Fox News Hourly Update — 1AM ET 01/20/2026 Newscast

Overview

This episode delivers concise coverage of major ongoing international and domestic stories as of January 20, 2026. The top headlines include escalating protests and government crackdown in Iran, U.S. military movements in response to rising tensions, domestic unrest in Minneapolis, and President Trump’s ongoing negotiations—and threats—regarding the acquisition of Greenland. The episode concludes with a sports highlight and a brief on U.S.-U.K. relations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalation in Iran: Protests, U.S. Deployment, and War of Words

• [00:02] Host Ted Lindner opens with news of ongoing, intensifying anti-government protests in Iran and the U.S. moving military assets closer to the region, noting that tensions are high between the U.S. and Iran.
• [00:19] Reporting from Tel Aviv, a Fox News correspondent highlights inflammatory rhetoric from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei:
  • The Ayatollah is depicted as hostile, labeling President Trump a "criminal" and inciting anti-American, anti-Israeli chants before a crowd in Iran.
  • Claims broadcast on Iranian state media accuse the U.S. of orchestrating recent violence and unrest.
  • Iran’s President Masoud Possesskian warns that “any aggression against the supreme leader would be considered an all out war,” underscoring the gravity of the standoff.
  • President Trump, in response, tells Politico: “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran.” [00:52] (Quote attribution: President Trump)

2. Heavy Crackdown on Protesters & U.S. Domestic Unrest

• [00:58] Iranian officials claim at least 5,000 protesters have been killed—a staggering figure pointing to heavy-handed repression.
• Ted Lindner pivots to domestic issues: President Trump is considering military intervention in Minneapolis amid ongoing anti-ICE protests, following the mobilization of the Minnesota National Guard.

3. Minneapolis Protests: Troop Readiness and Federal Response

• [01:11] Fox’s Jonathan Hunt reports on the Pentagon’s preparations:
  • 1,500 troops from the 11th Airborne are given “ready to deploy” orders in case President Trump invokes the Insurrection Act.
  • The President states he doesn’t believe military intervention is necessary at this point.
  • A senior Border Patrol agent claims, “federal agents have the situation under control.” [01:28]
  • Local Minneapolis officials decry the possible use of military force as “unconstitutional.”
• [01:49] Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reports the arrest of 3,000 illegal immigrants tied to the protests.

4. Greenland: Trade Threats and International Pushback

• [02:31] Kevin Cork reports from Washington on President Trump’s sustained (and controversial) push to acquire Greenland:
  • The President threatens 10% tariffs (rising to 25% in June 2026) on all goods from NATO countries contributing troops to Greenland, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands, and Finland.
  • “You’re all on notice...that fee goes up to 25% in June. That is, of course, until the US is able to buy the island.” [02:57] (Quote: Kevin Cork, paraphrasing Trump's threat)
  • A "trade bazooka" is mentioned as a potential countermeasure by those European nations.
  • President Trump “has not ruled out U.S. military action in Greenland."

5. Diplomatic Developments: U.S. & U.K. Relations

• [03:35] Fox’s Jonathan Savage, from London:
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson is addressing the British Parliament as U.S.-U.K. relations are “strained.”
  • British politicians are described as “united in opposing President Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland.”
  • Speaker Johnson emphasizes diplomacy, stating he feels "honored and humbled," and reaffirms the long-standing partnership: “the two nations have stood together as pillars of peace and security across generations." [03:48] (Quote: Speaker Mike Johnson)

6. Sports Highlight: Historic Victory for Indiana Football

• [04:08] The Indiana Hoosiers win their first national football championship, defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 and finishing an unbeaten season (16-0).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ayatollah Khamenei, via state media: "Death to America, death to Israel. President Trump is a criminal." [00:19-00:35] (Paraphrased reporting)
• President Trump to Politico: “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran.” [00:52]
• Border Patrol Agent in Minneapolis: “Federal agents have the situation under control.” [01:28]
• Kevin Cork (on Trump’s tariff threats): “You’re all on notice... that fee goes up to 25% in June. That is, of course, until the US is able to buy the island.” [02:57]
• Speaker Mike Johnson in London: “The two nations have stood together as pillars of peace and security across generations.” [03:48]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02 — Iran protests escalate, U.S. moves military assets
• 00:19 — War of words: Ayatollah Khamenei, Trump exchange accusations
• 00:58 — 5,000 protesters killed (Iranian government claim), U.S. eyes Minneapolis unrest
• 01:11 — Minneapolis protests: Troop readiness, federal response
• 01:49 — 3,000 immigrants arrested (DHS update)
• 02:31 — Trump’s tariffs and Greenland acquisition efforts
• 03:35 — U.S.-U.K. relations, Speaker Johnson’s London visit
• 04:08 — Indiana Hoosiers football championship

Summary Tone and Takeaway

The cast maintains a rapid, urgent tone with a mix of sober reporting and pointed remarks, especially regarding international crises and the President’s controversial trade and foreign policy moves. Listeners are given a tense picture of global and domestic instability, with sharp lines drawn between U.S. executive actions and both foreign and local opposition. The sports highlight provides a brief but uplifting closing note.

For more on these developing stories, stay tuned to Fox News Radio.