Fox News Hourly Update – 7AM ET, January 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers concise coverage of major national and international news stories as of January 18, 2026. The primary focus is on escalating U.S. military action in Syria, ongoing unrest and leadership crisis in Iran, former President Trump’s trade threats, Michael Cohen's allegations of prosecutorial pressure, a significant Supreme Court gun rights case, and historic political change in Virginia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Action Against ISIS in Syria

• Operation Hawkeye Strike: The U.S. conducted another strike on ISIS targets in central Syria, continuing the military campaign initiated on December 22, 2025, in response to an attack that killed two Iowa National Guard members and an American interpreter.
• Objectives and Outcomes:
  • Attack targeted a leader affiliated with Al Qaeda, linked to the ISIS militant responsible for the ambush that killed U.S. personnel.
  • Notable Statistic: 100 ISIS-related targets have been struck in Syria as part of this operation.

“The U.S. saying that they did another strike in central Syria, part of Operation Hawkeye strike, which the US launched on December 22 in response to the attack that led to the death of two members of the Iowa National Guard as well as an American civilian interpreter.”
— Unidentified Fox News Correspondent [00:08]

2. Iran Crisis: Protests, U.S. Policy, and Trump’s Response

• Protests Intensify: Mass protests continue across Iran, sparked by economic grievances, corruption, and calls for regime change; thousands reported dead, injured, or arrested.
• Communication Blackout: Iran is under near-total communications lockdown.
• President Trump’s Stance:
  • In a statement to Politico, Trump called Iran’s supreme leader “a sick man” and urged an end to the killing of Iranian citizens.
  • U.S. is considering military, non-military, and cyberattack responses; additional military resources are being deployed to the region.
  • Iran accuses Trump of criminality, vowing retaliation if attacked.
  • Announced an extra 25% tariff for any country working with Iran—including China, Russia, and Brazil.

“Trump telling Politico Saturday that Iran’s supreme leader is a sick man who should stop killing his people. Thousands have reportedly been killed nationwide over the past three weeks...”
— Ainsley Earhardt [01:01]

“...any country that's been working with Iran will be getting an extra 25% tariff hit. These countries could include, he says, China, Russia and Brazil.”
— Paul Stevens [01:39]

3. Michael Cohen’s Allegations Against Prosecutors

• Pressured Testimony: Michael Cohen, President Trump’s former lawyer, claims in a substack post that he was pressured by Manhattan DA and NY Attorney General to provide damaging testimony against Trump, alleging a politically motivated strategy.
• Quote Attribution:
  • “Cohen wrote in a substack post that from the time he began meeting with prosecutors in the Manhattan DA’s office and the New York Attorney General’s office, he felt, quote, pressured and coerced to only provide information and testimony that would satisfy the government’s desire to build the cases against and secure a judgment and convictions against President Trump.”
    — Unidentified Reporter or Analyst [02:39]
  • “Letitia James and Alvin Bragg may not share the same office or political calendar, but they share the same playbook. Both use their platforms to elevate their profiles to claim the mantle of the officials who took down Trump.”
    — Michael Cohen, cited by Unidentified Reporter or Analyst [03:00]

4. Supreme Court and Hawaii Gun Law

• Upcoming Case: The Supreme Court is set to review a Hawaii law restricting concealed carry permit holders from carrying firearms onto private property open to the public without the owner's permission.
• Context: This is in light of the Bruen ruling affirming broad gun rights while allowing some regulatory tradition.
• Contestation: Hawaii officials claim their law balances property and gun rights; residents have sued, and SCOTUS will now decide.

“Hawaii passed a law that prohibits someone with a concealed carry permit from bringing a gun onto private property that is open to the public unless the property owner gives permission...The Supreme Court has agreed to consider Hawaii’s ban.”
— Jessica Rosenthal [03:27]

5. Virginia’s First Female Governor

• Abigail Spanberger's Inauguration: Democrat Abigail Spanberger is sworn in as Virginia’s first female governor.
• Election Outcome: Defeated Republican Lt. Governor Winsome Earl Sears.
• Political Message: Spanberger takes a subtle jab at the Trump White House, underscoring local concerns about federal leadership.

“Sworn in yesterday as the first female governor of Virginia, taking a dig at the Trump White House.”
— Paul Stevens [04:07]

“I know many of you are worried... about the recklessness coming out of Washington.”
— Unidentified Fox News Host quoting Governor Spanberger [04:12]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Trump telling Politico Saturday that Iran's supreme leader is a sick man who should stop killing his people.” — Ainsley Earhardt [01:01]
• “Letitia James and Alvin Bragg may not share the same office or political calendar, but they share the same playbook. Both use their platforms to elevate their profiles to claim the mantle of the officials who took down Trump.” — Cited from Michael Cohen [03:00]
• “I know many of you are worried about the recklessness coming out of Washington.” — Governor Spanberger, quoted [04:12]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• U.S. Syria Strike & Operation Hawkeye – 00:02–00:50
• Iran Protests, Trump Response & Potential Tariffs – 00:50–01:39
• Michael Cohen’s Claims Against Prosecutors – 02:32–03:18
• Supreme Court: Hawaii Gun Law – 03:18–04:07
• Abigail Spanberger Inaugurated VA Governor – 04:07–04:18

Final Notes

This Fox News hourly update prioritizes breaking developments in global security and U.S. politics. The reporting is direct and crisp, with authoritative attributions and clear articulation of each topic’s national or international significance. For listeners seeking a high-level newscast, this episode delivers key headlines with immediacy and clarity.