Fox News Hourly Update — 9AM ET 01/18/2026

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This newscast delivers quick, high-impact updates on major U.S. and international stories, spotlighting American military operations in Syria, a high-profile fugitive arrest, safety developments in Miami, updates on legal cases involving former president Trump, Supreme Court cases on gun laws, and a historic political transition in Virginia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Strikes in Syria

• Ongoing Operations:
  • The U.S. has launched another strike targeting ISIS in central Syria, part of “Operation Hawkeye Strike,” begun December 22, 2025, after an attack killed two Iowa National Guardsmen and an American interpreter.
  • [00:11] “U.S. Central Command... say that a strike resulted in the death of a leader affiliated with al Qaeda who had direct ties to an ISIS terrorist responsible for that ambush attack...” — Madeleine Rivera.
  • Over 100 ISIS-affiliated targets in Syria have been hit under this operation.

2. FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Detained

• Arrest of Alejandro Castillo:
  • [00:52] The FBI has arrested Alejandro Castillo, wanted since 2017, in Mexico.
  • Castillo was charged with the 2016 murder of a former coworker, Sandy Lee, in Charlotte, NC. After the crime, he and an alleged accomplice fled and crossed into Mexico.
  • [01:03] “Castillo is awaiting extradition back to the United States. He is the fifth FBI 10 Most Wanted fugitive captured since last year.” — Chanley Painter.

3. Miami Bridge Construction Accident

• Worksite Mishap:
  • [01:26] Six workers were hospitalized after a pillar collapsed at the Signature Bridge site in Miami. The Florida Department of Transportation clarified the bridge itself did not collapse.
  • Five workers are listed in critical condition.

4. Legal Allegations Involving Michael Cohen and Donald Trump

• Prosecutorial Pressure Alleged:
  • [02:39] Michael Cohen, former lawyer to Donald Trump, claims in a substack post that he was pressured by prosecutors to deliver testimony supporting prosecution in the hush money and civil fraud cases.
  • [02:49] “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 conviction against President Trump.”
  • [03:13] “Letitia James and Alvin Bragg… may not share the same office... 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.

5. Supreme Court to Review Hawaii Gun Law

• Gun Rights Showdown:
  • [03:26] The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments about a Hawaii law that bans concealed carry permit holders from bringing guns onto private property open to the public without explicit owner permission.
  • The law is being challenged after the Supreme Court’s Bruen ruling (which expanded gun rights), and the court will now determine if Hawaii’s restrictions align with historical firearm regulation.
  • [03:37] “Officials in Hawaii said their law satisfies Bruin, that it balances the needs of property owners with the rights of gun owners. But Hawaii residents Jason and Alison Wolford sued.” — CB Cotton.

6. Historic Virginia Gubernatorial Inauguration

• Abigail Spanberger Becomes Governor:
  • [04:16] Abigail Spanberger was sworn in as Virginia’s first female governor, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl Sears.
  • She took a pointed stance regarding federal leadership:
    • [04:21] “I know many of you are worried about the recklessness coming out of Washington.” — Abigail Spanberger.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Military Strike:
  • [00:11] Madeleine Rivera: “They say that a strike resulted in the death of a leader affiliated with al Qaeda who had direct ties to an ISIS terrorist…”
• Fugitive Capture:
  • [01:03] Chanley Painter: “He is the fifth FBI 10 Most Wanted fugitive captured since last year.”
• Legal Pressure Claims:
  • [02:49] Michael Cohen: “Pressured and coerced to only provide information and testimony that would satisfy the government’s desire...”
• Supreme Court Preview:
  • [03:37] CB Cotton: “Officials in Hawaii said their law satisfies Bruin, that it balances the needs of property owners with the rights of gun owners.”
• Virginia Governor’s Warning:
  • [04:21] Abigail Spanberger: “I know many of you are worried about the recklessness coming out of Washington.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• U.S. Syria Strikes: [00:02]–[00:52]
• Alejandro Castillo Arrest: [00:52]–[01:26]
• Miami Construction Accident: [01:26]–[02:00]
• Michael Cohen’s Allegations: [02:39]–[03:26]
• Supreme Court Hawaii Gun Law: [03:26]–[04:16]
• Abigail Spanberger Inauguration: [04:16]–[04:36]

This episode delivers succinct but significant updates, blending U.S. military action and security issues with political, legal, and social developments, all in a brisk, clear style characteristic of Fox News’ hourly updates.