Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: Digging Out After the Massive Winter Storm

January 26, 2026

Overview

This episode centers on the aftermath of a massive and historic winter storm sweeping from New Mexico to New England, resulting in widespread power outages, fatalities, travel disruptions, and a series of related breaking news events—including a controversial police shooting in Minnesota, ongoing international developments in Ukraine, and the latest in sports and business news. The reportage moves rapidly across regions and stories, maintaining a brisk, news-driven tone characteristic of Fox News updates.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Massive Winter Storm Aftermath

• Historic Weather Event
  • [00:02] Dave Anthony opens describing “historic levels of snow and ice,” followed by dangerously cold, single-digit temperatures pushing across much of the country.
  • Tennessee highlighted as the hardest hit by power outages—over 800,000 homes and businesses without power, with approximately a third in Tennessee alone.
  • Quote: “Digging out from New Mexico to New England… This is historic levels of snow and ice and then following up with single digit temperatures today.” —Dave Anthony [00:02]
• Efforts to Restore Normalcy
  • [00:28] Fox Weather Reporter in Dallas details all-day and overnight efforts to clear roads, emphasizing the challenge and importance of allowing people to return to work and school.
  • School closures widespread, from Texas to New England, due to hazardous conditions.
• Casualties and Fatalities
  • At least nine people have died, with specific mention of a teenager killed in a sledding accident.
  • A private plane crash in Maine during the snowstorm raises concerns of further fatalities.
  • Quote: “A Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed as it was taking off from Bangor National Airport in Maine… Eight people were on board and we still don’t have a status report.” —FAA Correspondent [00:50]
• Travel Disruptions
  • [01:05] Massive ongoing air travel disruption: nearly 4,000 flight cancellations today after more than 11,000 the previous day.

Political and Social Unrest

• Minnesota Shooting and Government Response
  • President Trump has directed “border czar Tom Holman” to Minnesota in response to escalating protests after a demonstrator was shot dead at an anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) rally.
  • There are conflicting accounts surrounding the victim, Alex Preddy:
    • Administration officials defend the shooting, claiming Preddy was armed.
    • Videos suggest the individual was unarmed at the moment of being shot, after reportedly having a gun taken away by a federal officer.
    • Quote: “Several members of the administration defended the shooting… but several videos… show a federal officer pulling a gun away from Freddy then opening fire on the unarmed man.” —Ainsley Earhardt [01:28]
  • Legal and political fallout is expected, with a judge already ordering preservation of evidence and Senate Democrats threatening to block a government funding bill over the incident.
• Upcoming Government Funding Showdown
  • [02:31] Democrats may block a funding bill in the Senate to protest the shooting and ICE policies, raising the specter of a partial government shutdown ahead of Friday’s deadline.
  • The House Homeland Security Committee, led by Republicans, wants hearings—including testimony from ICE, Border Patrol, and Immigration Services—on the Minnesota shooting.
  • Quote: “The Senate is set to vote on a bill to avoid a government shutdown this week… Democrats are vowing to block… Republican Pete Ricketts says he still supports funding ICE, but… expects a prioritized transparent investigation…” [02:43]

International Affairs

• Ukraine War
  • [03:21] Brief update on ongoing efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine:
    • New document proposes “security guarantees” for Ukraine—relying on U.S.-backed military commitments to deter future Russian aggression.
    • Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky awaits finalization and ratification of the agreement.
    • Constructive trilateral talks between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia are set to continue next week.
    • Quote: “This document is designed to make sure Russia will never attack Ukraine again once the war finally ends.” —Jonathan Savage [03:24]
• Gaza Update
  • Israel launched an operation in Gaza to retrieve the remains of the last hostage from the October attack that began the war. A body was located, as reported in passing.
  • Quote: “Israel launched an operation in Gaza to find the remains of the last dead hostage… a body’s been located.” —Dave Anthony [01:49]

Business and Sports Briefs

• Stock Market
  • [03:59] Mixed market open: Dow futures rising, Nasdaq down after recent losses.
• Super Bowl 60 Update
  • [03:59] The Seattle Seahawks clinch the NFC Championship in a close win against the LA Rams (31-27), and will face the New England Patriots, who beat the Denver Broncos in a snowstorm (10-7).
  • Quote: “The Super Bowl 60 matchup is set… Seahawks will play the New England Patriots…” —Dave Anthony [03:59]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dave Anthony on the severity of the storm: “This is historic levels of snow and ice and then following up with single digit temperatures today.” [00:02]
• FAA Correspondent on the Maine plane crash: “A Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed… Eight people were on board and we still don’t have a status report.” [00:50]
• Ainsley Earhardt on controversial shooting: “Several videos… show a federal officer pulling a gun away from Freddy then opening fire on the unarmed man.” [01:28]
• Pete Ricketts (via reporter): “The nation… witnessed a horrifying situation in Washington.” [02:43]
• Jonathan Savage on Ukraine security: “This document is designed to make sure Russia will never attack Ukraine again.” [03:24]
• Dave Anthony on Super Bowl matchup: “The Seahawks will play the New England Patriots who won the AFC title beating the Broncos in a blizzard.” [03:59]

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:02–01:05: Storm impacts, restoration efforts, fatalities, transportation chaos.
• 01:06–01:49: Minnesota protest shooting and federal response; related political developments.
• 01:49–02:00: Brief international update (Gaza hostage).
• 02:31–03:21: U.S. government funding battle connected to ICE shooting.
• 03:21–03:59: Ukraine security pact update.
• 03:59–04:28: Market summary and sports headlines.

Tone and Delivery

The episode follows Fox News’s signature urgent, matter-of-fact, and headline-driven style. The language is direct, focusing on succinct news delivery while hinting at broader political ramifications. Speaker transitions are rapid, and key news is often delivered with a mixture of concern, gravity, and drama, reflecting the serious tone of the day’s events.

Summary Takeaway

This episode delivers a fast-paced, comprehensive briefing on a major winter disaster's effects, high-profile national controversies, international security efforts, and sports updates. Every story is framed with immediacy and attention to broader implications, offering listeners a condensed window into a day of high-stakes news.