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]
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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.
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Powell released a video on Sunday, asserting the investigation is political retaliation for his refusal to cut interest rates at President Trump’s request.
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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]
- Quote:
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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]
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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.
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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.
- Human rights groups report:
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Protests triggered by economic hardship, corruption, and calls for regime change.
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Iran accuses protesters of seeking to “please President Trump.”
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Iranian Warning:
- Iran threatens that U.S. and Israeli forces could become “legitimate targets” if the U.S. acts militarily.
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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.
