Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET, January 18, 2026

Host: Chris DiMaio
Date: January 18, 2026
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update

Main Theme

This newscast provides a fast-paced rundown of the top breaking news stories as of January 18, 2026. Key topics include President Trump’s new tariffs on NATO allies over Greenland, escalating protests and legal tension in Minnesota over immigration enforcement, a recap of NFL playoff action, the historic swearing-in of Virginia’s first female governor, and high-profile law enforcement and international stories.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. US Imposes Tariffs Over Greenland Dispute

• [00:02-00:56]
  • President Trump announces sweeping new tariffs on NATO countries that do not support “American control of Greenland.”
  • Effective February 1, 2026: 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.
  • Tariffs will increase to 25% on June 1, 2026, remaining in place until a deal is made for the complete purchase of Greenland.
  • Notable global pushback:
    • French President Emmanuel Macron:

      “No intimidation nor threat will influence us.” (00:35)

    • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer:

      “We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US Administration.” (00:42)

  • Uncertainty remains over potential retaliatory tariffs and the legality of Trump’s move, with a Supreme Court ruling expected soon.

2. Protests and Legal Showdown in Minnesota

• [00:56-01:44]
  • Ongoing protests in Minneapolis as the Justice Department investigates Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly conspiring to remove ICE agents.
  • Governor Walz calls in the National Guard for traffic support amid escalating demonstrations, though Guard not yet deployed.
  • Sub-zero rallies spark tense confrontations outside City Hall.
  • Significant legal development:
    • Minnesota judge rules that federal officers cannot detain or use tear gas against peaceful protesters in Minneapolis.
  • Protesters allege ICE agents are violating their constitutional rights.

3. Deadly Avalanches in Western Australia

• [01:44-02:00]
  • Five skiers die in two avalanches in western Australia. (Brief headline coverage)

4. NFL Playoff Update

• [02:32-03:19]
  • [Joe Morgan, Fox Sports]
    • AFC: New England Patriots host Houston Texans. Patriots aim for first AFC Championship appearance since 2018; Texans have yet to qualify.
    • NFC: Chicago Bears face Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field, with extreme cold and snow conditions likely.
    • Bears, coached by Ben Johnson in his first year, could reach their first conference title game since 2010.

5. Virginia’s Historic Milestone: First Female Governor

• [03:19-03:55]
  • Abigail Spanberger sworn in Saturday as Virginia’s first female governor.
    • Spanberger notes the historic gravity of the moment, expressing gratitude for prior generations who fought for women’s voting rights:

      “An abiding sense of gratitude to those who work generation after generation to ensure women could be among those casting ballots.” (03:26)

    • She expresses hopes for bipartisan cooperation in Washington, ready to “stand up for Virginia and its economy.”
    • Succeeds former governor Glenn Youngkin.

6. Top Ten Fugitive Arrest; Plane Crash in Indonesia

• [03:55-04:29]
  • FBI Director Cash Patel: Announces the capture of Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a Top Ten Most Wanted fugitive, in Mexico. Castillo awaits extradition to North Carolina for the 2017 murder of Sandy Lee.
  • In Indonesia, rescue teams recover wreckage believed to be from a missing plane with 11 on board.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Tariffs and Greenland:

  • President Trump’s administration escalates international tensions with large-scale tariffs, sparking swift rebukes from European leaders.

    Macron: “No intimidation nor threat will influence us.” (00:35) Starmer: “We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US Administration.” (00:42)

• Spanberger Reflects on History:

  “An abiding sense of gratitude to those who work generation after generation to ensure women could be among those casting ballots.”
  (Abigail Spanberger, 03:26)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – President Trump’s tariffs on NATO countries over Greenland
• 00:35 – Macron’s response: “No intimidation nor threat will influence us.”
• 00:42 – Starmer on diplomatic response
• 00:56 – Protest and ICE controversy in Minnesota
• 01:44 – Protester perspectives and legal ruling
• 02:32 – NFL playoff matchups with Joe Morgan
• 03:19 – Abigail Spanberger becomes Virginia’s first female governor
• 03:26 – Spanberger’s gratitude for historical struggle for women’s rights
• 03:55 – Capture of FBI Top Ten fugitive
• 04:05 – Indonesian plane crash update

Summary Tone

The newscast is brisk, fact-driven, and focuses on rapidly unfolding political, legal, and social developments, with measured directness typical of broadcast news. The hosts and correspondents maintain a straightforward tone, emphasizing urgency and public reaction to unfolding stories.