Fox News Hourly Update — 5AM ET 01/28/2026 Newscast

Host: Ted Lindner (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: January 28, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the latest news updates, focusing on President Trump’s campaign activities ahead of the midterm elections, a security incident at a Minnesota town hall, the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster, findings on a deadly aircraft collision near D.C., anticipation surrounding the Federal Reserve’s policy statement, and a violent incident at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Key Discussion Points

President Trump Hits the Campaign Trail

• [00:03–00:59]
  • President Trump resumes campaign activity seeking to maintain Republican control in Congress ahead of November’s midterms.
  • Live segment from Jared Halpern covers Trump’s Iowa stops, emphasizing his efforts to connect directly with voters:
    • Trump greets attendees at a restaurant near Des Moines.
    • At a rally in Clive, Iowa, Trump touts his administration’s achievements and the nation’s improved global reputation.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • President Trump [00:25]:

      "But we have great unemployment numbers. Yeah, I think they're great. Is there one number that's bad? Can you tell? Is there one number that's bad? There's not one."

    • President Trump [00:40]:

      "Our economy is booming. Incomes are rising. Investment is soaring. Inflation has been defeated. Our border is closed, totally closed."

  • Jared Halpern notes the challenges Republicans face, with midterms historically tough for the president’s party.

Security Incident at Ilhan Omar Town Hall

• [00:59–01:27]
  • At a Minnesota town hall, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar argues for abolishing ICE and holding DHS accountable.
  • The event is disrupted when Omar is charged by a man who sprays her with a foul-smelling substance.
  • The man is detained; Omar is unharmed and continues her speech.
  • Audio excerpt highlights demands for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s resignation or impeachment:
    • [01:14] Unidentified male:

      "DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must resign or face impeachment."

  • The incident underscores heightened passions around immigration and DHS oversight.

Challenger Disaster Anniversary

• [01:27–02:00]
  • The newscast marks 40 years since the space shuttle Challenger tragedy, remembering the crew lost due to a failed O-ring in cold weather shortly after launch.
  • Offers historical perspective but does not dwell, serving as a solemn reminder.

NTSB Hearing on Deadly D.C. Air Collision

• [02:32–03:28]
  • One year on, the NTSB reviews an Army helicopter/passenger jet crash that killed 67 in D.C.
  • Jessica Rosenthal reports frustration from NTSB leadership:
    • Airport overcrowding and overburdened controllers are identified as root issues.
    • Controllers’ prior pleas for assistance went unaddressed.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • [02:59] NTSB highlighting ignored warnings:

      "Need help, we need help. Apparently falling on deaf ears."

    • [03:09] Kristi Noem (quoting airline concerns):

      "Commercial airlines have called me to say the next midair is going to be at Burbank and nobody at FAA is paying attention to us."

  • FAA has since taken corrective steps: reducing plane arrivals and increasing staff.

Anticipation of Federal Reserve Rate Decision

• [03:28–04:04]
  • The Federal Reserve is set to announce its new interest rate policy after three consecutive rate cuts.
  • Expectations are for no change in the benchmark rate (3.5–3.75%).
  • Key focus will be Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference, especially as it is the first since revelation of a DOJ investigation involving Powell.
  • Key Questions:
    • Timing of potential future rate cuts.
    • Economic indicators: job market, inflation.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • [03:33] Kristi Noem:

      "The big question is when will the Fed start lowering rates again, which could depend on a faltering job market or inflation that falling towards the Fed's 2% goal."

Border Gunfire Incident

• [04:04–04:28]
  • A suspected smuggler, Patrick Gary Schlegel, is wounded during a gunfight with U.S. Border Patrol near the U.S.-Mexico border.
  • Schlegel fired at a Border Patrol helicopter and ground agents; was shot in return and hospitalized.
  • Raised as another example of ongoing violence connected to border security enforcement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump [00:40]:

  "Our economy is booming. Incomes are rising. Investment is soaring. Inflation has been defeated. Our border is closed, totally closed."

• Jared Halpern [00:49]:

  "Still, President Trump concedes the challenges for Republicans this year with midterms often voting out the party of the sitting president."

• NTSB Frustration [02:59]:

  "Need help, we need help. Apparently falling on deaf ears." (FAA controllers’ ignored warnings)

• Kristi Noem [03:09]:

  "Commercial airlines have called me to say the next midair is going to be at Burbank and nobody at FAA is paying attention to us."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:03 — President Trump back on the campaign trail (with on-scene and rally commentary)
• 00:59 — Incident involving Ilhan Omar at Minnesota town hall
• 01:27 — Challenger disaster 40th anniversary remarks
• 02:32 — NTSB hearing: D.C. air collision probe and aftermath
• 03:28 — Federal Reserve rate decision preview and Powell’s DOJ investigation
• 04:04 — Border shootout with suspected smuggler

This update delivers a concise but comprehensive overview of America’s current political, economic, and security landscapes, blending direct soundbites, expert reporting, and memorable incident coverage. Ideal for listeners wanting a snapshot of the day’s most pressing news events.