Fox News Hourly Update: Dangerous Winter Storm Blasts the South

Date: January 31, 2026
Host: Paul Stevens, FOX News Podcasts

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire roundup of major news events. The primary focus is a severe winter storm poised to hit the Southeastern U.S., with historical snowfall expected in the Carolinas. The show also covers a federal government shutdown, proposed changes to election laws, the financial cost of city troop deployments, and controversy around ICE enforcement in Seattle.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Major Winter Storm Threatening the South

Segment Start: [00:02]

• Paul Stevens opens by highlighting an unusually powerful nor’easter set to strike the East Coast, potentially bringing record snowfall to the Carolinas.
• Bob Van Dillen of FOX Weather (on location):
  • Reports that all of North and South Carolina are under winter storm warnings, a rare occurrence.
  • Notable details:
    • Snowfall projections:
      • Charlotte, NC: 8–10 inches (“It’s a fluffy stuff. It’s easy to plow, but it’s still going to pile up. It’s going to stick to just about everything.” — Bob Van Dillen, [00:36])
      • Greenville-Spartanburg, SC: 2–5 inches
      • Atlanta, GA: 1–3 inches
  • Warns that travel will be severely disrupted, especially along the I-85 corridor and at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport.
  • Governors of NC, SC, GA have all declared states of emergency.

2. Federal Government Shutdown Update

Segment Start: [00:48]

• Paul Stevens transitions to breaking news on the federal government shutdown.
• Chad Pergrim (Capitol Hill correspondent):
  • Explains the cause:
    • Senate changed the House’s spending package, approving five bills but withholding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding due to disputes over ICE policy.
    • The shutdown will last until at least Monday night, affecting non-DHS functions.
    • Quote: “The Senate broke off the DHS bill and sent the rest of the package back to the House. That triggers a shutdown until at least Monday night.” — Chad Pergrim, [01:13]
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson pressing for a quick resolution but DHS is only funded for two weeks.
  • Uncertainty over House support for the Senate’s revisions.

3. Protests and Arrests in Los Angeles

Segment Start: [01:31]

• Violent agitators arrested outside the federal detention center in LA.
• Thousands marched from City Hall, with a mob blocking entrances and pushing a large construction dumpster into the area.
• The update is brief, signaling significant unrest but without detailed analysis or commentary.

4. Election Legislation Push

Segment Start: [02:39]

• House Republicans introduce the “Make Elections Great Again” (MEGA) act.
  • Key provisions:
    • Photo ID required for in-person voting
    • Citizenship verification for voter registration
    • Mail-in ballots required to be received by poll closing (as opposed to some states allowing later deadlines)
• Democratic Response:
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: Quote: “Voter suppression is part of the Republican plan to try desperately to hold on to power.” ([03:10])
  • Dismisses the bill’s chances, calling it ‘dead on arrival.’
• The future of the bill is uncertain; no clear timeline for a vote.

5. Cost of Urban Troop Deployments

Segment Start: [03:23]

• Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report:
  • Estimated cost of National Guard and Marine deployments to U.S. cities in 2025: $496 million.
  • Deployments include Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago, Portland, Memphis, and New Orleans—aimed at combating crime.
• Cost estimate requested by Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee.
• Quote: “The president has sent National Guard or active duty Marine Corps troops to LA, Washington, Chicago, Portland, Oregon, Memphis and New Orleans all as a way to fight crime.” — Joel Naito, [03:52]

6. Seattle Police Guild Pushback on ICE Reporting

Segment Start: [04:11]

• Seattle Police Officers Guild president rejects Mayor Katie Wilson’s plan for local police to “investigate, verify and document” ICE enforcement actions.
• The move follows new measures announced by Seattle’s progressive mayor.
• Local police union's resistance signals division over city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Notable Quotes

• Bob Van Dillen:

  • “The entire state of North and South Carolina under a winter storm warning. How often does that happen? Hardly ever.” ([00:18])
  • “Charlotte today going for about 8–10. And it’s a fluffy stuff. It’s easy to plow, but it’s still going to pile up.” ([00:36])

• Chad Pergrim:

  • “The Senate broke off the DHS bill and sent the rest of the package back to the House. That triggers a shutdown until at least Monday night.” ([01:13])

• Hakeem Jeffries:

  • “Voter suppression is part of the Republican plan to try desperately to hold on to power.” ([03:10])

• Joel Naito:

  • “The president has sent National Guard or active duty Marine Corps troops to LA, Washington, Chicago, Portland, Oregon, Memphis and New Orleans all as a way to fight crime.” ([03:52])

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:02] | Major winter storm coverage
• [00:48] | Federal government shutdown explained
• [01:31] | Violent protests in Los Angeles
• [02:39] | “Make Elections Great Again” act introduced
• [03:23] | Troop deployment costs
• [04:11] | Seattle police guild and ICE enforcement debate

Memorable Moments

• The rare declaration of a statewide winter storm warning for both Carolinas, signaling a historic weather event.
• Direct criticism by Hakeem Jeffries toward Republican election security efforts, underscoring partisan tension.
• The CBO’s nearly half-billion dollar estimate for National Guard deployments, spotlighted as part of the broader crime debate in major cities.

Summary Prepared For:
Listeners who want the core facts, perspectives, and political context on the day's headline topics without missing the episode's fast-moving style and tone.