Fox News Hourly Update, 3AM ET 01/03/2026 – Episode Summary

Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Date: January 3, 2026
Host: Chris DiMaio
Length: ~5 minutes (ads excluded)

Episode Overview

This episode delivers concise updates on major global and national news. Coverage includes President Trump’s warning to Iran amid protests, a foiled potential terror attack in North Carolina, explosions in Venezuela, fraud crackdowns in Minnesota, the latest controversy in New York City politics, and the arrest of former baseball star Lenny Dykstra. The episode covers serious governmental warnings, law enforcement actions, and political tensions both at home and abroad.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. President Trump Warns Iran Over Protest Crackdowns

Timestamps: 00:03–00:44

• Summary: President Trump issues a stern warning to Iran, threatening U.S. intervention if peaceful protesters are killed during ongoing demonstrations.
• Details:
  • Trump says the U.S. is “locked and loaded” and promises rescue to Iranian protesters if the regime acts violently.
  • Iranian officials call this a provocation, asserting any U.S. action makes American forces "legitimate targets" and highlights Iranian unity in resisting aggression.
  • Background: The protests erupted in response to economic issues and inflation, with reports of several protesters killed.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “President Trump says the US is locked and loaded, and will come to the rescue of peaceful protesters in Iran if the regime shoots and kills them...” – Jared Halpern (00:09)
  • “That threat makes American forces across the region legitimate targets in response to any adventurism.” – Senior Iranian official, via Jared Halpern (00:19)

2. North Carolina Terror Plot Foiled

Timestamps: 00:44–01:32

• Summary: Authorities arrest an 18-year-old, Christian Sturtevant, for plotting a terror attack on New Year's Eve at a grocery store.
• Details:
  • Sturtevant allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS online, communicating with undercover law enforcement officers posing as ISIS members.
  • He had been on authorities’ radar since 2022 for online connections to ISIS; previously no charges were filed, but he did receive court-ordered psychological care.
  • Now charged with attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “He received psychological care ordered by a state judge in North Carolina. Four years later though, he's charged with attempting to provide materials to a foreign terrorist organization.” – Reporter (01:19)

3. Unexplained Explosions in Caracas, Venezuela

Timestamps: 01:32–02:00

• Summary: Multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft are reported in Venezuela’s capital amidst rising tension over alleged drug trafficking.
• Details:
  • The Venezuelan government did not respond to requests for comment.
  • This comes as the U.S. military targets suspected drug-smuggling vessels.
  • Venezuela signals willingness to negotiate with the U.S. on drug trafficking.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “At least seven explosions and low flying aircraft were heard Saturday in Venezuela's capital of Caracas.” – David Spunt (01:32)

4. Lenny Dykstra Arrested on Drug Charges

Timestamps: 02:39–03:14

• Summary: Former MLB star Lenny Dykstra arrested for possession of narcotics and related paraphernalia.
• Details:
  • Dykstra was stopped by police near Scranton, PA, on January 1.
  • He has a prior conviction for bankruptcy fraud, but is still remembered as a World Series champ with the Mets.
  • Charges are pending.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The former center fielder for the Phillies in the 90s served time in California for a bankruptcy fraud. He did win a World Series championship with the Mets all the way back in 1986.” – Jay Berman (02:53)

5. Pandemic Loan Fraud Crackdown in Minnesota

Timestamps: 03:14–04:02

• Summary: The Small Business Administration suspends thousands of borrowers over suspected COVID relief fraud.
• Details:
  • SBA reviewed thousands of pandemic-era loans, finding about 8,000 loans worth $400 million likely fraudulent.
  • Borrowers are suspended from further SBA programs; cases referred to law enforcement.
  • Adds to a rising tide of fraud involving other programs, possibly totaling $9 billion stolen.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “About 8,000 loans were approved worth about $400 million. That now thousands of those borrowers are suspended from all SBA loan programs due to suspected fraud and that cases will be referred to law enforcement...” – Jeff Manasso (03:31)

6. New York City’s New Mayor and Controversy on Anti-Semitism

Timestamps: 04:02–04:36

• Summary: NYC's Mayor Ziran Mamdani faces criticism for removing anti-Semitism-related posts; controversy grows over his stance toward Israel.
• Details:
  • National Jewish Advocacy criticizes deletion of outgoing mayor’s anti-Semitism posts.
  • Mamdani’s office said posts are being archived; he remains committed to combating anti-Semitism.
  • Mamdani, NYC’s first Muslim mayor, has vowed to arrest Israeli PM Netanyahu as a war criminal if he visits New York.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “The Muslim mayor has also vowed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a war criminal if he travels to New York City.” – Chris DiMaio (04:26)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “The US is locked and loaded, President Trump says, and will come to the rescue of peaceful protesters in Iran if the regime shoots and kills them during demonstrations.” — Jared Halpern (00:09)
• “According to the FBI, Sturtevant pledged his support to ISIS online with someone who he thought was an ISIS member... Authorities had him on the radar since January 2022.” — Reporter (00:53)
• “Venezuela said it was open to negotiating with the United States to fight drug trafficking.” — David Spunt (01:53)
• “Lenny Dykstra has been arrested for drug possession during a state police traffic stop on New Year's Day near Scranton, Pennsylvania.” — Jay Berman (02:43)
• “About 8,000 loans were approved worth about $400 million. That now thousands of those borrowers are suspended...cases will be referred to law enforcement for prosecution and repayment.” — Jeff Manasso (03:31)
• “The Muslim mayor has also vowed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a war criminal if he travels to New York City.” — Chris DiMaio (04:26)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Iran Protests & Trump Warning: 00:03–00:44
• North Carolina ISIS Plot: 00:44–01:32
• Venezuela Explosions: 01:32–02:00
• Lenny Dykstra Arrest: 02:39–03:14
• Minnesota SBA Fraud: 03:14–04:02
• NYC Mayor Controversy: 04:02–04:36

Tone:
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