Fox News Hourly Update – 5PM ET, 01/31/2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers fast-paced updates on breaking national news, including nationwide ICE protests, severe winter weather in the Carolinas and Virginia, escalating violence in Gaza, a partial government shutdown, and emerging political themes ahead of the midterms. The discussion covers legal rulings, political reactions, and human interest developments from across the country.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nationwide Anti-ICE Protests & Legal Developments

• Hundreds of "ICE Out Everywhere" demonstrations are held across the U.S., with heightened focus in Minneapolis after a fatal shooting involving ICE officers.
• Minneapolis Update:
  • About 200-300 demonstrators gathered, calling for ICE's removal from Minnesota.
  • Federal ruling: A Biden-appointed district judge denied Minnesota's request to block ICE operations, affirming that officers may continue enforcing immigration laws.
  • Quote: Attorney General Bondi posted on X celebrating this win. She said, "Neither sanctuary policies nor meritless litigation will stop the Trump administration from enforcing federal law in Minnesota." (Brooke Taylor, 00:41)

2. Severe Weather: Nor'easter in the Carolinas and Virginia

• Wild weather conditions reported by Bob Van Dillen from Charlotte, North Carolina:
  • Heavy snow is moving out of Greenville into the Piedmont.
  • "Phase one" of the storm will last through late afternoon and evening.
  • Winds may surge above 35 mph, threatening blizzard-like conditions and dropping visibility.
  • Quote: "Some of these areas might get blizzard like conditions even around the Piedmont. If we see the winds dropping, cranking over 35 miles per hour, the visibility is going to start to drop. Drifting snow, that's going to be an issue also. But it's already starting to pile up." (Bob Van Dillen, 01:14)

3. Gaza Violence Escalates

• Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 30 Palestinians, including children—one of the highest death tolls since the October ceasefire began.
• The escalation follows accusations from Israel that Hamas violated the latest ceasefire.
• Emotional and humanitarian concerns are rising amid ongoing violence.

4. Partial Government Shutdown

• Government shutdown began just after midnight and will last until at least Monday night, triggered by impasse in Congress:
  • The Senate modified previously House-passed bills, holding up Homeland Security funding over disputes about ICE.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson urges Republicans to vote yes on Monday to reopen the government, though DHS would only be funded for two weeks.
  • Quote: "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… But DHS is only funded for two weeks." (Chad Pergram, 02:45)

5. Pre-Midterm Political Pulse

• Parties are re-evaluating voter priorities in light of current crises, especially the ICE-related shooting in Minneapolis.
• Pete Buttigieg offers perspective:
  • Urges change and balance in national politics to ensure oversight and prevent unchecked power.
  • Quote: "Those are the kinds of things, as painful as they are, can actually bring together a lot of Americans to say, hey, we need a different direction. Or even if you do usually vote Republican, we need some balance in our governments so... Congress isn't just a rubber stamp..." (Pete Buttigieg, 03:17)

6. Human Interest: Family Released from ICE Detention

• Federal court orders ICE to release a five-year-old boy and his father after controversial detention following the Minneapolis shooting.
• Public outcry intensified by photos of the child, and the case prompted protests and a congressional visit.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Neither sanctuary policies nor meritless litigation will stop the Trump administration from enforcing federal law in Minnesota."
  — Attorney General Bondi (as reported by Brooke Taylor, 00:41)
• "Some of these areas might get blizzard like conditions even around the Piedmont... visibility is going to start to drop. Drifting snow, that's going to be an issue..."
  — Bob Van Dillen (01:14)
• "The Senate broke off the DHS bill... That triggers a shutdown until at least Monday night... But DHS is only funded for two weeks."
  — Chad Pergram (02:45)
• "We need some balance in our governments so... Congress isn't just a rubber stamp..."
  — Pete Buttigieg (03:17)

Timestamps for Key Topics

• 00:02 — Carmen Roberts introduces ICE protests
• 00:24 — Brooke Taylor reports from Minneapolis, legal ruling and reactions
• 01:04 — Nor'easter updates from Bob Van Dillen
• 01:36 — Israeli-Palestinian violence; Gaza death toll
• 02:16 — Partial government shutdown, Chad Pergram explains legislative details
• 03:02 — Political ramifications ahead of midterms; Pete Buttigieg interview
• 03:36 — ICE releases family after outcry; national impact

Summary

This newscast provides succinct, high-urgency coverage of major U.S. and international stories. Especially notable is the intersection of immigration enforcement, court rulings, and public protest in Minnesota—a theme echoed in national politics and the government shutdown. Severe weather and escalating violence abroad serve as reminders of ongoing volatility. Political voices urge reconsideration and balance ahead of pivotal elections. Through human stories and policy drama, the episode captures a nation under pressure and in flux.