Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET 01/13/2026 Newscast

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: January 13, 2026
Summary by: Podcast Summarizer

Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers breaking national and international stories, focusing on escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, controversy at the Federal Reserve, federal actions in Minnesota regarding welfare fraud, and ongoing debates about U.S. tariff policy. The tone throughout is brisk, urgent, and direct, reflecting the format of an early-morning radio newscast.

Key Discussion Points

1. U.S. Increases Pressure on Iran

• Economic Pressure & Tariffs

  • President Trump imposes 25% tariffs on goods from nations trading with Iran, aiming to punish the regime's crackdown on anti-government protests.
    • “Iran’s trading partners will face a 25% tariff on goods imported to the U.S.,” – Jared Halperin [00:14]

• Potential Military Threats

  • President Trump warns of potential military action if Iran continues to suppress dissent violently.

• Diplomatic Overtures

  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt notes that, despite public hostility, Iranian officials have privately reached out for possible talks.
    • “Expressing a far different tone than what you’re seeing publicly…” – Jared Halperin [00:32]

• Iranian Warnings

  • Iranian leaders caution that U.S. military bases could become legitimate targets if America intervenes.

• Communication Blackouts & Death Toll

  • Mobile service is partially restored in Iran after recent government-imposed shutdowns during protest crackdowns.
  • Estimates suggest 650 deaths in recent demonstrations.
    • “Corn estimates as many as 650 people may have been killed by Iranian security forces so far.” – Ted Lindner [00:44]

2. Federal Reserve Investigation

• Powell’s Testimony & Administration Pressure

  • President Trump claims ignorance of a criminal investigation into Fed Chairman Jerome Powell regarding cost overruns in Federal Reserve building renovations.
  • Grand jury subpoenas focus on June Senate testimony, where Powell defended renovation costs exceeding $2.6 billion.

• Powell’s Response

  • “I have carried out my duties without political fear or favor.” – Jerome Powell [01:07]
  • Powell suggests that threats of criminal charges are retaliation for the Fed setting interest rates independently.
    • “The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the president.” – Jerome Powell [01:29]

• Renovation Controversy

  • Contested expenses include VIP elevators, marble roofs, and terrace gardens.

• Justice Department Stance

  • DOJ pledges to prioritize investigations into any abuse of taxpayer funds.

3. DHS & ICE Operations in Minnesota

• Federal Response to Alleged Daycare Fraud

  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) increases agent deployment amid reports—initially sparked by a viral conservative influencer video—of widespread welfare fraud.
  • Payments for childcare programs in Minnesota and other states paused.

• State AG Response

  • Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison files a lawsuit challenging DHS actions.
    • “End the DHS unlawful behavior in our state. The intimidation, the threats, the violence.” – Keith Ellison [02:48]

• ICE Director’s Rebuttal

  • “You know, that’s 100% false...we conduct targeted enforcement so we know exactly who we’re going after.” – Todd Lyons [03:01]

• Political and Legal Fallout

  • Rep. Ilhan Omar criticizes federal probe as disruptive; Rep. Wesley Hunt accuses Omar of questionable financial dealings and argues that more investigations are necessary.
    • “The idea that we are discovering fraud at the federal level…Ilhan Omar makes about $174,000 a year, but somehow…she is worth $30 million allegedly, which should be investigated…” – Wesley Hunt [03:40]

4. Tariffs & Supreme Court Challenge

• Trump’s Economic Warning

  • President Trump warns of a “financial disaster” should the Supreme Court overturn global tariffs; claims the government might have to repay tariff revenue.
  • “The government could be forced to repay hundreds of billions of dollars in tariff revenue.” – Ted Lindner [03:56]
  • To date, tariffs have raised $215 billion.

• Pending Legal Decision

  • Supreme Court ruling on the tariffs is expected as soon as Wednesday.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jared Halperin on diplomacy:
  “Expressing a far different tone than what you’re seeing publicly…” [00:32]

• Jerome Powell on central bank independence:
  “I have carried out my duties without political fear or favor.” [01:07]
  “The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public…” [01:29]

• ICE’s Todd Lyons defending his agency:
  “That’s 100% false…we conduct targeted enforcement so we know exactly who we’re going after…” [03:01]

• Rep. Wesley Hunt on federal fraud investigations:
  “Ilhan Omar makes about $174,000 a year, but somehow…she is worth $30 million allegedly, which should be investigated…” [03:40]

Important Timestamps

• 00:03 – Lead: Trump pressures Iran, new tariffs, and military threats
• 00:44 – Communication returns in Iran, protest death toll updates
• 01:07–01:29 – Fed Chairman Powell responds to investigation and defends his actions
• 02:32 – DHS increases presence in Minnesota over alleged welfare fraud, state sues federal government
• 03:01 – ICE Director rebuts charges of race-based enforcement
• 03:40 – Rep. Wesley Hunt’s comments on Ilhan Omar; federal fraud investigation
• 03:56 – Trump warns of consequences if Supreme Court strikes down tariffs

This concise newscast delivered a high-speed overview of major U.S. political and global events, focusing on escalating tensions with Iran, Federal Reserve autonomy under fire, aggressive federal action in Minnesota, and the Trump administration's tariff policy reaching a legal crossroads. The reporting alternated between direct news update, quotes from key officials, and pointed political commentary, offering listeners a snapshot of the morning’s most urgent stories.