Fox News Hourly Update – Senate Votes as Partial Government Shutdown Now Unavoidable

Date: January 30, 2026
Host: FOX News Podcasts (Lisa Licera)
Episode Theme:
A live update as a partial government shutdown becomes unavoidable despite last-minute Senate negotiations, driven by the fallout from a controversial ICE-involved killing and its national repercussions. Additional breaking stories cover a federal civil rights investigation, voting law rulings, and the death of comedic actress Catherine O’Hara.

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode delivers a fast-paced rundown of urgent political developments in Washington, with a focus on the Senate’s last-minute maneuvering to avoid a government shutdown and nationwide responses to the killing of immigrant Alex Preddy. The segment also recounts major legal updates and celebrates the career of late actress Catherine O’Hara.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Government Shutdown Now Inevitable

• [00:02] Lisa Licera: Announces that, despite a Senate agreement, “there will be a partial government shutdown at midnight after a package of bills…was blocked.”

• The House passed a spending package, but Senate Democrats withdrew support due to demands for ICE reforms.

  “Democrats withdrew their support from the spending package after the killing of Alex Preddy.” (B, 00:14)

• Reforms demanded: ICE agents must use body cams and end “roving patrols.”

• This move forces a shutdown but sets up deeper border and immigration policy discussions.

2. New Senate Agreement & ICE Reforms

• [00:33] FOX’s Chad at the Capitol: Reports that the new agreement would fund most of the government through September, but the Department of Homeland Security only for two weeks—“to allow lawmakers to talk about any changes to ICE.”
• Nationwide Demonstrations: Following the shooting death of Alex Preddy (by immigration officers), protests erupt in multiple cities: Minneapolis, South Carolina, New York City, Philadelphia, “and many other cities.”
• National “shutdown day” is called, urging no school, work, or shopping in protest.

3. Justice Department & Federal Cases

• DOJ has opened a federal civil rights investigation into Preddy’s death.

• [00:33] Brooke Taylor: Notes that protest-related consequences are extending nationally: Don Lemon, former anchor, “charged with federal civil rights crimes after he covered an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul,” with Lemon insisting his role was only as an independent journalist.

  “Lemon had said that he had no affiliation with the group…he was there as a solo journalist covering the protesters.” (B, 01:23)

• Actress Jane Fonda appeared in court to support Lemon: “They arrested the wrong Don,” referencing ongoing confusion and the detainment of more journalists and protesters.

• A federal judge struck down “key portions of President Trump’s executive order aimed at tightening citizenship verification for voter registration and absentee ballot applications,” reaffirming that election rules fall under state and Congressional control.

  “The Constitution gives states and Congress, not the president, the power to set rules for federal elections.” (B, 01:55)

4. Legal Updates: United Health Care CEO Case

• [03:00] Lisa Licera: A federal judge has barred prosecutors from seeking the death penalty in the high-profile Luigi Mangione case (accused of killing United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson), after a murder charge was found “technically flawed.”

• Mangione’s attorney, Karen Agnifolo, emphasizes the double jeopardy issue:

  “Mr. Mangione is being charged in three different cases for one incident, so…we’re going to continue to fight for that as well.” (E, 03:21)

• Mangione pleads not guilty, facing both federal and state charges. Jury selection is scheduled for September 8.

5. Remembering Catherine O’Hara

• [03:52] Jonathan Hunt: Reports on the death of iconic comedic actress Catherine O’Hara at 71, after a short illness.

• Recaps her influential roles: SCTV, “Beetlejuice,” and as Kevin’s mother in “Home Alone.”

• She is called “a legend in the truest sense,” and Macaulay Culkin offers a heartfelt tribute:

  “Mama, I thought we had more time. I love you. I'll see you later.” (A, 04:36)

6. Other Headlines

• NASA delays Artemis moonshot launch due to freezing weather. New target date: no earlier than February 8.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the shutdown and Democratic demands:

  “Democrats withdrew their support from the spending package after the killing of Alex Preddy. They insisted on reforms for ICE that includes body cams and no roving patrols.” (B, 00:14)

• On protests and the civil rights atmosphere:

  “Demonstrations in Minneapolis, South Carolina, New York City, Philadelphia and many other cities after last weekend's shooting death of Alex Preddy by immigration officers. National shutdown day calling for no school, no work, no shopping.” (A, 00:33)

• On Don Lemon’s arrest:

  “They arrested the wrong Don.” (A, summarizing Jane Fonda’s support for Don Lemon, 01:51)

• On the ruling against Trump’s executive order:

  “The Constitution gives states and Congress, not the president, the power to set rules for federal elections.” (B, 01:55)

• Macaulay Culkin on Catherine O’Hara’s passing:

  “Mama, I thought we had more time. I love you. I’ll see you later.” (A, 04:36)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Partial Government Shutdown Announced: 00:02–00:14
• Senate, Immigration, and Border Policy Developments: 00:14–00:33
• Protests, DOJ Investigation, Don Lemon Charges, Jane Fonda Support: 00:33–01:51
• Federal Judge on Election Rules: 01:55–02:00
• Luigi Mangione Case Update: 03:00–03:33
• Catherine O’Hara Remembrance: 03:50–04:36
• NASA Artemis Moonshot Delay: 04:36–04:58

Tone and Style

The episode is brisk, headline-driven, and direct, with an urgency reflecting the fast-moving political developments and the gravity of the shutdown, balanced by moments of reflection in obituaries and tributes.

Summary

This Fox News Hourly Update captures the mounting drama in Washington as a partial government shutdown takes shape, propelled by the intersection of immigration reform demands and nationwide protests. It contextualizes the political struggle with the breaking news of DOJ and judicial actions, and memorializes a beloved actress in its closing moments—a vivid snapshot of political, social, and cultural headlines as January 2026 draws to a tense close.