Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: 3AM ET 01/17/2026 Newscast
Host: Chris DiMaio
Date: January 17, 2026

Main Theme

This concise newscast provides updates on ongoing protests against ICE in Minneapolis, developments in a high-profile Utah murder case, heightened protests and violence in Iran, and new U.S. tariffs related to Iranian allies. The episode is structured as a rapid-fire roundup of the day’s most urgent stories with direct field reports and legal developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis ICE Protests and Federal Response

• Protests Continue Despite Cold: Demonstrators remain active outside the Minneapolis federal building, protesting against ICE, even as temperatures drop into single digits and snow continues.

  • “The cold weather is not stopping them.” — Bill Melusion [00:39]

• Federal Agents Make Arrests:

  • Two protesters arrested after a skirmish near the federal building; one was maced.
  • Actions described as a sudden "bull rush" by federal agents.
    • “They just bull rushed two of those protesters who the feds will say were on federal property. They tried getting away. They took two of them down to the ground.” — Bill Melusion [00:17]
  • No tear gas used during this incident.

• Judicial Limitations on Federal Actions:

  • Judge rules federal agents in Minneapolis cannot detain or use tear gas against protesters who are not interfering with official operations.
  • Justice Department now investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walsh and others.
    • “A federal judge bars federal officers from detaining or deploying tear gas against peaceful protesters who were not obstructing authorities while participating in Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.” — Chris DiMaio [00:47]
  • Officers must show probable cause or reasonable suspicion before acting against peaceful demonstrators or observers.
    • “The ruling prohibits officers from retaliating against anyone peacefully protesting or observing their actions...” — Gary Baumgarten [01:14]

• Federal Stance:

  • DHS official claims they are protecting the public from "dangerous rioters."
  • National Guard troops to remain in Washington, D.C. through year’s end.
    • “National Guard troops will be on the Streets of Washington, D.C. till the end of the year.” — Chris DiMaio [01:44]

2. Utah Murder Case: Prosecutorial Conflict Debate

• Defense Seeks Prosecutor Removal:
  • Defense for Tyler Robinson (accused of killing Charlie Kirk) seeks to disqualify Utah County prosecutors due to possible conflict of interest: a prosecutor’s child was near the crime scene.
    • “Tyler Robinson's lawyers say… Prosecutor A was 85 ft away from Charlie Kirk when he was fatally shot in September, arguing this is a conflict of interest.” — Kristen Goodwin [02:48]
  • Judge did not immediately disqualify prosecutors, but did grant an evidentiary hearing.
• Courtroom Exchanges:
  • Defense presses Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray about what he knew regarding the involvement of "Prosecutor A’s" child.
    • “Gray explaining he didn't talk to anyone other than his team about what he heard from his colleague. Prosecutors calling the defense's motion a stall tactic.” — Kristen Goodwin [03:20]
  • Hearing scheduled to continue February 3.

3. Iran Protests and U.S. Response

• Escalating Violence in Iran:

  • Supreme Leader’s envoy calls for execution of "armed hypocrites," labels protesters as "Trump’s soldiers."
  • Regime crackdown: nearly 2,800 reported dead, 3,000 arrested. Reports of strong gunfire from security forces.
    • “The death toll from the regime's brutal response nearing 2800, according to a U.S.-based human rights group.” — Greg Palkot [03:40]
  • Communications blackout persists within Iran.
  • Exiled figures, including the late Shah’s son, vocal outside the country.

• U.S. Tariff Consequences:

  • President Trump threatens extra 25% tariffs on all countries working with Iran, specifically naming China, Russia, and Brazil.
    • “The president has also confirmed that any country that has been working with Iran will be getting an extra 25% tariff.” — Chris DiMaio [04:19]

Notable Quotes

• On Minneapolis Protest Intensity:
  “There were a couple of protesters standing in front of the main gate to this federal property… at the snap of their fingers, they just bull rushed two of those protesters…”
  — Bill Melusion [00:11]

• On Judicial Limits for Federal Agents:
  “The ruling prohibits officers from retaliating against anyone peacefully protesting or observing their actions, adding the agents must show probable cause or reasonable suspicion that someone has committed a crime or is interfering with law enforcement before taking action.”
  — Gary Baumgarten [01:14]

• On Court Strategy in High-Profile Murder Case:
  “Prosecutors calling the defense's motion a stall tactic. The hearing will continue on February 3rd.”
  — Kristen Goodwin [03:20]

• On Iran’s Deadly Crackdown:
  “The death toll from the regime's brutal response nearing 2800… many more injured and according to the government, 3,000 arrested.”
  — Greg Palkot [03:40]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minneapolis ICE Protest Arrests & Judicial Orders: 00:02 – 01:44
• National Guard Extension in D.C.: 01:44
• Utah Murder Case Prosecutor Challenge: 02:39 – 03:33
• Iran Protest Crackdown & U.S. Tariffs: 03:33 – 04:19

Tone and Delivery

The reporting is brisk, fact-driven, and leans into the urgency of developing stories. On-the-ground field reporters provide vivid imagery and build a tense, unfolding narrative, especially in Minneapolis and international coverage. Legal updates are presented with focus on due process and court proceedings, maintaining a tone of scrutiny and gravity.