Fox News Hourly Update: 7AM ET 01/31/2026

Host: Paul Stevens
Reporters: Christina Coleman, Chad (Capitol Hill Correspondent), Ryan Schmell, Joel Nadeau
Date: January 31, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise, fact-driven roundup of the key national news stories as of 7AM ET, January 31, 2026. Coverage centers on a major winter storm impacting the Southeast, a partial government shutdown, escalating protests surrounding immigration enforcement, a Republican-led election security bill, and the high cost of ongoing military deployments in U.S. cities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Major Winter Storm Threatens Southeast and Northeast

• Storm Details & Impact:

  • A nor'easter intensifying into a potential bomb cyclone is set to bring heavy snow and strong winds to Virginia, the Carolinas, and northern Georgia, primarily affecting the region on Saturday.
  • Potential for widespread flight cancellations, travel disruptions, and risks of coastal flooding during high tide on Sunday.
  • The storm follows closely after a previous winter system recently affected the same regions.

• Memorable Quote:

  • “As the storm strengthens, it will likely become a bomb cyclone. Snow is expected to rapidly expand across the higher terrain of Virginia, the Carolinas and into northern Georgia.”
    — Christina Coleman (00:11)

2. Partial Government Shutdown Linked to DHS Funding

• Shutdown Explained:

  • The Senate passed five spending bills but separated out the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) bill amid Democratic demands for changes to immigrant enforcement (ICE).
  • Only partial government funding is in place, with a shutdown until at least Monday night.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson urges Republicans to pass the new package to end the shutdown, but DHS funding would only extend for two weeks.

• Insightful Quote:

  • “The Senate approved five spending bills, but Democrats insisted on holding up the DHS bill. They wanted changes at ICE… That triggers a shutdown until at least Monday night.”
    — Chad (00:54)

• Timeline Highlight:

  • Shutdown could last “70 hours,” with uncertainty around House backing for the revised bill.

3. Protests and Unrest in Los Angeles over ICE

• Events Summary:

  • Violent protests outside the federal detention center in Los Angeles during nation-wide “ICE out everywhere” rallies.
  • Protesters clashed with authorities, moving large dumpsters and blocking building access.

• Telling Description:

  • “A mob swarmed the area pushing a large construction dumpster and blocking the entrance to the building's loading dock.”
    — Paul Stevens (01:28)

4. House Republicans Unveil Election Security Legislation

• Bill Provisions:

  • “Make Elections Great Again Act” requires:
    • Photo ID to vote
    • Citizenship verification to register
    • All mail-in ballots received by poll closing time on Election Day (removing post-Election Day acceptance)
  • Bill faces opposition, described as a form of voter suppression by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
  • Uncertain path forward for the bill in the House.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Dubbed the Make Elections Great Again act, the GOP led bill would require photo ID when casting a ballot and verification of citizenship when registering to vote.”
    — Ryan Schmell (02:36)
  • “Voter suppression is part of the Republican plan to try desperately to hold on to power.”
    — Attributed to Hakeem Jeffries via Ryan Schmell (03:02)

5. Report: High Cost of Troop Deployments to Cities

• CBO Findings:

  • The Congressional Budget Office reports it cost nearly $500 million to deploy National Guard and active-duty troops in several major cities in 2025.
  • Deployments ordered to address urban crime in L.A., Washington, Chicago, Portland, Memphis, and New Orleans.
  • The report, commissioned by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, highlights significant taxpayer expense for such missions.

• Key Quote:

  • “The Congressional Budget Office says the price tag to put troops in several American cities in 2025 is about $496 million.”
    — Joel Nadeau (03:20)

6. Clash Over ICE Enforcement in Seattle

• City-Police Union Dispute:
  • Seattle’s mayor introduced new restrictions on federal immigration enforcement, including prohibiting federal agents from using city property.
  • The Seattle Police Officers Guild opposes efforts to involve local officers in verifying ICE operations.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Bomb Cyclone Threat:

  • “As the storm strengthens, it will likely become a bomb cyclone.”
    — Christina Coleman (00:11)

• Funding Showdown:

  • “Democrats insisted on holding up the DHS bill. They wanted changes at ICE.”
    — Chad (00:54)

• Election Security Debate:

  • “Dubbed the Make Elections Great Again act, the GOP led bill would require photo ID when casting a ballot...”
    — Ryan Schmell (02:36)
  • “Voter suppression is part of the Republican plan...”
    — Attributed to Hakeem Jeffries via Ryan Schmell (03:02)

• Military Deployment Cost:

  • “The Congressional Budget Office says the price tag to put troops in several American cities in 2025 is about $496 million.”
    — Joel Nadeau (03:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment Topic | |-------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:03 | Nor’easter weather update - Christina Coleman | | 00:40 | Shutdown status and DHS funding - Chad | | 01:28 | Los Angeles protest unrest - Paul Stevens | | 02:32 | Election security bill announced - Ryan Schmell | | 03:15 | Cost of troop deployments report - Joel Nadeau | | 04:02 | Seattle’s ICE enforcement controversy - Paul Stevens & Joel Nadeau |

Summary

This FOX News hourly update efficiently covers pressing national stories: a rapidly intensifying winter storm threatening to disrupt much of the Southeast and Northeast, ongoing political deadlock resulting in a partial government shutdown due to immigration policy disputes, large-scale anti-ICE protests turning violent in Los Angeles, a new House Republican bill to tighten election security, scrutiny of the expensive military response to rising urban crime, and local resistance to federal immigration enforcement in Seattle. The fast-paced reporting, direct expert quotes, and clear segment structure paint a comprehensive picture of the news landscape as of January 31, 2026.