Fox News Hourly Update – 11AM ET 01/12/2026 Newscast

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: January 12, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced update on the top domestic and international news stories at the hour. Major topics include President Trump’s response to Iran’s crackdown on protests, violence and protests in U.S. cities, a meeting between Pope Leo and a Venezuelan opposition leader, a synagogue arson in Mississippi, a major nurse strike in New York City, and updates on Wall Street and precious metals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-Iran Tensions and Protest Crackdown

[00:03–01:21]

• President Trump revealed to reporters aboard Air Force One that “Iran wants to talk” but military action is still possible, hinging on Iran’s handling of ongoing protests.
  • Notable quote (Dave Anthony, 00:10):
    “A meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening.”
• Iran’s Foreign Minister asserts the regime has the escalating protests “under total control,” boasting of pro-government counter-demonstrations, some with “death to America” chants.
• Reports from Tehran (via Starlink) describe:
  • Security forces firing on crowds, using tear gas, and arresting thousands.
  • Human rights groups estimate at least 544 people killed in two weeks; actual toll may be higher due to the internet blackout.
• In Los Angeles, an incident involving a truck driven into a crowd protesting the Iranian regime:
  • No serious injuries reported; crowd retaliated, attacked the truck and its driver, who was subsequently arrested.
• In Minneapolis, anti-ICE protests sparked by the shooting of Renee Good continue:
  • Good allegedly interfered with ICE operations and drove toward an agent.
  • Hundreds of federal officers are being deployed as unrest continues.

2. Federal Immigration Enforcement Escalation

[01:21–01:39]

• Hundreds of federal agents are being sent to the Twin Cities and other protest sites.
  • “On top of the over 2,000 ICE officers in D.C., DHS investigators already on the ground and tracking down and arresting what Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem calls the worst of the worst criminal illegal immigrants.” (Jeff Manasseo, 01:33)

3. International Diplomacy: Vatican and Venezuela

[01:39–01:58]

• Pope Leo, the first American pope, met with Maria Corria Machado, a Venezuelan opposition activist and recent Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
• Pope Leo urged Venezuela to remain independent following the U.S. capture of former leader Nicolas Maduro.
• Notable moment: This reflects the Vatican’s diplomatic engagement following significant political unrest in Venezuela.

4. Domestic Policy: Protests, Legislative Response, and Possible Shutdown

[02:40–03:15]

• Fallout from protests in Minneapolis and Portland, both involving federal immigration agents’ use of force.
• Some Democrats are advocating for blocking Department of Homeland Security funding, even risking a government shutdown.
  • Senator Mark Warner dissents from this approach, citing the negative impact of the previous year’s historic government closure.
  • Congress faces a deadline at month’s end to pass 12 funding bills, including for DHS.

5. Religious Hate Crime: Mississippi Synagogue Arson

[03:15–03:58]

• A synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi was set ablaze; officials call it “an act of terror.”
  • Mayor John Horn expressed solidarity with Beth Israel congregation.
  • No injuries reported; significant property damage and one suspect in custody.
  • The Simon Wiesenthal Center labeled it “an assault on the heart of Jewish life in the South.”
  • CAIR: “Houses of worship should always be places of peace and safety, never targets of hatred or violence.”
  • Historical context: The synagogue was previously firebombed by the KKK in 1967.
• Notable quote (Chris Foster, 03:53):
  “The synagogue was attacked once before but firebombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967.”

6. Labor Unrest: New York City Nurses Strike

[03:58–04:30]

• 15,000 nurses in NYC began a strike before dawn, affecting three hospital systems.
  • Mayor Zora Mamdani joined the picket line, supporting nurses’ demands for pension protection.
  • Quote (Mayor Mamdani, paraphrased by anchor, 04:10):
    “They are not asking for a multi million dollar salary. What they are asking for is for their pensions to be safeguarded, to be protected in their own workplace.”
  • Hospitals claim these demands are financially untenable.

7. Markets Update

[04:30–04:44]

• Dow Jones: Down 112 points.
• Nasdaq: Up by 13.
• Gold and silver reached record highs.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Iran:
  • “We may have to act because of what's happening.” – Dave Anthony, 00:10
• On ICE operations:
  • “Secretary Kristi Noem calls the worst of the worst criminal illegal immigrants.” – Jeff Manasseo, 01:35
• On synagogue arson:
  • “An assault on the heart of Jewish life in the South.” – (Simon Wiesenthal Center, cited by Chris Foster, 03:50)
• On labor strike:
  • “What they are asking for is for their pensions to be safeguarded, to be protected in their own workplace.” – Mayor Zora Mamdani (paraphrased by anchor, 04:10)

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:03–01:21: Iran protests, Trump’s response, LA and Minneapolis protest incidents
• 01:21–01:39: ICE and DHS deployments – Jeff Manasseo
• 01:39–01:58: Vatican and Venezuela, Pope Leo–Maria Corria Machado meeting
• 02:40–03:15: Congress, federal shutdown threat, and funding battles – Ryan Schmell
• 03:15–03:58: Mississippi synagogue arson, community reactions – Chris Foster
• 03:58–04:30: NYC nurse strike, mayoral support, hospital statement
• 04:30–04:44: Stock market and precious metals update

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The newscast captures a tense global and national moment, with U.S. foreign policy, domestic unrest, hate crimes, and labor strife at the forefront. Reporting is brisk and urgent, with direct attribution to reporters and official statements, reflecting FOX News’ familiar style. The episode is packed with headline-level updates and firsthand accounts, making it a useful snapshot for listeners needing rapid orientation to current events.