Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET 01/02/2026 Newscast

Date: January 2, 2026
Host: Ted Lindner (FOX News)
Duration: ~4 min 36 sec (Content between 00:02–04:36)

Episode Overview

This hourly update covers breaking international and national news, with focus on a tragic fire at a New Year’s party in Switzerland, the historic swearing-in of New York City’s new mayor, outdoor hockey events in Florida, an alleged daycare break-in in Minnesota amid a funding scandal, heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, and deadly weather in Afghanistan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Switzerland New Year’s Bar Fire

[00:02–00:55]

• Incident: A devastating fire broke out at Le Consolation Bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during a New Year’s party.
• Response:
  • “Thirteen helicopters and 42 ambulances rushed to the scene. In fact, first responders were on scene two minutes after the first call.” (Stephanie Bennett, 00:13)
• Cause:
  • The official cause is unclear. Two primary theories: a firecracker or champagne bottles with sparklers igniting the ceiling (witness reports).
• Survivor Accounts:
  • “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.” (Stephanie Bennett, 00:36)
• Explosion Risk:
  • Officials suggest the fire triggered “combustible gases, causing a flashover or a backdraft, basically an explosion.” (Stephanie Bennett, 00:49)
• Impact:
  • “At least 40 people are dead, 115 injured.” (Ted Lindner, 00:55)

2. NYC’s First Democratic Socialist Mayor

[00:55–01:41]

• Event: Zorramdani becomes NYC’s first self-proclaimed democratic socialist mayor, sworn in on New Year’s Day.
• Immediate Action:
  • Held a news conference to announce executive orders focused on tenant protection and increasing housing development.
• Vision Statement:
  • “He said he’s going to transform city hall with a new way of doing things that he won’t back down from.” (CB Cotton, 01:16)
  • Notable quote:
    • “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.” (Zorramdani, via Ted Lindner, 01:29)
• Historical Context:
  • Sworn in by Senator Bernie Sanders.
  • President Trump had previously called him a communist and threatened to pull funding if he won; both met at the White House after the election.

3. NHL Winter Classic & Outdoor Hockey in Florida

[02:39–03:21]

• Event: Annual NHL Winter Classic held in Florida; Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers at Lone Depot Park, Miami.
• Expansion:
  • First of two outdoor games in Florida this season; Tampa Bay Lightning to host Boston Bruins in February.
• Logistics:
  • NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on the challenge:
    • “With the experience we’ve had with our ice making crews, what hockey operations does, we think we can do this and make it a huge success.” (Gary Bettman, 03:13)
• Atmosphere:
  • Anticipation of a sellout crowd despite Florida’s mild climate.

4. Minnesota Daycare Alleged Break-In Amid Fraud Probe

[03:24–04:05]

• Incident: Nokoma’s Daycare in Minnesota claims a break-in; business records and personal info of attendees stolen.
• Background:
  • The daycare is among those flagged for receiving over $1 million in federal funds despite “multiple and repeated violations on record.” (Garrettini, 03:36)
• Skepticism:
  • Some suggest the break-in could be a cover-up amid ongoing investigations.
• Official Action:
  • Department of Health and Human Services has frozen funding for several Minnesota programs as the fraud probe continues.

5. U.S. State Department on China–Taiwan Tensions

[04:05–04:18]

• Statement: U.S. Department of State urges China to end military drills near Taiwan, warning the rhetoric and actions are escalating tensions.
• Quote:
  • “China’s military activities and rhetoric towards Taiwan are increasing tensions unnecessarily.” (State Dept. Spokesman, paraphrased, 04:10)

6. Afghanistan Flooding Disaster

[04:18–04:36]

• Event: Severe rain and snow cause deadly flooding across Afghanistan.
• Impact:
  • At least 17 dead, 11 injured, mostly from heavily flooded districts since Monday.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Stephanie Bennett (on 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.” (00:36)
• Mayor Zorramdani:
  • “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.” (01:29)
• Gary Bettman (NHL):
  • “We think we can do this and make it a huge success.” (03:13)

Important Timestamps

• 00:02 – Switzerland New Year’s Bar Fire
• 00:55 – NYC Democratic Socialist Mayor sworn in
• 01:41 – Trump’s reaction to mayoral election
• 02:39 – NHL Winter Classic preview in Florida
• 03:24 – Minnesota daycare break-in & fraud probe
• 04:05 – U.S. calls out China’s Taiwan maneuvers
• 04:18 – Afghanistan flooding disaster

Summary prepared for quick, comprehensive understanding of current headlines and context from Fox News’ 3AM Hourly Update, January 2, 2026.