Summary4 min read

Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET 01/16/2026 Newscast

Host: Ted Lindner, FOX News
Date: January 16, 2026

Episode Overview

This hourly newscast delivers a succinct roundup of the latest major U.S. and international news as of the early hours of January 16, 2026. Key topics include rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, domestic unrest surrounding immigration enforcement, a significant earthquake off Oregon’s coast, a pivotal legal hearing in Utah, immigration policy updates in Florida, and a landmark trade deal with Taiwan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.–Iran Tensions and Potential Military Action

[00:03 – 00:30]

Iran has defied U.S. warnings; government forces killed thousands of protesters, raising international alarm.
President Trump is reportedly considering military options, with U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz signaling all responses are possible.

“He has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter and no one should know that better than the leadership of the Iranian regime.”
— Mike Waltz, U.N. Ambassador [00:19]
Regional powers Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey warn U.S. strikes could escalate into a broader conflict.
Iran claims Israeli intelligence and groups mimicking ISIS are provoking the U.S.

2. Intensifying Immigration and ICE Protests

[00:30 – 01:32]

Ongoing and increasingly violent anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis, including property damage and confrontations with authorities.
President Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military troops against the protests.
Reports of protesters breaking into a vehicle, stealing a gun safe, and assaulting ICE agents during an attempted arrest of a Venezuelan national.

“Protesters broke into a vehicle. They got their hands on what appeared to be a gun safe... The latest unrest happens as federal agents say they were ambushed while trying to arrest an illegal immigrant from Venezuela.”
— Alexis McAdams, Live from Minneapolis [00:59]
ICE claims agents opened fire in self-defense after being attacked.

3. Oregon Offshore Earthquake

[01:32 – 02:00]

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck 186 miles west of Bandon, Oregon.
Happened around 7:25 pm Pacific Time, Thursday.
No tsunami warnings or reported injuries.

4. Utah Court Hearing on Prosecution Removal in High-Profile Case

[02:39 – 03:23]

Focus: Whether prosecutors can continue in the Charlie Kirk assassination case.
Defense argues for removal of Utah County Attorney’s Office due to a potential conflict — a prosecutor’s child was present and texting during the event.
Prosecution denies bias, stating their death penalty pursuit is fact-based.

“The defense claims those texts play into a bias that could influence the case... The Utah county's attorney's office rejecting that claim.”
— Jeff Manasso, FOX News [02:48]

5. Immigration Enforcement and Federal Incentives in Florida

[03:23 – 04:11]

Polk County receives over $1 million for cooperating with ICE.
Under 287(g) agreements, local law enforcement teams up with ICE.
In 2025, 557 undocumented immigrants with criminal charges were arrested in Polk County.
Florida officials present checks and push for stricter immigration laws.

“The agencies have been working under the 287 agreement for less than a year, partnering with ICE and helping them to arrest illegal immigrants.”
— Carla Byron, FOX News [03:32]

6. Major U.S.–Taiwan Trade and Tech Deal

[04:11 – 04:36]

The U.S. and Taiwan reach an agreement to build microchip factories in the U.S.
Taiwanese firms to invest at least $250 billion in American chip production.
U.S. lowers certain tariffs, including a full exemption for Taiwanese generic pharmaceuticals.

“Taiwanese chip and tech companies will invest at least $250 billion in productive capacity and production capacity in the U.S. In exchange, the U.S. will reduce reciprocal tariffs on Taiwan from 20 to 15% and also commit to zero reciprocal tariffs on generic pharmaceuticals.”
— Ted Lindner [04:11]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“He has made it clear all options are on the table...” — U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz [00:19]
“Protesters broke into a vehicle. They got their hands on what appeared to be a gun safe...” — Alexis McAdams, Minneapolis [00:59]
“The defense claims those texts play into a bias that could influence the case...” — Jeff Manasso, Utah [02:48]
“The agencies have been working under the 287 agreement for less than a year, partnering with ICE...” — Carla Byron, Polk County [03:32]
“Taiwanese chip and tech companies will invest at least $250 billion...” — Ted Lindner [04:11]

Timeline of Important Segments

00:03 – Iran protests crisis and possible U.S. military response
00:30 – Anti-ICE protests and administration response
00:59 – Live update from Minneapolis protests
01:32 – Oregon earthquake report
02:39 – Utah court case controversy
03:23 – Federal funding for Florida’s immigration enforcement
04:11 – U.S.–Taiwan chip trade deal

This fast-paced episode captures urgent news events, policy decisions, and international relations updates, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the top stories shaping the news agenda at the start of January 16, 2026.

