Fox News Hourly Update – 1AM ET 01/02/2026 Newscast

Date: January 2, 2026
Host: Ted Lindner
Podcast: Fox News Podcasts

Episode Overview

This newscast covers major headlines from the early hours of January 2, 2026, with updates on New York City's newly inaugurated mayor, a tragic nightclub fire in Switzerland, escalating U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan, a daycare robbery linked with federal funding issues in Minnesota, and a round-up of new state laws taking effect at the start of 2026. Additional national updates include President Trump's announcement regarding the National Guard presence in several U.S. cities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New York City’s New Mayor: Zora Mamdani

• [00:02] Ted Lindner introduces Zora Mamdani as NYC’s newly elected mayor, marking history as the city's first self-proclaimed democratic socialist in this role.
• [00:14] CB Cotton reports: Mamdani began his term with a series of executive orders focused on tenant protection and housing development, vowing not to back down from his plans to “transform city hall with a new way of doing things.”
• [00:38] Memorable Quote by Mamdani:

  "I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist."
  — Zora Mamdani (quoted by Ted Lindner) [00:38]

• [00:43] CB Cotton notes: Senator Bernie Sanders publicly swore in Mamdani, highlighting the progressive shift in local leadership.
• [00:50] Throughout the campaign, President Trump called Mamdani a "communist" and threatened to pull federal funding from NYC, even meeting Mamdani post-election at the White House.

2. Deadly Fire in Swiss Nightclub

• [01:06] Ainsley Earhart covers the disaster at Le Consolation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland:
  • 13 helicopters and 42 ambulances responded; first responders arrived within two minutes.
  • The fire started after 1:30am; its cause is disputed—speculation ranges from firecracker mishaps to champagne sparklers igniting the ceiling.
  • Chaotic escape described, with people fleeing up narrow stairs and smashing windows to survive.
  • Officials believe the fire triggered combustible gases, causing a "flashover" or "backdraft," resulting in an explosion.

3. U.S. Calls on China to Cease Military Drills Near Taiwan

• [01:46] Ted Lindner reports: The State Department urges China to stop military activities around Taiwan, stating that "China's military activities and rhetoric towards Taiwan are increasing tensions unnecessarily."
• Reasserts ongoing concern over regional security.

4. Minnesota Daycare Robbery Amid Federal Funding Scrutiny

• [02:39] Garrett Tenney on daycare fraud investigation:
  • The Nokomis Daycare in Minneapolis, recently flagged for repeated violations despite receiving over $1 million in federal funds, claims to have been robbed.
  • Surveillance footage shows two men breaking in via cinder block and interior walls, stealing business records with sensitive information.
  • Police investigation underway; some suggest the burglary could be a cover-up related to the ongoing fraud investigation.
• [03:21] Ted Lindner: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has frozen funding for various Minnesota programs due to the probe.

5. New State Laws for 2026

• [03:34] Rapid-fire round-up:
  • California: New law forbids immigration agents from wearing masks; Trump administration files lawsuit for non-compliance.
  • Illinois: Law prevents schools from sharing students' immigration status.
  • Texas: Sheriffs now required to collaborate with ICE.
  • Georgia: New license plate with "America First" and the U.S. flag now available.
  • Utah: Drivers convicted of "extreme DUIs" receive new state IDs prohibiting alcohol sales.
• [04:16] Attributed to Matt Finn reporting from LA.

6. President Trump Removes National Guard from Key Cities

• [04:16] Ted Lindner reports: President Trump states in a social media post that National Guard units will leave Chicago, Louisiana, and Portland but promises federal forces will return if crime rises.

Highlighted Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Zora Mamdani (via Ted Lindner):

  "I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist." [00:38]

• CB Cotton on Mamdani’s inauguration:

  "The 34 year old was publicly sworn in by his political hero and fellow progressive Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders." [00:43]

• Ainsley Earhart on the Swiss fire:

  "Panicked partygoers ran for their lives out of the basement, up the narrow stairs and out the door, while others broke windows just to try to escape." [01:31]

• State Department statement (as reported by Ted Lindner):

  "China's military activities and rhetoric towards Taiwan are increasing tensions unnecessarily." [01:46]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• NYC New Mayor, Zora Mamdani: [00:02]–[00:50]
• Swiss Bar Fire Tragedy: [01:06]–[01:46]
• U.S.–China Taiwan Tensions: [01:46]–[02:00]
• Minnesota Daycare Robbery & Fraud Probe: [02:39]–[03:21]
• State Law Updates for 2026: [03:34]–[04:16]
• National Guard Withdrawal Announcement: [04:16]–[04:36]

This episode briskly covers significant domestic and international news, offering concise yet vivid reports on major stories and legislative updates as 2026 begins.