11PM ET 01/01/2026 Newscast

Summary

Fox News Hourly Update – 11PM ET 01/01/2026 Newscast

Host: Fox News Podcasts
Date: January 2, 2026
Summary by: Podcast Summarizer

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Overview

This newscast delivers a rapid roundup of major headlines for January 1, 2026, focusing on a devastating bar fire in Switzerland, political changes in New York City, updates on US trade policy, criminal allegations in Oklahoma, France’s citizenship decision for the Clooneys, and a new tourism initiative by Dolly Parton.

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Key News Stories and Discussion Points

1. Tragic Fire in Switzerland ([00:03]–[00:53])

• Incident Details:
  • A catastrophic fire broke out at Le Consolation Bar in Crans, Montana, Switzerland during a New Year's Eve celebration.
  • At least 40 killed and 115 injured.
  • Described as "one of the worst tragedies in Switzerland's history."
• Response and Investigation:
  • 13 helicopters and 42 ambulances were dispatched.
  • The cause is still under investigation; possibilities include a firecracker or champagne bottles with sparklers igniting the ceiling.
  • Escaping was chaotic: “Panicked partygoers ran for their lives out of the basement, up the narrow stairs and out the door, while others broke windows to escape.” ([00:38], Stephanie Bennett)
  • Officials believe combustible gases may have led to a disastrous “flashover or backdraft.”
  • Local bystanders aided in rescue efforts.
• Aftermath:
  • Switzerland declared five days of mourning to honor victims.

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2. New York City Government Shift ([00:53]–[01:22])

• Mayor Zoran Mamdani's First Day:
  • Immediate action: Restoration of a tenant protection agency.
  • Emphasis on accessible, affordable city living.
• Inaugural Address Quote:
  • "Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try." ([01:07], Zoran Mamdani)
  • Mamdani is a self-proclaimed democratic socialist and former state assemblyman.

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3. US Tariff Update ([01:22]–[02:00])

• Presidential Action:
  • President Trump signed a proclamation postponing increased tariffs on select home goods (upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities) by one year.
  • The current 25% tariff continues; further increases to 30% and 50% are delayed.
  • Decision comes amid ongoing trade negotiations.

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4. Oklahoma Trooper Charged with Sexual Assault ([02:39]–[03:26])

• Details of Allegation:
  • Former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Jerkes Evans charged with rape and forcible oral sodomy.
  • Allegedly pulled over a female driver, coercing her under threat of arrest before sexually assaulting her.
• Agency Response:
  • Evans was terminated following an internal investigation.
  • Dash cam footage released.
  • Statement: “Our focus has been and will continue to be on pursuing justice for the victim in this case.” ([03:13], Oklahoma Highway Patrol statement reported by Kristin Goodwin)
  • A preliminary hearing is scheduled for early 2026.

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5. France Grants Citizenship to George & Amal Clooney ([03:26]–[03:52])

• Reasoning:
  • French government cited the Clooneys’ “contributions to France's international influence and cultural outreach.”
  • Move prompted by internal governmental debate over “perceived special treatment.”
  • The Clooneys and their children are now naturalized French citizens.

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6. Dolly Parton’s New Tennessee Tourism Initiative ([03:52]–[04:31])

• Project Details:
  • Launch of “Dolly’s Tennessee and Travel Stops” – reimagined roadside stops featuring entertainment and hospitality enhancements.
  • Dolly Parton on her inspiration: “I have spent the bulk of my life on the road and more specifically on a bus.” ([03:59], Dolly Parton)
  • Partnership with Tennessee and Travel Stop brand; flagship relaunch in Cornersville, additional sites to follow.
  • Parton’s favorite place in Nashville: the Grand Ole Opry.

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Memorable Quotes

• "One of the worst tragedies in Switzerland's history."
  — Lisa Licera ([00:03])

• “Panicked partygoers ran for their lives out of the basement, up the narrow stairs and out the door, while others broke windows to escape.”
  — Stephanie Bennett ([00:38])

• "Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try."
  — Zoran Mamdani ([01:07])

• "Our focus has been and will continue to be on pursuing justice for the victim in this case."
  — Oklahoma Highway Patrol statement ([03:13], relayed by Kristin Goodwin)

• "I have spent the bulk of my life on the road and more specifically on a bus."
  — Dolly Parton ([03:59])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:03] Switzerland bar fire (Main Story)
• [00:53] NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s first act and inaugural message
• [01:22] President Trump delays tariffs
• [02:39] Oklahoma trooper sexual assault charges
• [03:26] Clooney French citizenship controversy
• [03:52] Dolly Parton launches Tennessee travel stops

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Tone and Style

The episode is fast-paced and direct, characteristic of news bulletins, sticking to clear facts and succinct updates. The hosts maintain a professional, urgent tone fitting the gravity of the major headlines, while quotable moments from public figures and country icon Dolly Parton bring brief personal touches to the broadcast.

