Fox News Hourly Update – 1AM ET 01/03/2026

Host: Chris DiMaio (with reporting from Lucas Tomlinson, Jay Berman, Garrett Tenney)
Date: January 3, 2026

Episode Overview

This newscast delivers the latest headlines across the United States and the world: escalating US-Iran tensions, a foiled New Year’s Eve terror plot in North Carolina, a tragic infanticide case in Ohio, the arrest of baseball star Lenny Dykstra, early fraud concerns in Minnesota's new paid leave program, and controversy surrounding New York City's new mayor and antisemitism.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rising US-Iran Tensions and Nationwide Protests

• Nationwide unrest: Protests have erupted in 27 Iranian cities with growing anti-government sentiment.
• US response: President Trump has openly backed Iranian protesters and issued a stark warning to the regime:
  • Quote [00:16]:
    "If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go." – President Trump (quoted by Lucas Tomlinson)
• Conflict background: Protests began among merchants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, expanded to students, truckers, and bus drivers—all in response to:
  • Rampant inflation
  • The Iranian currency losing 40% value since Israel’s 12-day war, which involved US military support (B2 bombers, Stealth fighter jets, Tomahawk cruise missiles from USS Georgia)
• Casualties: At least six protesters reportedly killed this week.

2. Foiled Terror Attack in North Carolina

• Incident: An 18-year-old from North Carolina planned a New Year’s Eve knife-and-hammer attack at a grocery store, inspired by ISIS.
• Intervention: The suspect was actually communicating with undercover agents.
• Legal consequences:
  • Quote [01:20]:
    "He said he was going to wear a Kevlar vest and attack people with knives and hammers ... which was New Year's Eve." – Bob Ferguson, US Attorney
  • Christian Sturtevant faces up to 20 years in prison.

3. Tragic Infanticide Case in Ohio

• Incident: Sharon Sokolos faces murder charges in the death of her 3-year-old daughter, Cassidy, found unresponsive on New Year's Eve.
• Evidence and confession:
  • Visible signs of bruising.
  • Sharon admitted to putting a plastic bag over her daughter's head.
  • Bond set at $2 million.

4. Lenny Dykstra Arrested for Drug Possession

• Incident: The former MLB star was arrested in Pennsylvania on New Year's Day for possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.
• Background: Previous convictions for bankruptcy fraud, 1986 World Series champion.
  • Quote [02:55]:
    "The former center fielder for the Phillies in the 90s served time in California for bankruptcy fraud. He did win a World Series championship with the Mets all the way back in 1986. His charges are pending." – Jay Berman

5. Minnesota’s Paid Leave Program Faces Fraud Allegations

• Rollout: New paid leave policy grants nearly every resident up to 20 weeks per year at up to $1,420/week.
• Fraud warnings: Republican lawmakers flag attempts to scam the newly implemented system just two days in.
  • Quote [03:21]:
    "Potentially the next big source of fraud. Minnesota Republican lawmakers are criticizing the state's new paid leave program, warning that two days into the program they are already getting whistleblower reports of people trying to scam it." – Garrett Tenney
• Defense: Governor Tim Walz insists the plan has "adequate protections" and will testify before Congress about ongoing investigations into social services fraud in Minnesota.

6. NYC Mayor’s Office Faces Antisemitism Controversy

• Issue: National Jewish Advocacy Center accuses new Mayor Ziran Mamdani’s office of deleting prior posts by outgoing Mayor Eric Adams about fighting antisemitism.
• Response: Mamdani’s office claims it’s an archiving issue and reaffirms commitment to combating antisemitism.
  • Quote [04:18]:
    "He remains committed to getting rid of antisemitism." – Mamdani’s office statement

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• On US-Iran tensions:
  "If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go." – President Trump (via Lucas Tomlinson, [00:16])

• On the foiled North Carolina terror plot:
  "He said he was going to wear a Kevlar vest and attack people with knives and hammers ... which was New Year's Eve." – Bob Ferguson, US Attorney ([01:20])

• On Minnesota paid leave fraud:
  "Two days into the program they are already getting whistleblower reports of people trying to scam it." – Garrett Tenney ([03:21])

• On Lenny Dykstra’s arrest:
  "He did win a World Series championship with the Mets all the way back in 1986. His charges are pending." – Jay Berman ([02:55])

Important Segment Timestamps

• US-Iran Tensions and Protester Support: 00:03 – 00:57
• Foiled Terror Attack (North Carolina): 00:57 – 01:36
• Ohio Child Murder Case: 01:36 – 02:00
• Lenny Dykstra Arrest: 02:39 – 03:14
• Minnesota Paid Leave Fraud Concerns: 03:14 – 04:00
• NYC Antisemitism Controversy: 04:00 – 04:36

Tone and Style

The episode is fast-paced, concise, and fact-driven, featuring urgent updates on global incidents, crime, policy, and politics, with direct quotes from officials and clear attributions.

For listeners seeking a rapid, comprehensive briefing on top national and international headlines, this episode efficiently distills the day’s most pressing news.