Fox News Hourly Update – 9AM ET 01/28/2026
Main Theme:
This episode delivers a fast-paced roundup of the top national and international news as of January 28, 2026. Major topics include a shocking attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, political tension in Minnesota over immigration, remembrances of the Challenger disaster, U.S. military action in Venezuela, Congressional debate over surveillance powers, and the latest developments in Ukraine.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar at Minnesota Town Hall
[00:02–00:38]
- Incident Report:
- Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was attacked at a town hall; a man used a syringe to spray a foul-smelling substance on her.
- Despite the attack and her staff urging her to leave, Omar chose to continue speaking until the attacker’s arrest.
- Relevant Atmosphere:
- The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in Minnesota following Saturday’s deadly protest shooting and the arrival of border czar Tom Holman, who met with Democratic leaders to address escalating unrest.
2. Tensions Over Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota
[00:38–00:59]
-
Presidential Plan:
- President Trump outlined a strategy for stabilizing Minnesota, including a demand for the state to turn over criminals for deportation.
-
Local Resistance:
- Mayor Fry of Minneapolis opposed federal demands, emphasizing local priorities:
“Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws and...remain focused on keeping our neighbors and streets safe.”
— Mayor Fry [00:49]
- Mayor Fry of Minneapolis opposed federal demands, emphasizing local priorities:
-
Presidential Reaction:
- Trump criticized the mayor on Truth Social:
“Mayor Fry is playing with fire.”
— President Trump [00:59]
- Trump criticized the mayor on Truth Social:
-
Rally Highlights:
- Trump highlighted border security and economic improvements at an Iowa rally, warning Republicans risk “undoing” his achievements if Democrats regain control in Congress.
3. Challenger Disaster: 40-Year Remembrance
[00:59–01:55]
- Anniversary Coverage:
- Marks 40 years since the Challenger shuttle disaster, in which all seven crew members, including teacher Christa McAuliffe, perished 73 seconds after launch.
- Reflections from Astronaut:
- Retired astronaut Bonnie Dunbar (flew on Challenger’s last successful mission before the disaster) expressed the enduring pain and philosophical outlook of exploration:
“You lose friends. You don't want it to happen, but you don't want it to end your expiration. And that's, I guess that's a philosophy that we've carried with us for what, thousands of years?”
— Bonnie Dunbar [01:45]
- Retired astronaut Bonnie Dunbar (flew on Challenger’s last successful mission before the disaster) expressed the enduring pain and philosophical outlook of exploration:
- Space Program Resilience:
- Shuttle missions paused for 32 months; flights resumed in 1988.
4. U.S. Operations in Venezuela and Congressional Oversight
[02:04–03:02]
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Testimony:
- Rubio to testify about U.S. actions in Venezuela, including the recent capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.
- Rubio warns military action may escalate if new Venezuelan leaders do not cooperate.
- Congressional Division:
- The House narrowly rejected a resolution to limit Trump’s military authority in Venezuela; similar Senate efforts fell short.
- Constitutional Concerns:
- Democrats have questioned the lack of Congressional notification prior to Maduro’s capture.
- Rubio’s Defense:
- Argued no Congressional approval was required.
5. Surveillance Debate and FISA Provision
[03:02–03:27]
- Upcoming Senate Action:
- Senators to debate the renewal of a Foreign Surveillance Act provision allowing warrantless wiretaps of foreign leaders.
- Civil Liberties Dilemma:
- Critics highlight the risk of Americans’ communications being inadvertently intercepted.
6. Ukraine: Intensifying Conflict and Civilian Casualties
[03:27–04:03]
- New Russian Attack:
- Russian drone attack on a train in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region killed at least five people.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the strike as “purely terrorism,” emphasizing the lack of military justification.
- Escalation & Humanitarian Impact:
- Attacks on infrastructure and civilians have intensified amid one of the harshest winters in recent years.
- Diplomatic Outlook:
- Another round of peace talks is scheduled between Russian, Ukrainian, and American negotiators.
7. Markets Update
[04:03–end]
- Federal Reserve Decision Anticipated:
- Mixed movement in stock futures as investors await a Fed decision on interest rates (no cut expected).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Mayor Fry on Immigration Enforcement:
“I also made it clear that Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws and that we will remain focused on keeping our neighbors and streets safe.” [00:49]
- President Trump’s Warning to Minneapolis:
“Mayor Fry is playing with fire.” [00:59]
- Retired Astronaut Bonnie Dunbar on Space Exploration:
“You lose friends. You don't want it to happen, but you don't want it to end your expiration. And that's, I guess that's a philosophy that we've carried with us for what, thousands of years?” [01:45]
- President Zelensky (via report):
There was “no military justification” for the rail attack; it “should be seen purely as terrorism.” [03:39]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Ilhan Omar Attacked at Town Hall: [00:02–00:38]
- Minnesota Immigration Tensions / Trump vs. Mayor Fry: [00:38–00:59]
- Trump Rally in Iowa; Challenger 40th Anniversary: [00:59–01:55]
- Venezuela Operations & Congressional Action: [02:04–03:02]
- Foreign Surveillance Act Debate: [03:02–03:27]
- Ukraine: Civilian Train Attack & Peace Talks: [03:27–04:03]
- Markets / Fed Watch: [04:03–end]
Summary
This broadcast delivers a brisk but layered briefing on volatile domestic politics, historic remembrance, U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, domestic surveillance concerns, and intensified warfare in Ukraine. Listeners are left with a sense of urgency across multiple fronts, from attacks on lawmakers to growing international crises and critical policy debates on privacy and military action.
