Fox News Hourly Update: 5AM ET, January 12, 2026

Host: Ted Lindner (FOX News)
Date: January 12, 2026
Episode Theme:
A rapid-fire roundup of top headlines, breaking news, and major cultural updates, including major investigations in Washington, escalating US-Iran tensions, Golden Globes highlights, and thrilling NFL playoff action.

1. Criminal Investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell

[00:03] – [00:47]

• The U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C. has launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell—specifically, his management of the Fed’s HQ renovation and truthfulness during Congressional testimony.

• Powell released a video on Sunday, asserting the investigation is political retaliation for his refusal to cut interest rates at President Trump’s request.

• He emphasized his nonpartisanship:

  • Quote:
    “I have served at the Federal Reserve under four administrations, Republicans and Democrats alike. In every case, I have carried out my duties without political fear or favor, focused solely on our mandate of price stability and maximum employment.”
    — Jerome Powell [00:32]

• Backdrop:

  • President Trump wanted lower rates to accelerate the economy; the Fed held back to avoid inflation.

2. U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate Amid Brutal Crackdown

[00:47] – [01:46]

• President Trump is evaluating responses to Iran’s crackdown on widespread anti-regime protests.

  • Options range from cyberattacks to direct U.S. or Israeli military action.

• Humanitarian Concerns:

  • Human rights groups report:
    • Over 500 protesters killed in 15 days.
    • Nearly 11,000 arrested.
    • Near-total communications blackout imposed by Iranian authorities.

• Protests triggered by economic hardship, corruption, and calls for regime change.

• Iran accuses protesters of seeking to “please President Trump.”

• Iranian Warning:

  • Iran threatens that U.S. and Israeli forces could become “legitimate targets” if the U.S. acts militarily.

• Quote:
  “President Trump is weighing a series of potential options against Iran. This amid the country’s brutal crackdown on protesters...”
  — Ashley Strohmeier (FOX) [01:04]

3. 83rd Annual Golden Globes Highlights

[02:32] – [03:12]

• Best Picture, Musical or Comedy:
  • One Battle after Another (Paul Thomas Anderson) – won four awards; focuses on deep political divisions in America.
• Best Picture, Drama:
  • Hamnet – won two Globes.
• Best Actor:
  • Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme.”
  • Quote:
    “I’d be lying if I didn’t say those moments didn’t make this moment that much sweeter. For my parents, for my partner, I love you. Thank you so much.”
    — Timothée Chalamet [03:05]
• TV:
  • “Adolescents” won four Globes for limited series “The Pit” and “The Studio 2.”

4. NFL Wildcard Weekend Thrillers

[03:28] – [04:14]

• New Super Bowl Champion Assured:
  • 49ers: Brock Purdy hits Christian McCaffrey for a late TD, defeating defending champs Eagles (23-19).
  • Note: George Kittle (49ers) suffered a torn Achilles.
• AFC Showdown:
  • Bills (Josh Allen) ran in a go-ahead score with just over a minute to play, defeating Jaguars (27-24).
  • Quote:
    “The wherewithal to again not blink. And I think that’s just the mantra that we have adopted this year—if we’ve got time left and we got the ball, we got a shot.”
    — Josh Allen [04:01]
• Patriots: First playoff game since 2021; beat the Chargers (16-3).
• Quote:
  “There will be a new super bowl champion this year.”
  — Tim McMaster (FOX) [03:33]

5. Protests in Los Angeles in Support of Iran Demonstrators

[04:14] – [04:28]

• Incident: At least two people injured in L.A. during protests supporting anti-regime demonstrators in Iran.
• Location: Westwood, LA.
• Perpetrator: Male driver taken into custody; name not released.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Jerome Powell’s Defiant Statement:
  “I have served at the Federal Reserve under four administrations ... carried out my duties without political fear or favor.” [00:32]
• Ashley Strohmeier’s Iran Update:
  “Responses reportedly include both military and non-military action.” [01:04]
• Timothée Chalamet’s Emotional Acceptance:
  “Those moments didn’t make this moment that much sweeter.” [03:05]
• Josh Allen’s Playoff Mantra:
  “If we’ve got time left and we got the ball, we got a shot.” [04:01]
• NFL Shift:
  “There will be a new super bowl champion this year.” [03:33]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:03] Federal Reserve Powell Investigation
• [00:47] US-Iran Tensions & Crackdown
• [02:32] Golden Globes Award Recap
• [03:28] NFL Wildcard Highlights
• [04:14] LA Protests for Iran

This episode packs essential national news—all in under five minutes—offering listeners a concise but thorough update on top stories in politics, world affairs, entertainment, and sports.