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.