Fox News Hourly Update — 1PM ET 01/01/2026

Host: Paul Stevens (with Ainsley Earhart, Garrett Tenney, Rebecca Cast)
Date: January 1, 2026

Episode Overview

This newscast provides a concise update on breaking international and national stories as 2026 begins. The episode covers a devastating explosion in Switzerland, an alleged robbery with connections to federal funding scrutiny at a Minnesota daycare, reported violence in Russian-occupied Ukraine, America's dual New Year and semiquincentennial celebrations, and intensifying political pressures over the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Key Discussion Points & In-Depth Coverage

1. Tragedy in the Swiss Alps — Bar Explosion

[00:02–00:51]

• Incident Details:
  • An explosion at Le Consolation Bar in Kronsmont, Switzerland, during a New Year’s celebration left dozens dead and over 100 injured.
  • Location: Heart of the Swiss Alps, 25 miles north of the Matterhorn.
  • Quick response: Ten helicopters and 40 ambulances dispatched.
• Investigation Status:
  • Officials caution it’s too early to determine the cause.
  • Attack ruled out: "Authorities ruled out an attack that happened around 1:30am local time." (Ainsley Earhart, 00:23)
  • Victims include many international visitors. Identities pending due to ongoing efforts to notify families.
• Community Impact:
  • The region is in shock, with emergency services fully mobilized.

2. Minnesota Daycare Robbery Amid Controversy

[00:51–01:33]

• Background:
  • A daycare center in Minnesota, previously flagged for potential misuse of over $1 million in federal funding, reports a break-in.
  • Surveillance footage reported: "owners...say surveillance cameras captured two men breaking into their business..." (Garrett Tenney, 01:05)
• Robbery Details:
  • Intruders allegedly cut through exterior and interior walls, accessed an office, and stole business records with personal data.
• Fraud Link Speculation:
  • Some suggest the incident might be a cover-up for previously alleged wrongdoing, as funding had already been frozen over fraud allegations.
  • "Some are suggesting it could be a cover up of wrongdoing." (Paul Stevens, 01:33)

3. Ukraine-Russia War: New Year Tragedy

[01:33–01:56]

• Claims:
  • Russian officials allege a Ukrainian drone strike killed at least 24 people in a Russian-occupied southern Ukrainian village during New Year’s festivities.
    • "Russian officials say Ukrainian drone strike killed at least 24..." (Paul Stevens, 01:34)
  • Ukrainian authorities have not commented; claims remain unverified.

4. U.S. New Year’s & America 250 Celebrations

[02:13–03:18]

• Times Square & D.C. Festivities:
  • Large crowds at Times Square witnessed the traditional ball drop, followed by a second drop a few minutes later to kick off America 250.
  • Celebrations included the projection of a birthday candle on the Washington Monument and fireworks.
    • "The ball that drops every new year in Times Square is going to drop for a second time on the 3rd of July..." (Paul Stevens, 03:09)
• Significance:
  • The dual celebrations are part of a months-long lead-up to the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

5. Healthcare Subsidies Expire — Political Fallout

[03:18–04:01]

• Affordable Care Act Subsidies:
  • Subsidies expired at the New Year after a political impasse.
  • "Subsidies are the reason Democrats shut down the government in October, but lawmakers still couldn't reach a deal before this new year's deadline." (Rebecca Cast, 03:23)
• Political Pressure:
  • Republicans face mounting pressure to address healthcare before the midterms.
  • Democrats aim to extend Obamacare subsidies; Republicans claim the system is rife with fraud and demand reforms.
  • President’s stance: Direct aid to patients, not insurance companies.
    • Quote: "No more money to fat cat insurance companies. The money must go directly to the people to buy their own health care." (Rebecca Cast, paraphrasing president, 03:49)
• Next Steps:
  • Another Congressional vote is expected later in January.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Swiss Explosion:
  • "Authorities ruled out an attack that happened around 1:30am local time."
    — Ainsley Earhart, [00:23]
• On the Daycare Break-In:
  • "Owners of Nokomis daycare say surveillance cameras captured two men breaking into their business, claiming they cut through an outside cinder block wall, crawled through an interior wall..."
    — Garrett Tenney, [01:05]
• On Healthcare Subsidies Debate:
  • "No more money to fat cat insurance companies. The money must go directly to the people to buy their own health care."
    — President (via Rebecca Cast), [03:49]
• On America 250:
  • "The ball that drops every new year in Times Square is going to drop for a second time on the 3rd of July..."
    — Paul Stevens, [03:09]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Swiss Bar Explosion: [00:02–00:51]
• Minnesota Daycare Robbery: [00:51–01:33]
• Ukraine Drone Strike Claims: [01:33–01:56]
• America 250 & NYE Celebrations: [02:13–03:18]
• Healthcare Subsidies Debate: [03:18–04:01]

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a straightforward, brisk delivery, characteristic of Fox News hourly updates—prioritizing clarity, urgency, and factual reporting on evolving stories.