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Transcript13 lines

[00:03]
A
Weighing his options in Iran. I'm Ted Lindner, FOX News. The Middle east is waiting to see how President Trump responds after Iran defied his warnings and killed thousands of protesters in the streets. Speaking to the United Nations Security Council, UN Ambassador Mike Waltz says the president's still considering military intervention.
[00:19]
B
He has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter and no one should know that better than the leadership of the Iranian regime.
[00:31]
A
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey warned the president that strikes would lead to a wider conflict. Iran warning it'll retaliate. Its foreign minister claiming to Fox that Israeli intelligence forces and gangs mimicking ISIS were trying to provoke a reaction from the United States. Anti ICE protests continuing in Minneapolis Thursday night. President Trump threatening to invoke the Insurrection act and deploy troops to quell persistent protests against Immigration and Customs enforcement officers. Fox's Alexis McAdams is there in Minneapolis with more.
[01:00]
C
Protesters broke into a vehicle. They got their hands on what appeared to be a gun safe, according to authorities, and took other gear from that vehicle. It comes as anti ICE protests also exploded here again, but people were throwing fireworks and rock, splashing the windshields, spray painting cars and more. The latest unrest happens as federal agents say they were ambushed while trying to arrest an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. ICE tells us an agent opened fire in self defense after he and two other illegal immigrants from Venezuela attacked an ICE agent with a shovel and a broomstick.
[01:33]
A
And a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Oregon on Thursday night. The USGS saying the epicenter was located well offshore away from populated areas about 186 miles west of Bandon, Oregon. This all happening around 7:25 this evening Pacific time. And no tsunami warnings were issued, no reports of any injuries. America's listening to FOX News.
[02:00]
B
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[02:40]
A
A court hearing in Utah is set for today over whether or not prosecutors and the Charlie Kirk assassination can stay on the case. Fox's Jeff Manasso with more Accused killer.
[02:49]
D
Tyler Robinson's defense team will argue to a judge in Utah county that the entire county attorney's office should be removed from the case, citing a conflict of interest that one of the prosecutor's children was in the crowd at UVU September 10, witnessed the chaos and texted their parent about what was happening. The defense claims those texts play into a bias that could influence the case in which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. The Utah county's attorney's office rejecting that claim, saying their decision to seek capital punishment was based on the strength of the evidence. Jeff Manasseo, Fox News.
[03:23]
A
Florida's Polk county given more than a million dollars for cooperating with the Trump administration's immigration efforts. FOX 13 Tampa Bay's Carla Byron has more from Polk County.
[03:33]
E
The Polk County Sheriff's Office was one of five law enforcement agencies to receive a reimbursement check from the federal government for their immigration enforcement efforts. The agencies have been working under the 287 agreement for less than a year, partnering with ICE and helping them to arrest illegal immigrants. Jeff Grady Judd says in 2025 his agency arrested 557 people who were in the country illegally and who had criminal charges. They have either been deported or remain in ICE custody. Along with presenting the checks, the state's chief financial officer, Blaise Angolia, highlighted bill proposals to deter illegal immigration in Polk County. Carla Byron, FOX News and the US.
[04:12]
A
And Taiwan have reached a trade deal to build microchips and chip factories in the United States. The Commerce Department saying that Taiwanese chip and tech companies will invest at least $250 billion in productive capacity and production capacity in the U.S. in exchange, the U.S. will reduce reciprocal tariffs on Taiwan from 20 to 15% and also commit to zero reciprocal tariffs on generic pharmaceuticals. I'm Ted Lindner. This is Fox News.
[04:36]
E
This is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining me for the 52 episode podcast series the Life of.
[04:41]
D
Jesus, a listening experience that will provide hope, comfort and understanding of the greatest story ever told. Listen and follow now@foxnewspodcasts.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.