Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET 01/31/2026 Newscast

Host: Chris DiMaio – FOX News Podcasts
Date: January 31, 2026

Episode Overview

This newscast delivers breaking updates on the partial US government shutdown, a severe winter storm hitting the Southeast, legal shifts in a high-profile federal murder case, and the Justice Department’s latest release of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files. The episode maintains a brisk, urgent tone, updating listeners on critical national and regional headlines.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Partial US Government Shutdown

• Status of Government Funding
  • The Senate passed a spending bill for most federal agencies, but only two weeks of funding have been allocated for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • Resulted in a partial shutdown: "About 78% of the federal government is unfunded right now." – Chad Pergram [00:16]
• Legislative Disagreements
  • Last week, the House passed a full spending bill for all departments.
  • Disagreement centered on DHS, with Senate Democrats wanting "changes with ICE" and thus shortening DHS’s funding period.
  • The Senate and House proposals are misaligned; the House must vote on the Senate’s narrower deal to resolve the shutdown.
• Uncertainty Ahead
  • The House is expected to vote on Monday; outcome remains unclear.
  • President Trump had previously agreed to the deal with Senate Democrats.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Democrats started to say we need some changes with ICE…So they want to defund the Department of Homeland Security, only fund it for a shortened period of time." – Chad Pergram [00:28]

2. Major Winter Storm in the Southeast

• Storm Forecast
  • A nor’easter is developing and may reach "bomb cyclone" intensity.
  • Expected impact: heavy snow across higher terrain in Virginia, the Carolinas, and northern Georgia.
  • Saturday is forecasted for peak snowfall.
• Risks & Concerns
  • Travel disruptions: "Some travelers are already bracing for flight cancellations and delays due to the storm." – Christina Coleman [01:22]
  • Coastal flooding is possible during high tide on Sunday morning due to strong winds.
• Notable Quote:
  • "As the storm strengthens, it will likely become a bomb cyclone." – Christina Coleman [01:11]

3. New York’s Response to ICE

• Political Action
  • Governor Kathy Hochul moves to halt local police cooperation with ICE, criticizing the agency’s conduct.
  • Quote: "ICE has gotten out of control…this stops now," and refers to ICE as a "rogue federal agency." – Chris DiMaio summarizing Hochul [01:39]

4. Federal Case: UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder

• Legal Developments
  • Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering Brian Thompson (UnitedHealthcare CEO), will not face the death penalty.
  • The judge dismissed the most severe firearm-related murder and weapons charges, taking the death penalty "off the table in this federal case in New York State." – Nate Foy [02:49]
  • The defense failed to suppress some evidence; stalking charges remain and could result in life imprisonment.
  • Mangione maintains a plea of not guilty.
• Notable Quote:
  • "The judge denied Mangione's defense team's request to suppress some of the evidence." – Nate Foy [03:07]

5. Jeffrey Epstein File Release

• DOJ Document Dump
  • Over 3 million pages, 2,000+ videos, and 180,000 images released by the DOJ regarding the Epstein investigation.
  • Most videos are described as "commercial pornography; not all videos featuring Jeffrey Epstein or shot by Jeffrey Epstein."
• Sensitive Material Withheld
  • Medical records/images potentially showing harm or abuse toward children were not released publicly.
• Names Mentioned
  • Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Steve Bannon appear; "not much context when names are released…not seen evidence that anything was criminal between those men." – Todd Blanche [03:57]
• Reaction
  • Steve Tisch (NY Giants co-owner) issued a statement expressing regret for ever associating with Epstein and denied visiting Epstein’s island.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• "We're back to a Shutdown."
  — Chris DiMaio [00:03]
• "About 78% of the federal government is unfunded right now."
  — Chad Pergram [00:16]
• "Democrats started to say we need some changes with ICE…So they want to defund the Department of Homeland Security, only fund it for a shortened period of time."
  — Chad Pergram [00:28]
• "As the storm strengthens, it will likely become a bomb cyclone."
  — Christina Coleman [01:11]
• "ICE has gotten out of control…this stops now,"
  — Kathy Hochul, as reported by Chris DiMaio [01:39]
• "This means that the death penalty is now off the table in this federal case in New York State."
  — Nate Foy [02:54]
• "More than 3 million pa are now being posted to the Justice Department website. This includes more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images."
  — Todd Blanche [03:33]
• "Not much context when names are released…not seen evidence that anything was criminal between those men."
  — Todd Blanche [03:57]

Timeline of Major Segments

• 00:03 – 00:54: Government shutdown, Congressional actions, and political divisions (Chris DiMaio, Chad Pergram)
• 01:10 – 01:39: Southeast bomb cyclone storm forecast and risks (Christina Coleman)
• 01:39 – 02:00: NY Governor Hochul’s ICE directive (Chris DiMaio)
• 02:40 – 03:18: Federal murder case update: Mangione won’t face the death penalty (Nate Foy)
• 03:18 – 04:18: Epstein files release and public figures named (Chris DiMaio, Todd Blanche)
• 04:18 – 04:35: Steve Tisch statement regarding Epstein connection (Chris DiMaio)

Summary

This edition of the FOX News Hourly Update provides concise, fast-paced coverage of evolving political, legal, and weather-related news. The ongoing government shutdown, the threat of an intense winter storm, mounting criticism of ICE, a pivotal murder trial update, and the latest Epstein investigation document release comprise the major headlines. Urgent, direct reporting is balanced with clear attribution and concise explanation, giving listeners a thorough briefing on the morning’s most urgent stories.