Fox News Hourly Update: DOJ Investigates Minnesota Officials, US Strikes in Syria, and More

Episode Date: January 17, 2026
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Main Theme:
This episode delivers a rapid roundup of major national and international news stories, with particular focus on the Department of Justice’s criminal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over alleged interference with ICE enforcement. Other segments include US military action in Syria, developments in legal actions surrounding former President Trump, updates on the Charlie Kirk shooting case, and the announcement of new US tariffs on European allies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DOJ Investigation into Minnesota Governor & Minneapolis Mayor (00:02 - 00:54)

• Summary: The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly impeding ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations. There have been recent arrests in Minneapolis connected to protests, and federal officials claim local leaders are restricting ICE's effectiveness.
• Details:
  • Four arrests made for failing to disperse at a recent protest.
  • DHS released images of a gang member involved in breaking into an FBI vehicle.
  • Both Walz and Frey have issued forceful responses, rejecting claims of interference and criticizing the DOJ’s actions.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "The Justice Department opening up a criminal investigation against the governor and the mayor... There's been a sharp response from the governor and the mayor, both saying they're not going to be intimidated by any federal investigation." — Steve Harrigan (00:36)
  • "They also say weaponizing the justice system against opponents is an authoritarian tactic." — Kathleen Maloney (00:54)

2. Federal Judge Ruling on ICE & Protesters (00:23)

• Summary: A federal judge has ruled that ICE agents are prohibited from using tear gas against peaceful protesters.
• Details: The decision comes amid ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local activists.

3. US Strike on ISIS Targets in Syria (01:04 - 01:47)

• Summary: The US has conducted another airstrike in central Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye, continuing a military campaign against ISIS following the deaths of two Iowa National Guard members and a civilian interpreter in December.
• Details:
  • Operation Hawkeye began on December 22 in response to this deadly attack.
  • The latest strike killed a leader with direct ties to the ISIS terrorist responsible for the initial ambush.
  • US Central Command claims 100 ISIS-related targets in Syria have been hit thus far.
• Notable Quote:
  • "They 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 (01:34)

4. Update on the Abraham Accords (02:00)

• Summary: Marking the fifth anniversary of the Abraham Accords, which saw normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab countries.
• Speaker: Megan Alexander briefly notes the occasion and points listeners to more coverage online.

5. Michael Cohen Claims Prosecutorial Pressure (02:16 - 03:03)

• Summary: Michael Cohen, former attorney for President Trump, alleges prosecutors coerced him into providing certain testimony in ongoing Trump investigations related to hush money and civil fraud.
• Details:
  • Cohen claimed, via Substack, he was pressured to give information that would strengthen cases against Trump.
  • He suggests his cooperation was motivated by hopes of sentence relief during his own legal troubles.
  • The statement emerges as Trump seeks to move the hush money case to federal court.
• Notable Quote:
  • "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." — CB Cotton (02:28)

6. Charlie Kirk Assassination Case Update (03:03 - 03:45)

• Summary: In the murder case of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, the alleged assassin appeared stoic in court as defense lawyers sought to disqualify the prosecution team over a potential conflict of interest relating to the prosecutor's family.
• Details:
  • Attempted disqualification based on an 18-year-old, the prosecutor's adult child, present at the event where Kirk was shot.
  • Motion denied by the judge.
• Notable Moment: Defense focused on perceived prosecutorial bias due to family connections to the event.

7. New US Tariffs on European Allies (03:45 - 04:13)

• Summary: President Trump is imposing new tariffs on imports from European nations that oppose US control of Greenland, starting with 10% on February 1 and increasing to 25% on June 1.
• Details:
  • Targets include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Britain.
  • The move is framed as a response to resistance over Greenland policy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "They're not going to be intimidated by any federal investigation."
  — Steve Harrigan on Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey's response (00:40)
• "Weaponizing the justice system against opponents is an authoritarian tactic."
  — Kathleen Maloney (00:54)
• "He felt, quote, pressured and coerced to only provide information and testimony..."
  — CB Cotton reciting Michael Cohen's claim (02:28)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• DOJ Investigation of Minnesota Officials: 00:02–00:54
• Federal Judge/ICE Ruling: 00:23
• US Syria Strike/Operation Hawkeye: 01:04–01:47
• Abraham Accords Anniversary: 02:00
• Michael Cohen Allegations: 02:16–03:03
• Charlie Kirk Shooting Case Update: 03:03–03:45
• New US Tariffs on Europe: 03:45–04:13

This episode delivers concise but impactful coverage of major legal, political, and international developments as of January 17, 2026. High-profile investigations, ongoing military campaigns, legal maneuvering in cases tied to Donald Trump, and evolving foreign policy all take center stage in this news-packed edition.