Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET 01/12/2026 Newscast
Date: January 13, 2026
Host: Lisa Lacera (Fox News Podcasts)
Episode Overview
This Fox News Hourly Update delivers an overview of the most pressing national and international headlines of January 12, 2026. Major topics include a lawsuit over federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, escalating US-Iran tensions amid protests, a legal battle over transgender athletes in women’s sports, a major nurse strike in New York City, and the high-profile return of a pro golfer to the PGA. The episode features a blend of reporting, official statements, and reactions from those directly involved.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Minnesota vs. Federal Government over Immigration Enforcement
[00:02 - 00:26]
- Minnesota and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis & St. Paul) have filed a lawsuit against the federal government.
- The lawsuit challenges the ongoing federal immigration crackdown, which local officials assert unfairly targets Minnesota for its “diversity, democracy, and differences of opinion” with federal practices.
- Attorney General Keith Ellison calls this "a violation of the Constitution and of federal law."
- Recent ICE operations have resulted in the death of a woman in Minneapolis, prompting protests locally and nationwide.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) counters that their actions are legal, noting a surge of 2,000 agents leading to 2,000+ arrests.
Notable quote (Keith Ellison):
"Obvious targeting of Minnesota for our diversity, for our democracy and our differences of opinion with the federal government is a violation of the Constitution and of federal law." (00:13)
2. Iran Protests and U.S. Response
[00:26 - 01:47]
- Activist sources in Iran estimate at least 646 deaths in nationwide anti-government protests, though communications blackouts prevent independent verification.
- The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency is cited for its credible protest coverage.
- President Trump has intensified economic pressure on Iran, announcing a new 25% tariff on all countries doing business with Iran, taking effect immediately.
- Trump warns Tehran of possible U.S. military strikes should deadly force escalate against demonstrators, drawing a "red line."
- Heavy sanctions already exist, but key Iranian trading partners—including China, Brazil, Russia, and Turkey—are implicated by the new tariffs.
Notable quote (President Trump, via Truth Social):
"Any country doing business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on goods imported to the U.S.... A red line, the president says, that is starting to be crossed." (01:12)
3. Federal Reserve Chair Powell and House Subpoenas
[01:47 - 01:58]
- Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reports that the central bank has received subpoenas regarding his testimony on renovations to the Fed's headquarters.
4. Transgender Athlete Ban in Women’s Sports Heads to Supreme Court
[02:34 - 03:31]
- The Supreme Court will consider two cases involving transgender students challenging GOP-backed laws in Idaho and West Virginia, which bar transgender women from competing in girls' and women’s sports.
- West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey defends the laws as necessary to protect female athletes.
- Lower courts previously blocked these laws, finding they violate Title IX and are discriminatory.
- Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines expresses concerns over fairness in competition.
Notable quotes:
- J.B. McCuskey: "These laws make sense. They protect our women and girls. And we are all very proud to stand here to defend this very, very important issue." (02:59)
- Riley Gaines: "We are fighting for the bare minimum here. The bare minimum. Can we, as women, call ourselves champions?" (03:19)
5. New York City Nurse Strike
[03:31 - 04:14]
- Nearly 15,000 nurses across three hospital systems strike in New York City, pressing for increased pay, better staffing, and comprehensive health benefits.
- The city’s new mayor, Zoran Mamdani, joins the picket line, advocating for good-faith negotiations.
- One hospital spokesperson characterizes the nurses' demands as “extreme,” while Mayor Mamdani highlights the need to protect both patient and nurse rights.
Notable quote (Mayor Zoran Mamdani):
"New Yorkers have a right to quality health care, as do the nurses who provide that care. My job as mayor is to protect both of those rights." (03:51-04:03)
6. Brooks Koepka Returns to PGA
[04:14 - 04:32]
- Brooks Koepka is rejoining the PGA Tour just five weeks after leaving for LIV Golf. He agrees to:
- Pay a financial penalty,
- Forego equity or FedEx Cup bonus money for the year,
- Donate $5 million to charity.
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- Keith Ellison (Minnesota AG): "Obvious targeting of Minnesota for our diversity, for our democracy and our differences of opinion with the federal government is a violation of the Constitution and of federal law." (00:13)
- President Trump (on Iran): "Any country doing business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on goods imported to the U.S.... A red line, the president says, that is starting to be crossed." (01:12)
- J.B. McCuskey (West Virginia AG): "These laws make sense. They protect our women and girls. And we are all very proud to stand here to defend this very, very important issue." (02:59)
- Riley Gaines (former swimmer): "The bare minimum. Can we, as women, call ourselves champions?" (03:19)
- NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani: "New Yorkers have a right to quality health care, as do the nurses who provide that care. My job as mayor is to protect both of those rights." (03:51-04:03)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Minnesota/Federal Immigration Crackdown: 00:02 – 00:26
- Iran Protests & US Sanctions: 00:26 – 01:47
- Federal Reserve Chair Powell Subpoenas: 01:47 – 01:58
- Transgender Athlete Ban Supreme Court Cases: 02:34 – 03:31
- NYC Nurse Strike: 03:31 – 04:14
- Brooks Koepka Returns to PGA: 04:14 – 04:32
This episode provides a fast-paced update on significant legal, social, and geopolitical issues, with an emphasis on official statements and legislative actions, maintaining Fox News' direct and current-affairs focused tone.
