Fox News Hourly Update – January 16, 2026

Episode Theme:
This episode delivers a fast-paced roundup of top national and international news stories, focusing on legal developments in the Charlie Kirk assassination case, national protests, evolving US foreign policy, breakthroughs in the weight loss drug industry, and significant sports contracts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Motion to Remove Prosecutors in Charlie Kirk Shooting Case

• Main Story:
  Tyler Robinson, the accused in the shooting death of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, appeared for a hearing where his defense team sought to have the entire prosecution team removed due to a potential conflict of interest.

• Details:

  • Robinson’s attorney, Richard Novak, argued that the prosecutors’ objectivity may be compromised because a child of one of the prosecutors was a direct witness to the event.

    “A college age child of one of the prosecutors was at the event and witnessed the shooting. So the whole team should be taken off the case because [of] a conflict of interest…”
    — Lisa Licera (00:06)

  • The defense believes this connection compromises the integrity of the legal proceedings, especially as prosecutors have stated their intent to seek the death penalty.
  • The prosecution has petitioned Judge Tony Graf to deny the request.
  • Greg Palkot emphasized the necessity for impartiality:

    “The court needs to hear from a representative of the state who does not even appear to have a conflict of interest.”
    — Greg Palkot (00:29)

  • Key Fact: Robinson has pleaded not guilty to the September 10th shooting.

2. National Protests and Federal Response

• Minneapolis Protests:

  • Demonstrations continue following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE officer.
  • President Trump was questioned about invoking the Insurrection Act in response.

• Presidential Authority:

  • President Trump stated:

    “I don't think there's any reason right now to use it, but if I needed it, I'd use it. It's very powerful.”
    — President Trump, via Greg Palkot (00:59)

  • Lisa Licera noted,

    “The Insurrection act gives the president the authority to deploy military assets to suppress civil disorder.”
    — Lisa Licera (01:06)

3. International Updates: Iran Crisis

• Casualty Reports Escalate:

  • The death toll from Iranian government crackdowns on protests rose to nearly 3,100.
  • The country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, called for harsher measures and directly challenged the US.

    “Ayatollah spoke at Friday prayers in Tehran today, demanding once again the death penalty for those who [protested]… calling the protesters Trump’s soldiers.”
    — Greg Palkot (01:21)

• US Position:

  • President Trump reportedly softened his stance toward Iran compared to the previous day, despite Ambassador Mike Waltz reiterating that “all options were on the table.”

4. Notable Global & Political Developments

• Venezuela: Machado's Nobel and Prospects
  • Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado spoke following her award of the Nobel Peace Prize, expressing hope for a return to democratic elections.

    “She's confident there will be an orderly return to free elections in Venezuela.”
    — Maria Corina Machado (02:39)

  • Machado remains banned from running for president, while US-backed acting President Delsey Rodriguez opposes Maduro’s regime.

    “She’s a communist. She’s the main ally and representation of the Russian regime, the Chinese and Iranians. But that’s not the Venezuelan people and that’s not the armed forces.”
    — Unnamed Trump administration official (03:04)

  • President Trump is reported as doubting Machado’s current popular support.

5. Health & Business: Launch of Wegovy Weight Loss Pill

• Demand Surges:
  • Nearly 3,100 retail prescriptions for the new Novo Nordisk Wegovy pill in the first four days of sales were reported.

    “Research firm IQVIA says there were 3,071 retail prescriptions filled for the Novo Nordisk Wegovy pill in the first four days after it launched…”
    — Jenny Casola (03:27)

  • Actual demand may be higher, given data exclusions.
  • Analysts forecast the pill could bring in up to $1 billion in sales this year.
  • Novo Nordisk is looking to solidify its market lead over Eli Lilly, whose similar weight loss pill is under FDA review until April.

6. Sports Update: Major MLB Contract

• Bo Bashette Joins Mets:
  • The New York Mets and two-time All-Star Bo Bashette agreed to a $126 million, three-year deal.
  • Bashette departs from the Toronto Blue Jays and will play third base, with options to opt out after each of the first two seasons.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A college age child of one of the prosecutors was at the event and witnessed the shooting…”
  — Lisa Licera (00:06)

• “The court needs to hear from a representative of the state who does not even appear to have a conflict of interest.”
  — Greg Palkot (00:29)

• “I don't think there's any reason right now to use [the Insurrection Act], but if I needed it, I'd use it. It's very powerful.”
  — President Trump (00:59, via Greg Palkot)

• “Ayatollah… demanding once again the death penalty for those who [protested]… calling the protesters Trump’s soldiers.”
  — Greg Palkot (01:21)

• “She’s confident there will be an orderly return to free elections in Venezuela.”
  — Maria Corina Machado (02:39)

• “She’s a communist… But that’s not the Venezuelan people and that’s not the armed forces.”
  — Unnamed Trump administration official (03:04)

• “There were 3,071 retail prescriptions filled for the Novo Nordisk Wegovy pill in the first four days after it launched…”
  — Jenny Casola (03:27)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Charlie Kirk Case – Conflict of Interest Motion: 00:02–00:38
• Minneapolis Protests & Insurrection Act: 00:38–01:06
• Iran Protests & US Response: 01:06–01:36
• Venezuela Election Prospects: 02:31–03:17
• Launch of Wegovy Weight Loss Pill: 03:22–04:04
• Bo Bashette Mets Contract: 04:04–04:29

This episode encapsulated critical legal dramas, major domestic protests, international power struggles, pharmaceutical breakthroughs, and high-profile sports deals, offering listeners a rapid, detailed update on key U.S. and global stories.