Fox News Hourly Update: 3AM ET 01/14/2026 Newscast

Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Ted Lindner
Correspondents: Jeff Paul, Bill Melugin, Ainsley Earhart, Stephen Miller (guest/comment)

Main Theme

This newscast provides a rapid roundup of major news stories from the early hours of January 14, 2026. Key topics include U.S. political support for Iranian protesters, developments in high-profile investigations and government actions in the U.S., a major corporate bankruptcy, and updates on immigration enforcement. The tone combines urgent factual updates with strong political soundbites and commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Support for Iranian Protesters

• President Trump addressed ongoing protests in Iran, promising support for demonstrators despite a communications blackout.
• He urged continued resistance and called for protesters to hold abusers accountable.

Notable quotes:

• "[00:19] Bill Melugin (quoting President Trump): 'Keep protesting, take over your institutions if possible, and save the name of the killers and the abusers that are abusing you. You're being very badly abused.'"

• "[00:30] Jeff Paul: The president proclaiming that help is on the way shortly after the U.S. Based human rights activists news agency revealed that more than 2,000 had been killed amid the ongoing protests."

• "[00:49] Ted Lindner: President Trump has said he's considering military action as a potential response to the crackdown on protests."

• The context is extremely tense: over 2,000 protesters reportedly killed, and Iran’s government accuses Trump of inciting violence.

• Trump canceled all meetings with Iranian officials pending a halt to the killings of protesters.

• Iran declares readiness for any U.S. intervention.

2. Minneapolis ICE Shooting & Civil Rights Inquiry

• The Justice Department has declined to open a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of a woman, Renee Good, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis.
• FBI is still investigating, and local officials express concern over lack of access to evidence.
• Criticism arises over whether the federal decision is premature; Minnesota officials contest jurisdictional issues.

3. Corporate Bankruptcy: Saks Global

• Saks Global, parent of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Houston federal court.

4. Venezuelan Interim Government Releases U.S. Prisoners

• At least four U.S. citizens imprisoned under the Maduro regime have been released.
• The U.S. State Department calls this "an important step in the right direction" by Venezuela's interim authorities.

5. Minnesota Opposition to ICE Operations

• Top Democratic officials in Minnesota speak out against ICE activities in Minneapolis; the Trump administration accuses them of misrepresenting facts.
• White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller defends the administration’s crackdown on what he calls "insurgent networks."

Notable quote:

• "[02:58] Stephen Miller: 'ICE operations under President Trump's direction...we now have the resources we need not only to protect the safety and security of our ICE officers and our border agents and their operations, but to begin the work of identifying, disrupting and dismantling these insurgent networks.'"

• The reference is linked to the previously discussed shooting of Renee Good, which federal officials labeled domestic terrorism, while Democrats allege it as an unjustified killing.

6. Congressional Subpoena: Bill Clinton & Epstein Investigation

• Former President Bill Clinton failed to appear before the House Oversight Committee for a deposition regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, defying a federal subpoena.
• Hillary Clinton is similarly subpoenaed and her lawyers call the subpoenas "valid and legally unenforceable."
• No Democrats on the committee attended.
• If the House votes to hold Bill Clinton in contempt, it will be up to Attorney General Pam Bondi to possibly prosecute.

Notable quote:

• "[03:41] Bill Melugin: 'Despite being under a federal subpoena, Clinton failed to appear for a scheduled deposition with the House Oversight Committee as part of its Jeffrey Epstein investigation.'"

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Foreign Policy Tension: President Trump’s assertive promises to Iranian protesters and openness to military action (“There’s going to be a lot of help on the way and in different forms, including economic help.” — Trump, paraphrased by Jeff Paul, 00:30).
• Domestic Controversy: Minnesota’s officials challenging the federal government’s handling of the ICE shooting, and the labeling of the incident as domestic terrorism by federal officials but as “murder” by Democrats.
• Congressional Drama: A standoff over Bill Clinton’s refusal to appear before a House committee on Epstein, with legal and political consequences outlined.

Timestamps for Significant Segments

• Iranian Protests and U.S. stance — [00:03] to [00:49]
• ICE Shooting & Justice Department Decision — [00:49] to [01:31]
• Saks Global Bankruptcy Announcement — [01:31] to [01:50]
• Venezuelan Prisoners Released — [02:32] to [02:42]
• Minnesota/ICE and Trump Administration — [02:42] to [03:17]
• Bill Clinton Subpoena/Epstein Investigation — [03:17] to [04:19]

Brief Episode Takeaway

This newscast delivers a brisk sweep of top political, legal, and international stories that are shaping U.S. headlines, reflecting the tense and polarized tone of American news and politics in early 2026. The episode leans into high-profile controversies and provides direct soundbites from both government officials and critics, painting a picture of a nation—and a world—in flux and conflict.