Fox News Hourly Update – 1PM ET, January 4, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major international and domestic news stories. Key topics include the dramatic U.S. military capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, diplomatic developments in Ukraine, deadly unrest in Iran, the spread of a drug-resistant fungus in the U.S., recent U.S. tariff decisions, and continued weapons ambitions in North Korea.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela

• Capture Mission: U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife after months of planning.
  • "Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife captured in a US Military operation that had been planned over the course of..."
    —Paul Stevens [00:02]
• Operation Details:
  • Over 150 aircraft launched from land and sea.
  • Aircraft flew with transponders off to avoid detection.
  • Delta Force operatives and Night Stalker pilots involved.
  • Launched from USS Iwo Jima.
  • Destruction of regime bases and air defenses to protect U.S. troops.
  • "Launched more than 150 aircraft from dozens of bases on land and sea with their transponders turned off to avoid detection... Delta Force operatives flown just 100ft above the sea by pilots from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment known as the Night Stalkers."
    —Ainsley Earhart [00:12]
• Aftermath:
  • Venezuelan Vice President sworn in as interim leader.
  • Maduro to be arraigned in New York City on narco-terrorism charges.
  • "The president says the Venezuelan vice president has been sworn in to lead the country. In the meantime, Nicolas Maduro is set to be arraigned in New York City on Monday facing narco terrorism charges."
    —Paul Stevens [00:48]

2. Ukraine Diplomatic Developments

• Allied Talks in Kyiv:
  • National security advisers from Europe and allied nations gathered for U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
  • President Zelensky confirms Ukraine has shared proposed documents and security guarantee plans with 18 countries.
  • "Zelensky saying work will now move quickly to allied capitals including those in Europe, Canada and Japan. The Ukrainian military says its due to meet tomorrow."
    —Paul Stevens [01:18]
• Next Steps:
  • Meetings in Paris planned, followed by European leaders’ summit aimed at finalizing security guarantees.

3. Iran: Deadly Protests over Economic Collapse

• Ongoing Unrest:
  • Rising fatalities amid riots over the collapse of the Iranian currency.
  • At least 10 dead since Thursday; two killed by grenade during overnight protests.
  • "State media saying at least two more people were killed when a grenade exploded during overnight protests. At least 10 people have died since Thursday."
    —Paul Stevens [01:38]

4. Health Crisis: Drug-Resistant Fungus

• Candida auris Outbreak:
  • CDC warns that a deadly, drug-resistant fungus is spreading rapidly.
  • About 7,000 U.S. cases last year; reported in 60+ countries.
  • Fungus survives on skin and equipment, resists treatment, and is often misdiagnosed.
  • Greatest risk to critically ill and ventilated patients.
  • "The CDC calling Candida auris an urgent threat with about 7,000 cases ID’d nationwide last year and infections racing reported in at least 60 countries."
    —Paul Stevens [02:16]

5. U.S. Trade Policy: Tariff Adjustments

• Delayed Tariff Increases:
  • President Trump postpones hikes on furniture, cabinets, and vanities.
  • Intention to keep trade negotiations ongoing.
  • Possible rollback on tariff hikes for Italian pasta; final decision in March.
  • Tariffs justified as tools for national security and trade leverage.
  • "A New Year’s Eve proclamation from President Trump tapped the brakes on planned tariff hikes..."
    —Jared Halpern [02:56]

6. North Korea: Missile Production Expansion

• Kim Jong Un’s Weapons Push:
  • Kim visits a tactical guided weapons facility—third such tour in three weeks.
  • Emphasis on short-range missiles targeting moving military assets.
  • Push to more than double current missile production rates.
  • “Kim has called for missile production to increase to about two and a half times of where it currently is in North Korea.”
    —Paul Stevens [03:37]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the scale of the Venezuela operation:
  • "Launched more than 150 aircraft from dozens of bases on land and sea with their transponders turned off to avoid detection."
    —Ainsley Earhart [00:12]
• Maduro's fate:
  • "Nicolas Maduro is set to be arraigned in New York City on Monday facing narco terrorism charges."
    —Paul Stevens [00:48]
• Ukraine’s urgency and inclusivity:
  • "Ukraine has now shared all proposed documents including plans for security guarantees with advisors from 18 different countries."
    —Paul Stevens [01:01]
• Fungus threat scope:
  • "The CDC calling Candida auris an urgent threat with about 7,000 cases ID’d nationwide last year."
    —Paul Stevens [02:16]
• International trade negotiations:
  • "The executive order leaves in place a 25% tariff on those goods imported to the US but delays an additional 30% tax... The deal is intended to keep trade talks going."
    —Jared Halpern [02:56]
• North Korea’s escalation:
  • "Kim has called for missile production to increase to about two and a half times of where it currently is in North Korea."
    —Paul Stevens [03:37]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Venezuela Military Operation — [00:02] to [00:48]
• Ukraine Diplomacy — [00:48] to [01:38]
• Iran Unrest — [01:38] to [01:59]
• Public Health: Drug-resistant Fungus — [02:16] to [02:56]
• U.S. Tariff Policy — [02:56] to [03:37]
• North Korea Missile Production — [03:37] to episode end

This summary covers only the main news content and skips commercial messages and promotions outside of the news segments.