Fox News Hourly Update – 7AM ET 01/26/2026 Newscast
Main Theme:
This episode delivers a brisk roundup of top U.S. news stories, focusing on the aftermath of a major winter storm affecting much of the country, ongoing protests in Minneapolis over an immigration enforcement shooting, a landmark Congressional retirement, new tax filing changes, and the results of the NFL conference championship games.
Major Winter Storm Grips Northeast and Midwest
Key Points:
- Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are bracing for up to 4 more inches of snow, adding to significant accumulated totals.
- Boston has already received 16 inches; 13 states now report at least a foot on the ground, stretching from New Mexico and Colorado up to New York and Pennsylvania.
- Power outages have affected over 800,000 homes and businesses, particularly near Nashville, TN, due to heavy snow and thick ice.
- Quote (00:35): “We have crews that are out. The local power providers have crews that are out. Everybody on the ground trying to get the power restored as quickly as possible.” — Scott Brooks, Tennessee Valley Authority
- The storm is blamed for at least 9 deaths, including a tragic sledding accident in Texas involving a teenager.
- A private plane crashed during the storm in Bangor, Maine, resulting in a massive fire; no word on survivors among the eight people on board (visibility was severely limited).
Memorable Detail:
- Quote (00:28): “There are now 13 states with at least a foot of snow on the ground from this storm... The snow and thick ice in many areas has left more than 800,000 homes and businesses without power this morning.” — Dave Anthony
Aviation and Travel Disruptions
Key Points:
- Over 3,700 flights have been canceled due to storm conditions (Cheryl Cassone reporting at 01:15).
- Dangerous weather continues to affect both commercial air travel and local infrastructure.
Minneapolis Immigration Protest Shooting and Fallout
Key Points:
- Ongoing protests in Minneapolis after a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a protester Saturday.
- Democratic state officials, led by Attorney General Keith Ellison, are demanding an end to federal immigration raids and extra protections for state prerogative.
- Quote (01:38): “The federal government cannot trample over the prerogatives of the state.” — MN State Attorney General Keith Ellison
- Ellison has secured a judge’s order to preserve all evidence related to the incident.
- Federal authorities, represented by Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanch, confirm an active investigation but offer limited details:
- Quote (01:54): “There’s an ongoing investigation, as we’ve said all weekend and obviously we’re not…” — Todd Blanch
Sports Update: Super Bowl Teams Set
Key Points:
- NFC Championship: Seattle Seahawks defeat L.A. Rams 31–27; Seahawks advance to the Super Bowl.
- AFC Championship: New England Patriots win over the Denver Broncos 10–7 in a blizzard.
- The Seahawks will face the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Political Developments: Congressional Retirement
Key Points:
- Eleanor Holmes Norton, the long-serving Washington D.C. delegate, is retiring after 18 terms (since 1991).
- Quote (03:18): “The 88-year-old, who’s been the District’s only representative in Congress since 1991, has been an institution in Washington politics for decades…she’s one of the oldest members of the House and a veteran of the civil rights movement.” — News Reporter
- D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser praised Norton as “D.C.’s warrior on the hill.”
Taxes and New Deductions for 2025 Filing Season
Key Points:
- Tax filing for the 2025 season begins today; deadline is April 15.
- New deductions include:
- Up to $25,000 on tips
- Over $12,000 in overtime
- Raised federal cap for state and local tax deductions to $40,000
- Additional deductions for those over 65 and for U.S.-assembled vehicle purchases
- Taxpayers may file for an extension without providing a reason, but must complete the official form.
- Quote (03:53): “The IRS says today’s the day you can start filing your 2025 taxes, which are due by April 15th. So get those W2s or 1099s in hand.” — Dave Anthony
Market and Closing Notes
Key Points:
- Stock market futures were mostly lower ahead of the week’s trading.
- Host sign-off and promotion for “The Life of Jesus” podcast series.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Visibility was about three quarters of a mile, which is very low. Obviously snowy, windy conditions in Bangor, Maine, at the time.” — Dave Anthony (00:58)
- “Procrastinators won’t care about this. The tax filing deadline’s not until April 15, but those expecting a refund can file starting today.” — Ainsley Earhardt (03:45)
- “She’s one of the oldest members of the House and a veteran of the civil rights movement, helping to organize the 1963 March on Washington.” — News Reporter (03:24)
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 00:02 – Winter storm update, power outages, and fatalities
- 01:10 – Flight cancellations due to weather
- 01:22 – Minneapolis protest shooting and political response
- 01:58 – Super Bowl matchup set
- 02:39 – Further details on Minneapolis protests; possible government shutdown
- 03:04 – Eleanor Holmes Norton’s retirement
- 03:45 – Start of tax filing season and new deductions
- 04:31 – Wall Street/market note and sign-off
Summary:
This fast-paced news update captures a snapshot of national headlines: the ongoing winter storm emergency, civil unrest tied to immigration enforcement, notable Congressional change, and practical tax filing insights, all delivered with Fox News’s signature tone and urgency.