Fox News Hourly Update – 5PM ET Newscast (02/03/2026)

Host: Lisa Brady, FOX News Podcasts
Date: February 3, 2026
Overview:
This episode delivers a concise roundup of major national and international news stories as of 5PM ET. Key topics include the end of a partial government shutdown, debates over immigration and election integrity, developments in the investigation into Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, delays to NASA’s Artemis 2 mission, updates on Lindsey Vonn ahead of the Olympics, and a quick market report.

Government Shutdown Ends & Immigration Debate

[00:02 - 01:17]

• President Trump Signs Funding Bills:
  The partial government shutdown ends after President Donald Trump signs a series of bills passed in a close House vote. While most government functions are funded through September, funding for the Department of Homeland Security is only extended by 10 days, intended to prompt further debate on immigration enforcement reforms.

  • Notable Quote:
    • President Trump: "It's signed." [00:07]
    • Lisa Brady: "Some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle defecting for various reasons. The president calling the bill a great victory for the American people..." [00:09]

• Homeland Security Funding & Immigration:
  The temporary Homeland Security funding sets up continued debate on Democratic efforts to reform ICE operations. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz calls for federal agents to leave the state.

  • Governor Tim Walz:
    • "None of this is okay. None of this makes Minnesota any safer. None of this adheres to the values of this country." [00:40]
  • Additional Critique:
    • NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman: "All it does is cause terror and trauma." [00:46]

• Law Enforcement Perspective:
  House Speaker Mike Johnson defends federal agents’ work, decrying what he characterizes as obstruction from Democratic mayors and governors.

  • Mike Johnson:
    • "These agents, these officers are doing heroic work trying to keep our communities safe. And it's unconscionable to us that you would have Democrat mayors and governors trying to impede that work..." [00:51]
    • He adds hope that ICE negotiations will be in good faith, noting recent adoption of Democrat-backed measures like body cameras.

Election Integrity & Federal Oversight

[01:02 - 01:43]

• Republican Push for Voting Laws:
  Some Republicans, including President Trump, are advocating for nationwide voter ID requirements and proof of citizenship to vote. Trump has also raised the idea of "nationalizing elections."
  • President Trump:
    • "I want to see elections, be honest. And if a state can't run an election, I think the people behind me should do something about it. Because, you know, if you think about it, a state is an agent for the federal government in elections." [01:17]
    • "They can administer the election, but they have to do it honestly." [01:40]
  • Trump is pressed on Constitutional state authority over elections, and reiterates his stance on honesty and federal intervention.

US-Iran Tensions & Diplomatic Developments

[01:43 - 02:04]

• Military Actions & Planned Talks:
  The US military downed an Iranian drone and protected an oil tanker from Iranian gunships earlier in the day. Despite tensions, direct US-Iran talks remain scheduled for later in the week.

Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother: Ransom Note Rumors

[02:15 - 02:38]

• Arizona Investigation:
  Pima County Sheriff's officials neither confirm nor deny the existence of a ransom note in the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother. The woman was reported missing on Sunday, and the FBI is now involved.
  • Lisa Brady: "They believe the 84 year old mother of the Today show host was taken from her home, reported missing Sunday. The FBI also investigating..."

NASA Artemis 2 Moon Mission Delayed

[02:38 - 03:14]

• Fuel Leak Forces Launch Postponement:
  NASA delayed the first crewed test flight of Artemis 2 after a fueling rehearsal revealed leaks during cold weather in Florida.
  • NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman:
    • "Fuel leaks were detected during the rehearsal, which was taking place during unusually cold weather in Florida. They will now target a launch window opening March 6." [02:38]
    • Artemis 2's crew will fly on the new Orion capsule, planned to travel farther from Earth than any previous human mission.

Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Comeback Despite Injury

[03:14 - 03:50]

• Winter Games Update:
  Olympian Lindsey Vonn, age 41, suffered a major knee injury (complete ACL rupture) just days before her scheduled events in the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Despite this, she remains confident about competing.
  • Lisa Brady: "She said Tuesday that while she completely ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament... she is, quote, confident she'll be able to compete in the Olympics." [03:22]
  • Vonn trained with a brace, reporting that the injured knee feels stable and strong. It's different from the knee repaired two years previous.

Market Recap

[03:50 - End]

• Stock Market Decline:
  The day saw a sell-off on Wall Street:
  • Dow: Down 1 point, after recovering deeper losses
  • S&P: Down 58
  • NASDAQ: Dropped 336 points

Memorable Quotes

• “None of this is okay. None of this makes Minnesota any safer. None of this adheres to the values of this country.” – Governor Tim Walz [00:40]
• “Fuel leaks were detected during the rehearsal, which was taking place during unusually cold weather in Florida.” – NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman [02:38]
• “She is, quote, confident she'll be able to compete in the Olympics.” – Lisa Brady, quoting Lindsey Vonn [03:22]

Summary:
This update spotlights the political tug-of-war on government funding, immigration enforcement, and voting laws, while also covering international diplomacy, ongoing investigations, space exploration delays, and inspiring athletic resilience. The episode reflects FOX’s blend of political and broader current events coverage, maintaining a direct, news-first tone.