Fox News Hourly Update – 11AM ET, January 4, 2026

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update covers major global and domestic stories, with a focus on the dramatic capture of Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro, international diplomatic developments relating to Ukraine, ongoing instability in Iran, heightened weapons production in North Korea, U.S. trade negotiations, and a growing public health crisis involving a drug-resistant fungus in America. The episode delivers concise, high-impact news intended for listeners seeking an up-to-date, fact-driven rundown.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dramatic Capture of Venezuela's Maduro

• Main Event: Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife are now in U.S. custody after a months-long military operation.
• Charges: Maduro faces “four federal counts: narco terrorism, conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.”
  [00:17]
• Operation Details:
  • Poor weather delayed the operation.
  • President Trump authorized the mission at 10:46 pm, January 2. ([00:17])
• Next Steps:
  • The Maduros are expected to be arraigned in New York City the following Monday.
  • U.S. considering involvement of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Borsch Secretary Pete Hegseth to help temporarily run Venezuela.
  • U.S. remains in contact with Venezuela’s Vice President Delsey Rodriguez, who has been sworn in as interim president.

“Vice President Rodriguez had been sworn in, quote, unquote, to be Venezuela’s interim president.”
— Paul Stevens ([00:54])

2. Diplomatic Push on Ukraine Conflict

• International Coordination:

  • U.S.-led efforts continue, with national security advisers from Europe and allies meeting in Kyiv to push for an end to the Ukraine war.
    [00:54]

• Zelensky’s Initiative:

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: All proposed documents and security guarantees have been shared with advisers from 18 countries.
  • Meetings in Paris (Monday) and European leader discussions (Tuesday) aim to finalize security guarantees.
  • Diplomatic activity continues into allied capitals such as Europe, Canada, and Japan.

3. Unrest in Iran Amid Economic Collapse

• Protests & Violence:
  • Iran faces deadly unrest amidst riots triggered by the collapse of its currency.
  • State media confirms at least two additional fatalities from a grenade explosion during protests.
  • "At least 10 people have died since Thursday, in addition to dozens of protesters being arrested as well." ([00:54])

4. North Korea Escalates Weapons Production

• Kim Jong Un’s Factory Visits:
  • The North Korean leader is intensifying weapons production, with his third weapons facility visit in three weeks ([02:16]).
  • Focus: Short-range guided missiles to strike mobile military targets.
  • Kim demands missile production increase by 2.5 times.
  • North Korea launched ballistic missiles off the east coast, confirmed by Japan and South Korea.

5. U.S. Tariff Policy and Trade Negotiations

• Tariff Developments:
  • President Trump issued a New Year’s Eve proclamation halting planned tariff hikes on furniture, cabinets, and vanities.
  • “The executive order leaves in place a 25% tariff… delays an additional 30% tax on upholstered furniture and 50% increase on cabinets and vanities.”
  • Trade talks continue, particularly with Italy over pasta tariffs: “Administration… could backpedal on proposed tariff hikes on Italian pasta, but a final decision will come in March.”
    — Jared Halpern ([02:58])

“President Trump has relied on tariffs to force trade agreements, arguing they are necessary for national security.”
— Jared Halpern ([03:37])

6. Deadly, Drug-Resistant Fungus Spreads in the U.S.

• Candida auris Threat:
  • Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus, is spreading rapidly in U.S. hospitals and healthcare centers.
  • CDC labels it an “urgent threat;” 7,000 cases identified nationwide last year, spanning over 60 countries.
  • The fungus survives on skin/medical equipment, resists medicines, and is frequently misdiagnosed — causing treatment delays.
  • Critically ill patients, especially those on ventilators, are at greatest risk.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife are in U.S. custody after the military executed a high-stakes operation being planned for months.”
  — Paul Stevens ([00:02])

• “It was poor weather that forced the US to delay this operation by a few days until President Trump gave the green light at 10:46 pm Jan. 2.”
  — FOX Reporter ([00:17])

• “The deal is intended to keep trade talks going.”
  — Jared Halpern ([03:37])

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:02 — Breaking: Maduro captured and in U.S. custody; details and charges
• 00:54 — Transition to Venezuela's interim leadership, Ukraine diplomacy, Iran’s protests
• 02:16 — North Korea's weapons push and missile launches
• 02:58 — President Trump’s tariff decisions and international trade updates
• 03:37 — Growing Candida auris health threat in U.S. hospitals

Tone & Delivery

The episode maintains a brisk, factual, and urgent tone, matching the rapid-fire style of hourly news updates. Reports are concise; expert correspondents provide detail, while anchors emphasize the gravity and immediacy of breaking events.