Fox News Hourly Update – 5PM ET 02/01/2026 Newscast
Host: Carmen Roberts, FOX News Team
Date: February 1, 2026
Theme: Top national news including severe winter weather, federal government funding standoff, immigration enforcement, U.S.-Iran relations, and the upcoming Grammy Awards.
Episode Overview
This episode delivers breaking updates from around the United States, with a focus on record-breaking winter storms disrupting the Southeast, the ongoing federal government shutdown, a high-profile MS-13 arrest, heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, and a preview of the Grammy Awards.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Historic Winter Storms Slam the Southeast
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Severe Weather and Snowfall:
- A nor’easter struck the Carolinas and Virginia, bringing record-breaking snow and blizzard conditions.
- FOX Weather’s Mike Sidell (00:19) reported from North Carolina’s Outer Banks:
“It was a wild and loud night across the Outer Banks… 50 plus mile an hour wind gusts and then heavy snow. In addition to that wind, near blizzard conditions at 5:30 this morning. Near out conditions as temperatures overnight fell from 30 down to 21. Wind chills fell into the single numbers.”
- This is the region’s second major winter storm in one week, creating dangerous road and air travel conditions.
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Travel Disruptions:
- Madison Scarpino from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (00:49):
“This region is just not used to this type of snow and it’s triggering tons of flight disruptions… Right now nationwide, we’re seeing more than 1,400 cancellations, well over 3,000 delays.”
- Major delays and cancellations reported in Charlotte, Raleigh, Atlanta, and Myrtle Beach.
- Madison Scarpino from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (00:49):
2. Federal Government Shutdown Continues
- Political Standoff:
- The partial government shutdown persists as lawmakers debate Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE funding.
- Speaker Mike Johnson on Fox (01:27):
“We have to allow ICE to do its job. We have to allow border patrol to do its job and we’re going to make sure they have the funding to do.”
- Democrats are seeking ICE reforms, including a code of conduct and officer identification requirements.
- The House will soon vote on Senate-passed funding legislation intended to end the shutdown.
- Context: Congress has already passed half of this year’s funding bills.
3. High-Profile MS-13 Gang Arrest
- Federal Law Enforcement Activity:
- An alleged MS-13 gang member, Edwin Antonio Hernandez, was arrested in Alexandria, Virginia.
- Paul Stevens (02:21):
“Homeland Security sources … the alleged MS-13 member is 27 year old Edwin Antonio Hernandez of El Salvador … claimed participation in five murders in El Salvador ... entered the US illegally near Hidalgo, Texas, back in June of 2015 ... arrested by the US Border Patrol before being released from custody during immigration court proceedings … caught again by ICE on December 31st in Alexandria, Virginia.”
- Highlights ongoing concerns around border security and immigration system enforcement.
4. U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate
- Warnings and Negotiations:
- Iran’s supreme leader warns that any U.S. attack could spark a regional war.
- President Trump confirmed negotiations with Iran, while leaving the door open for military action:
(03:18) “If you could make a negotiated deal that would be satisfactory with no nuclear weapons, that said, they should do that, but I don’t know that they will. But they are talking to us. Seriously talking to us.”
- Tensions in the Middle East remain closely watched.
5. Grammy Awards Preview
- Music News and Anticipation:
- The Recording Academy’s Grammy Awards take place tonight.
- Notable performers include K-pop girl group Blackpink and Bruno Mars.
- “Meet Me at the Jose’s” (Bruno Mars collaboration) received three nominations: Record and Song of the Year.
- Tribute Segment: Post Malone, Duff McKagan, and Slash will honor Ozzy Osbourne.
- Hosted by Trevor Noah, airing on CBS and streaming via Paramount.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Mike Sidell (FOX Weather) [00:19]:
“It was a wild and loud night... near blizzard conditions at 5:30 this morning.”
- Madison Scarpino (Charlotte Airport) [00:49]:
“The check in area… is overflowing with people… more than 1,400 cancellations, well over 3,000 delays.”
- Speaker Mike Johnson [01:27]:
“We have to allow ICE to do its job… and we’re going to make sure they have the funding to do.”
- Paul Stevens (on MS-13 arrest) [02:21]:
“He was caught again by ICE on December 31st in Alexandria, Virginia for illegal entry and remaining in the US without a proper visa.”
- President Trump [03:18]:
“But they are talking to us. Seriously talking to us.”
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Winter Storm and Impact: 00:02 – 01:19
- Government Shutdown Update: 01:19 – 01:36
- MS-13 Gang Member Arrest: 02:16 – 03:03
- U.S.-Iran Relations: 03:03 – 03:28
- Grammy Awards Preview: 03:28 – 04:07
Conclusion
This concise newscast delivers fast-moving coverage of major U.S. and global events—focusing on severe winter weather, political deadlock in Washington, significant crime arrests, geopolitical tensions, and major cultural events like the Grammys. The updates, quotes, and field reporting capture the urgency and national scope typical of the Fox News Hourly Update.