Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET, 02/01/2026
Main Theme:
This episode provides a rapid overview of the day's top stories, with major headlines ranging from presidential announcements and historic weather events to international tensions and cultural news.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Kennedy Center Closure and Renovation
Timestamp: 00:03
- Carmen Roberts reports President Trump is closing the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Kennedy Center) for major renovations.
- The closure is scheduled for July 4th, 2026, to align with America's 250th anniversary.
- Trump’s post on Truth Social mentions plans for a “new spectacular entertainment complex,” with renovations estimated to last about two years.
2. Historic North Carolina Snowstorm
Timestamps: 00:36 – 01:02
- Haley Meyer (Fox Weather): Describes the intense nor’easter and its widespread impact in North Carolina.
- Fourth snowiest in state history, heaviest since 2004.
- Outer Banks, especially Buxton, saw severe damage—one home collapsed from “intense nor'easter winds and the waves that were crashing on [it], coupled with astronomical high tide with a full moon.”
- Greenville saw 8–15 inches of snow, setting a record “going all the way back to 1896.”
- Carmen Roberts: Notes Faust, a mountain town, received 22.5 inches—the highest single report.
- Governor Josh Stein confirms “at least two people died in the storm amid 1,000 traffic accidents.”
3. Political Unrest and New Federal Response
Timestamps: 01:02 – 01:47
- Despite the brutal cold, anti-ICE protests persist in Minneapolis.
- Brooke Taylor (Fox):
- President Trump issues a new policy, as posted on Truth Social:
- “I've instructed Secretary of Homeland Kristi Noem that under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat cities with regard to their protests and or riots unless and until they ask us for help.” (01:35)
- This signals a shift: The federal government will not intervene in city protests/riots unless formally requested—a notable policy change during the ongoing unrest.
- President Trump issues a new policy, as posted on Truth Social:
4. Congressional Delays Due to Weather
Timestamp: 01:47
- Snowstorm impacts could delay Congress members returning to D.C. to vote on spending plans aimed at ending the partial government shutdown.
5. Rising Tensions with Iran
Timestamps: 02:32 – 03:22
- Carmen Roberts: President Trump “not ruling out military strikes on Iran” amid a crackdown on anti-government protests.
- Dana Marie McNichol (Fox):
- Trump open to negotiations: “You could make a negotiated deal that would be satisfactory with no nuclear weapons... But they are talking to us.” (02:43)
- Matt Whitaker: Discusses U.S. military activity:
- “Trump has made it clear that military planning is happening, confirming that the ships are heading in that direction.” (02:52)
- “The Iranians could de-escalate very easily and simply and we'll see—the ball’s in their court. But you know President Trump is not going to be forever patient on this.” (03:04)
- Military details are undisclosed and, per Trump, “the United States will not share military plans with Gulf allies”. (03:14)
6. Lindsey Vonn's Olympic Comeback
Timestamps: 03:22 – 04:09
- Christina Coleman (Fox):
- Lindsey Vonn suffered a left knee injury during a World Cup ski event, just one week before the Winter Olympics.
- Vonn remains determined:
- Released a statement:
- “This is a very difficult outcome one week before the Olympics. But if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback. My Olympic dream is not over. Thank you for all of the love and support.” (03:47)
- Her coach confirms she is still preparing for the Games.
- Released a statement:
- Vonn's legacy highlighted: “The 41-year-old Minnesota-born star has won every title over her career which spans almost two decades.”
7. 68th Annual Grammy Awards
Timestamps: 04:09 – 04:28
- Carmen Roberts:
- The Grammy Awards start in LA amid several “back to back history making moments.”
- Notable highlight: The Dalai Lama wins his first Grammy for best audiobook narration and storytelling.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
"I've instructed Secretary of Homeland Kristi Noem that under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat cities with regard to their protests and or riots unless and until they ask us for help.”
— President Trump via Truth Social (read by Brooke Taylor), 01:35 -
“If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback. My Olympic dream is not over.”
— Lindsey Vonn in statement, 03:47 -
“The Iranians could de-escalate very easily and simply and we'll see—the ball’s in their court. But you know President Trump is not going to be forever patient on this.”
— Matt Whitaker, 03:04
Important Timestamps
- 00:03: Kennedy Center closure / announcement
- 00:36: North Carolina snowstorm details
- 01:35: Trump’s policy on federal response to protests
- 02:32: Trump’s stance on Iran & possible military strikes
- 03:47: Lindsey Vonn’s comeback message
- 04:09: Grammy Awards & Dalai Lama’s win
Tone & Style:
The episode maintains Fox News’s brisk, urgent style, from breaking political stories to cultural highlights, blending hard news with uplifting sports and entertainment coverage.
This summary provides a clear, engaging overview of the evening’s newscast, highlighting all significant events and quotes for listeners who missed the original broadcast.
