Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: 3AM ET 01/23/2026 Newscast
Host: Ted Lindner
Date: January 23, 2026

Episode Overview

This broadcast delivers a rapid-fire overview of breaking US and international news. Top stories include Congressional spending legislation to avert a government shutdown, Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Minnesota addressing ICE-local cooperation, recent protests and arrests in St. Paul, a looming nationwide winter storm, an update on the TikTok/ByteDance deal, former President Trump’s remarks about special counsel Jack Smith, the death toll from Iran’s protest crackdowns, and Meta layoffs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressional Efforts to Avert Government Shutdown

• [00:02] The House passed four appropriations bills, as part of a total of 12 bills amounting to $1.2 trillion, to prevent a government shutdown.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson: “The House has now passed all 12 appropriations bills and the Senate will soon do the same and the president is going to sign them into law. What a concept, gentlemen.”
  • The Senate is expected to take up the bills next week, before the January 30 deadline.

2. Immigration Enforcement and ICE Controversy in Minnesota

• [00:34] Vice President J.D. Vance visited Minnesota, urging local and state officials to cooperate more fully with ICE.
  • VP Vance (paraphrased): Cooperation with ICE would reduce chaos in the Twin Cities, with violence over ICE operations more severe in Minnesota than elsewhere.
  • He stated that he does not believe invoking the Insurrection Act is necessary “right now,” but “if things get worse, that would be a real problem” ([00:56]).
  • Governor Tim Walz remains staunchly critical of ICE: “Its campaign of retribution has got to stop.”

3. Protests and Arrests at Minnesota Church

• [01:13] – [01:40] The Department of Homeland Security announced an arrest following anti-ICE protests at a St. Paul church.
  • At least three protesters arrested for interrupting a church service and shouting at worshippers for half an hour. They're facing potential federal charges for interfering with religious freedom.
  • Reporter: “At least one made her first appearance in federal court.”
  • VP Vance (reiterated): “The biggest problem is the lack of cooperation between the two sides.”

4. Upcoming Winter Storm

• [02:32] A “triple whammy” winter storm is forecast to hit the country starting Friday night, affecting over 200 million Americans.
  • Louisiana State Climatologist Jay Grimes ([02:43]): “Ice for the northern parishes followed by snow, followed by that bitter cold arctic air.”

5. TikTok Spinoff Deal

• [02:52] The US and China reached a spinoff deal allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US, addressing concerns over Chinese parent ByteDance.
  • A new joint venture to be led by American investors Oracle and Silver Lake.

6. President Trump and Special Counsel Jack Smith

• [03:22] In response to House Judiciary Committee testimony:
  • President Trump (via Truth Social): Called special counsel Jack Smith “deranged” and said, “Smith destroyed the lives of innocent people and at a minimum committed large scale perjury.”
  • Smith defended his investigations into Trump post-2020 election, stating evidence showed Trump “committed serious crimes.”

7. Iran Protest Crackdown Death Toll

• [03:53] Activist reports indicate the protest death toll in Iran has reached at least 5,002, with internet blackouts hampering news.

8. Meta Layoffs

• [03:53] Meta is laying off hundreds—possibly 1,500—workers, primarily in its Reality Labs division, as it pivots further toward AI development.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Speaker Mike Johnson ([00:14]): “The House has now passed all 12 appropriations bills and the Senate will soon do the same and the president is going to sign them into law. What a concept, gentlemen.”
• VP J.D. Vance ([00:56]): "Right now… I do not believe the Insurrection Act is needed. But if things get worse, that would be a real problem."
• Governor Tim Walz ([00:59]): “Its [ICE’s] campaign of retribution has got to stop.”
• Louisiana State Climatologist Jay Grimes ([02:43]): "It's a triple whammy. Ice for the northern parishes followed by snow, followed by that bitter cold arctic air."
• President Trump ([03:28]): "Smith destroyed the lives of innocent people and at a minimum committed large scale perjury."

Timeline & Timestamps For Important Segments

• [00:02] – Government shutdown threat; House passes spending bills
• [00:34] – VP Vance in Minnesota, calls for more ICE cooperation
• [01:13] – Arrests after anti-ICE protest at St. Paul church
• [02:32] – Winter storm forecast for the US
• [02:52] – TikTok spinoff deal with US and China
• [03:22] – Trump denounces Special Counsel Jack Smith
• [03:53] – Update: Iran’s protest death toll, Meta layoffs

Tone and Style

Consistent with Fox News’ brisk, headline-driven delivery, the broadcast is fact-focused, direct, and urgent with quotations provided verbatim from political figures and expert sources.

End of Summary