severe Winter Storm Disrupts Travel and Daily Life

• Nationwide Impact

  • A massive winter storm is causing significant disruptions at airports, with over 10,000 flights impacted, 6,500+ already canceled through Sunday, and another 3,600 delayed.
  • The number of affected flights is expected to surpass 15,000 as the situation develops.
    [00:13 Ainsley Earhart]

    “With airports from New Mexico to New England preparing emergency measures, travelers are trying to remain stoic. So far, more Americans than not are under some type of weather alert and at least 17 states have already declared a state of emergency.”

• Uncommon Cold Across the South

  • Southern states from Texas to the Carolinas are experiencing deep freeze conditions unusual for the region.
  • Hard freezes threaten power grids, increasing blackout risks and potential health hazards, particularly for vulnerable populations like seniors and home-care recipients.
  • Residents are warned about the proper use of gas-powered generators and the risk of frozen pipes and impassable roads.
    [00:54 Eben Brown]

    “For residents, it means enduring weather they normally don’t experience… Hard freezes can bring problems to power grids, causing blackouts, meaning homes heated by central air conditioning could be at risk for dangerous health hazards.”

Food Safety Alert: Botulism Outbreak

• Bihart Botulism Cause Identified
  • Federal health officials identify powdered whole milk as the probable source of the bihart botulism outbreak.
  • Testing confirms bacteria in tainted formula matches contamination found in certain organic whole milk powder samples. [01:38 Chris DiMaio]

    “Powdered whole milk could be the culprit in the bihart botulism outbreak. That’s according to federal health officials who reached that conclusion following testing…”

Shifts in U.S. National Defense Strategy

• America First Policy and NATO

  • The Pentagon unveils a new national defense strategy urging U.S. allies to prioritize their own security, echoing President Trump’s non-interventionist “America First” approach.
  • Denmark’s Prime Minister visits Greenland after President Trump announces a framework agreement with NATO Secretary regarding missile defense. [02:31 Chris DiMaio]

• Golden Dome Missile Defense for Greenland

  • Discussions underway about installing the Golden Dome missile defense shield in Greenland, which would cost at least $175 billion and potentially much more.
  • Defense experts note the shield would drastically enhance U.S. defense capabilities, expanding them beyond threats from North Korea and Iran to include Russia, China, drones, and hypersonic missiles.
    [02:52 Lucas Tomlinson]

    “Golden Dome would meet the threat posed from Russia and China, including drones, hypersonic and cruise missiles in addition to intercontinental ballistic missiles.”

Entertainment: The Muppets Return

• Muppets’ 50th Anniversary Special

  • The Muppet Show returns with a new revival special hitting Disney+ in February, celebrating the franchise’s 50th anniversary.
  • The special will include guest stars Sabrina Carpenter, Maya Rudolph, and Seth Rogen (also executive producer). [03:42 Michelle Palino]

    “The Muppet theater doors are back open for business. The new trailer for a special revival of the Muppet show series marking the franchise’s 50th anniversary has been released ahead of its February premiere on Disney plus.”

• Legacy and Nostalgia

  • The return features classic characters Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog, revisiting the iconic original theater.
  • The original show (1976-1981) was renowned for its star-studded guest lineup.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:13 Ainsley Earhart]

  “With airports from New Mexico to New England preparing emergency measures, travelers are trying to remain stoic.”

• [00:54 Eben Brown]

  “Hard freezes can bring problems to power grids, causing blackouts, meaning homes heated by central air conditioning could be at risk for dangerous health hazards.”

• [02:52 Lucas Tomlinson]

  “Golden Dome would meet the threat posed from Russia and China, including drones, hypersonic and cruise missiles in addition to intercontinental ballistic missiles.”

• [04:01 Chris DiMaio]

  “This is wonderful, being back in the theater and giving the people what they truly want.”

Key Timestamps

• 00:02 – Winter weather and airport disruptions (Chris DiMaio, Ainsley Earhart, Chanley Painter)
• 00:54 – Southern states’ deep freeze, risks to power grids and residents (Eben Brown)
• 01:38 – Botulism outbreak linked to powdered whole milk (Chris DiMaio)
• 02:31 – Pentagon’s new defense strategy and Greenland visit (Chris DiMaio)
• 02:52 – Golden Dome missile shield details (Lucas Tomlinson)
• 03:42 – The Muppets’ 50th anniversary special preview (Michelle Palino, Chris DiMaio)
• 04:22 – Episode wrap-up (Lucas Tomlinson, Chris DiMaio)

This succinct update from Fox News keeps listeners informed about urgent national news, from crisis-level weather and evolving defense strategies to timely cultural highlights.