11AM ET 01/04/2026 Newscast - Fox News Hourly Update

Summary4 min read

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.

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Transcript8 lines

[00:03]
A
Up next, court. I'm Paul Stevens, Fox News. 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. The two expected to be arraigned tomorrow Monday in New York City.
[00:17]
B
It was poor weather that forced the US to delay this operation by a few days until President Trump gave the green light at 10:46pm Jan. 2. The Maduros are facing four federal narco terrorism, conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. Now the focus turns to Venezuela's future. President Trump says a group that could involve Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Borsch Secretary Pete Hegseth could help run the country. For now, though, the US does remain in contact with Venezuela's Vice President Delsey Rodriguez.
[00:54]
A
And the president says that Vice President Rodriguez had been sworn in, quote, unquote, to be Venezuela's interim president. Meantime, national security advisers from Europe and the other allied countries met in Kyiv Saturday as a U S Led diplomatic push continues to end the war in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine has now shared all proposed documents, including plans for security guarantees with advisers from 18 other countries. Zelensky said work will now move quickly to allied capitals including those in Europe, Canada and Japan. Ukrainian military officials are set to meet again Monday in Paris, followed by talks among European leaders on Tuesday where Zelensky hopes security guarantees can be finalized. Number of dead now rising in Iran amid riots over the collapse of that regime's currency. State media saying at least two more people were killed when a grenade exploded during protests overnight. At least 10 people have died since Thursday, in addition to dozens of protesters being arrested as well. America is listening to Fox News.
[02:00]
C
This is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining me for the fifth 52 episode podcast series the Life.
[02:04]
D
Of Jesus, a listening experience that will provide hope, comfort and understanding of the greatest story ever told. Listen and follow now@foxnewspodcasts.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
[02:17]
A
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un pushing for more weapons production as he continues a series of factory visits. State media saying Kim toured a tactical guided weapons facility yesterday Saturday, his third weapons planned visit in three weeks. The Korean Central News Agency saying the focus is on short range guided missiles designed to apparently strike more military moving targets. Kim calling for missile production to increase to two and a half times what it currently is. The visit coming as North Korea launched ballistic missiles off its east coast today, Sunday. That's according to Japan and South Korea. President Trump now is holding off on some tariffs as he continues to push for some new trade deals.
[02:58]
E
A New Year's Eve proclamation from President Trump tapped the brakes on planned tariff hikes on furniture, cabinets and vanities. The executive order leaves in place a 25% tariff on those goods imported to the US but delays an additional 30% tax on upholstered furniture and 50% increase on cabinets and vanities. The deal is intended to keep trade talks going. The administration is also signaling it could backpedal on proposed tariff hikes on Italian pasta, but a final decision will come in March. President Trump has relied on tariffs to force trade agreements, arguing they are necessary for national security. In Washington, Jared Halpern, FOX News.
[03:38]
A
A deadly drug resistant fungus spreading rapidly through US Hospitals and healthcare facilities, according to new research. The CDC calling Candida auris an urgent threat with about 7,000 cases ID nationwide last year and infections reported in at least 60 countries. Doctors say the fungus survives on skin and medical equipment, resists multiple drugs and is often misdiagnosed that delays treatment. It poses the greatest risk to critically ill patients, especially those those on ventilators in a hospital setting. I'm Paul Stevens. This is FOX News.