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This summary captures the core content and important moments from the Fox News Hourly Update (11PM ET, January 1, 2026), offering a strong grasp of the news for both current listeners and those wanting a complete recap.

Transcript

[Lisa Licera]

One of the worst tragedies in Switzerland's history. I'm Lisa Licera, Fox News. That's what Swiss officials are saying after a fire at a bar on the Alps kills at least 40 people and injures at least 115 during a New Year's Eve celebration.

[Stephanie Bennett]

Just after 1:30 in the morning, a fast moving fire tore through Le Consolation Bar in Crans, Montana, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Thirteen helicopters and 42ambulances rushed to the scene. The cause of the fire is not officially known, but two theories have emerged. Some say it was a firecracker, while two witnesses claim champagne bottles with sparklers caught the ceiling on fire. Panicked partygoers ran for their lives out of the basement, up the narrow stairs and out the door, while others broke windows to escape. Officials say the fire likely triggered the release of combustible gases, causing a flashover or backdraft. Bystanders helped carry the injured out to safety.

[Lisa Licera]

Fox's Stephanie Bennett. Switzerland has announced there will be five days of mourning to honor the victims of the fire. On his first day in office, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani has brought back a shel agency that protects tenants as he works to fulfill a campaign promise to make the city affordable for all New Yorkers. He addressed the large crowd of supporters during his inaugural address this afternoon. Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try. Mamdani, a self proclaimed democratic socialist, was previously a New York state assemblyman. President Trump has signed a proclamation delaying increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities for a year, citing ongoing trade talks. The order keeps in place a 25% tariff he imposed in September on those goods, but delays for another year a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture and a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities. America is listening to FOX News.

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[Lisa Licera]

A now former member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol accused of sexually assaulting a driver during a traffic stop.

[Kristin Goodwin]

Jerkes Evans is charged in Oklahoma county with rape and forcible oral sodomy. The former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper is accused of pulling over a female driver, telling her to follow him down the road or go to jail for driving under suspension and without insurance. Oklahoma City's Fox 25 reports the woman filed a police report alleging Evans sexually assaulted her during the encounter. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol firing Evans after an investigation, releasing dash cam footage of the traffic stop in question. The agency saying in a statement, our focus has been and will continue to be on pursuing justice for the victim in this case. Also revealing a preliminary hearing is set for early this year. Kristin Goodwin, Fox News the government of.

[Lisa Licera]

France defending its decision to grant citizenship to George and Amal Clooney, citing their contributions to France's international influence and cultural outreach. This coming after a junior member of France's government expressed concerns about perceived special treatment. The couple and their twins became naturalized French citizens last weekend. Dolly Parton marks her favorite Tennessee destinations with a new project, here you come again.

[Dolly Parton]

Dolly Parton is rolling out her own brand of southern hospitality for visitors to Tennessee. Parton has announced Dolly's Tennessee and Travel Stops, reimagined rest stop areas that will feature new and updated entertainment elements throughout the state. In a release, the country music icon said, I have spent the bulk of my life on the road and more specifically on a bus. Parton has partnered with the Tennessee and Travel Stop brand to relaunch its flagship location in Cornersville, Tennessee, with additional locations expected to be announced later in the year. Parton also shared her favorite place in Nashville in an interview with Airmail. In a nod to her own musical legacy, she pointed to the Grand Ole Opry.

[Lisa Licera]

Fox's Michelle Palino. I'm Lisa Licera. This is Fox News.

[Stephanie Bennett]

This is Ainsley Earhart.

[Kristin Goodwin]

Thank you for joining me for the.

[Stephanie Bennett]

52 episode podcast series series the Life.

[Dolly Parton]

Of Jesus, a listening experience that will.

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