5AM ET 01/28/2026 Newscast

Summary

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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

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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.

Transcript

[Ted Lindner]

The president back on the campaign trail. I'm Ted Lindner, Fox News. President Trump on Tuesday hitting the campaign trail as Republicans try to hold control of Congress in the midterm elections that'll be coming up in November. Fox's Jared Halpern has more on this from the White House.

[Jared Halpern]

It was a familiar scene for President Trump shaking hands and greeting voters at a restaurant outside Des Moines.

[President Donald Trump]

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.

[Jared Halpern]

At a rally in Clive, Iowa, the president says after a year in office, the country is respected.

[President Donald Trump]

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

[Jared Halpern]

Still, President Trump concedes the challenges for Republicans this year with midterms often voting out the party of the sitting president. At the White House. Jared Halpern, FOX News.

[Ted Lindner]

A crazy scene playing out Tuesday night in Minnesota at a town hall for Minnesota Democrat Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. She was speaking to the crowd about her belief that ICE should be abolished and the Department of Homeland Security be held accountable when this happened.

[Kristi Noem]

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must resign or face impeachment.

[Ted Lindner]

Omar charged at by a man who apparently sprayed her with an unknown substance that had a disturbing smell. That man was taken into custody. Omar was okay and continued speaking. Today marks the 40th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger disaster when the shuttle's seven astronauts were killed by an explosion shortly after launching on a cold floor in a morning from Cape Canaveral. Disintegration of the vehicle began after an O ring seal in its right solid rocket booster failed at liftoff. Because of the cold weather. America's listening to FOX News.

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[Ted Lindner]

Nearly a year to the day of the crash, the NTSB held a hearing examining the cause and recommendations for the FAA after the collision between an army helicopter and a passenger jet that killed 67 people in D.C. fox's Jessica Rosenthal.

[Jessica Rosenthal]

After hearing from NTSB investigators The NTSB board chair Jennifer Homendy was visibly frustrated. The findings revealed Reagan National Airport and its airspace had been too crowded and controllers were overwhelmed. They had even submitted reports from before the crash saying we need help, we.

[Kristi Noem]

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

[Jessica Rosenthal]

Homeity said even though she has higher hopes for the current FAA and transportation secretary compared to the Biden administration, concerns remain.

[Kristi Noem]

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.

[Jessica Rosenthal]

The FAA says they've since reduced hourly plane arrivals at Reagan and have increased air control staff. Jessica Rosenthal, Fox News News.

[Ted Lindner]

The Federal Reserve will be announcing its decision on interest rates today after three consecutive cuts.

[Kristi Noem]

Central bankers are widely expected to leave the benchmark lending rate unchanged at 3 and a half to 3 and 3 quarters percent. However, the focus will be on the Fed's policy statement and Chair Jerome Powell's post meeting press conference for clues on the path ahead. It will be Powell's first commentary since he revealed that the Justice Department is investigating him. 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. Hillary bars ski, FOX News and a.

[Ted Lindner]

Man who authorities say was involved in a smuggling operation shot during an exchange of gunfire with the U.S. border Patrol. Authorities say the suspect, Patrick Gary Schlegel fired at a federal helicopter near the U. S. Mexico border. Federal agents were attempting to apprehend the 34 year old Arizona man when he shot at a border patrol helicopter and at agents. Agents returned fire striking the man and wounding him. According to the FBI. The man was taken to the hospital. I'm Ted Lindner. This is Fox News.

[Jessica Rosenthal]

This is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining us.

[Kristi Noem]

Joining me for the 52 episode podcast series the Life of Jesus, A listening.

[Ted Lindner]

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.