Fox News Hourly Update – January 13, 2026

Supreme Court Hears Arguments Over State Bans on Transgender Athletes in Women's Sports

Overview

This episode focuses primarily on the US Supreme Court’s hearing of arguments related to state-level bans on transgender athletes participating in women's sports. The discussion explores legal, biological, and societal implications of these laws, featuring commentary from FOX News correspondents and notable legal voices. The episode also offers quick updates on major international, political, and economic news, including escalating protests in Iran, US congressional actions, immigration debates in Minnesota, and the passing of "Dilbert" creator Scott Adams.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court and Transgender Athletes in Women's Sports

• Main Cases:
  • Two cases argued back-to-back—one from Idaho, one from West Virginia (00:14).
  • Central legal question: How does gender identity fit, if at all, into federal sex-based protections? (00:19)
    • “This umbrella question has emerged. It's really how does gender identity fit if at all, into federal sex based predictions [protections]?” – Alexandria Hoff, 00:19
• Arguments Presented:
  • For Transgender Inclusion:
    • A biological male athlete’s attorney argues that suppressing testosterone nullifies any sex-based athletic advantage (00:29).
    • Quote:
      “Her client suppressed testosterone, mitigating any sex based advantage against athletes born female.” – Elisa Brady, 00:29
  • State's Position (Idaho):
    • Idaho Solicitor General Alan Hurst rejects making exceptions, suggesting such arguments could be misused by non-transgender males.
    • Quote:
      “Those arguments don't limit themselves to people who identify as transgender. Many males could say I can't really compete with the women's basketball team and therefore I should be able to try out.” – Alan Hurst, 00:48
• Judicial Context: Lower courts struck down both states’ bans before reaching the Supreme Court (00:58).

2. Global and National News Updates

a. Protests and Crackdown in Iran

• Over 3,000 protesters reportedly killed amid ongoing anti-government protests (01:07).
• Government's harsh response described, including use of live ammunition and “weapons of war” (01:30).
  • Quote:
    “He described battles between protesters and security forces who are using live ammunition. ...the government has really repressed them, using weapons of war against the demonstrators.” – Trey Yingst, 01:30
• President Trump criticized the Iranian regime, calling the killings “senseless” and promising unspecified help (01:40).

b. Republican Congressional Strategy

• House GOP proposes framework to pass President Trump’s agenda by year’s end (02:31).
• Key Focus: Use of reconciliation for budget and policy passage, targeting health care, housing affordability, and $1.6 trillion in spending cuts (02:36–02:57).
  • Quote:
    “It would be political malpractice if we did not pursue a path of reconciliation.” – August Pfluger, 02:51
• Potential roadblocks: slim GOP majority, contentious budget issues (03:16).

c. Immigration Enforcement & Minnesota Protests

• Federal vs. State clash as Minnesota resists surge of federal agents after a high-profile police shooting and ICE enforcement actions (03:43).
• Tom Homan (Former ICE Director):
  • Argues that lack of cooperation from state jails necessitates more aggressive ICE action.
    • Quote:
      “Stop forcing us into the community. This can be done a lot safer.” – Tom Homan, 03:43
  • DHS publishes list of targeted criminal illegal aliens: child sex offenders, murderers, drug dealers (03:58).
• State Attorney General accuses Homeland Security of "terrorizing people" (04:06).

d. Other Headlines

• Creator of "Dilbert" comic strip, Scott Adams, dies at 68 after prostate cancer battle (04:06).
• Stock market sees sell-off; Dow down 371 points, S&P and Nasdaq also declining (04:27).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alexandria Hoff, on the scope of the court cases:
  “How does gender identity fit if at all, into federal sex based protections?” (00:19)
• Alan Hurst, on exceptions to bans:
  “Many males could say I can't really compete with the women's basketball team and therefore I should be able to try out.” (00:48)
• Trey Yingst, on Iran crackdown:
  “The government has really repressed them, using weapons of war against the demonstrators.” (01:30)
• August Pfluger, on GOP strategy:
  “It would be political malpractice if we did not pursue a path of reconciliation.” (02:51)
• Tom Homan, on ICE controversy in Minnesota:
  “Stop forcing us into the community. This can be done a lot safer.” (03:43)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:03–00:58 – Supreme Court debates state transgender athlete bans
• 01:07–01:40 – Iran protest crackdown update
• 02:31–03:16 – GOP legislative efforts & reconciliation strategy
• 03:43–04:06 – Immigration enforcement in Minnesota & related protests
• 04:06–04:27 – Obituary: Scott Adams, Market update

Tone & Style

The episode keeps a concise, serious, and news-driven tone, interspersed with pointed quotes from officials and correspondents. The format is fast-paced, typical of FOX News' hourly update, offering clear attributions and keeping listeners focused on major developments.