Fox News Hourly Update: 3AM ET 01/07/2026 Newscast

Host: Ted Lindner (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: January 7, 2026
Episode Theme: Coverage of overnight global and national news, focusing on U.S. foreign policy developments, critical political decisions, natural disasters, notable figures' obituaries, and a health update.

Episode Overview

This newscast covers ongoing U.S. foreign policy actions in Venezuela and Ukraine, shifting energy concerns, the U.S. administration’s controversial plans for Greenland, a major gubernatorial announcement from Minnesota, an earthquake in the Philippines, the death of Michael Reagan, and a measles outbreak in South Carolina.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. U.S. Actions in Venezuela & Energy Policy

[00:03 - 00:53]

• President Trump's Update on Venezuela:

  • President Trump announced via Truth Social that the U.S. will gain 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil after the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
  • The President is pushing for U.S. control of Venezuelan resources to counter growing energy needs and pressure from adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba.

• Impact and Political Response:

  • Trump's administration is holding off on elections in Venezuela until “the U.S. can stabilize things on the ground.”
  • Criticism from Democrats: Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are upset over not being included in the Venezuela strategy planning.

  Memorable Quote:

  "The president also confronted his tough talk on how things will play out in the country in the weeks ahead, noting that no, there'll be no election anytime soon. That is, of course, until the US can stabilize things on the ground."
  — Kevin Cork [00:31]

2. Greenland Acquisition Talks

[00:53 - 01:22]

• Ongoing Push to Acquire Greenland:

  • President Trump is continuing to discuss acquiring Greenland—including possible U.S. military involvement—despite Denmark's strong opposition.
  • White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt reaffirmed that acquiring Greenland is a ’national security priority.’

  Quote:

  "The president's made it well known acquiring Greenland's a national security priority."
  — Caroline Levitt (via statement) [01:09]

• Wider Security Context: The discussions also link to NATO and U.S./European alliances, notably a new security commitment to Ukraine as part of ongoing peace talks.

3. Security & Economic Agreements on Ukraine

[01:22 - 01:55]

• Latest Peace Talks in Paris:

  • U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and international partners are finalizing a security protocol for Ukraine.

  • The arrangement could see British and French troops operating in Ukraine, with the U.S. leading ceasefire monitoring.

  • Negotiators are also close to a prosperity agreement to rebuild Ukraine’s economy post-war.

  Memorable Exchange:

  “So that the people of Ukraine know…”
  — Tim Waltz [01:32]
  "That when this ends, it ends forever."
  — Kevin Cork [01:35]

4. Minnesota Gubernatorial Announcement

[02:32 - 03:12]

• Gov. Tim Waltz Not Seeking Reelection (2026):

  • Waltz cites mounting criticism over management of fraud scandals involving state funds.
  • He publicly accepts responsibility for fraud in Minnesota but adamantly refuses to resign.

  Notable Quote:

  "Over my dead body will that happen. I will fight this thing till the very end to make this state better. And the question that I think they need to decide is when did the guy in the White House resign? Anytime I get drug into being next to Donald Trump, God help me, I don't want to be judged against that guy."
  — Tim Waltz [02:52]

• State Fraud Cases: Over 90 individuals charged in connection with misuse of public funds intended for social services and state programs.

5. Major World & National News Briefs

[03:12 - 04:28]

• Philippines Earthquake:

  • Magnitude 6.7 earthquake; 68 km from city of Baculim, 10 km deep.
  • No casualties reported yet as assessment continues.

• Passing of Michael Reagan:

  • Son of President Ronald Reagan, Michael Reagan, dies at 80.
  • Remembered as an author, talk show host, and advocate for his father’s principles.

• South Carolina Measles Outbreak:

  • Over 200 cases, primarily in schools and churches.
  • 140+ people quarantined, 7+ in isolation, multiple hospitalizations.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On U.S. Policy in Venezuela:
  "[President Trump] continued his push to ensure that that country's resources remain firmly in US Hands..."
  — Kevin Cork [00:18]

• On the Future of Elections in Venezuela:
  "No, there'll be no election anytime soon. That is, of course, until the US can stabilize things on the ground."
  — Kevin Cork [00:31]

• On Not Resigning as Minnesota Governor:
  "Over my dead body will that happen. I will fight this thing till the very end to make this state better."
  — Tim Waltz [02:52]

• On the U.S. approach to Ukraine peace and security:
  "Under the framework, British and French troops could operate in Ukraine with the US Leading a monitoring and verification of any ceasefire."
  — Jared Halpern [01:37]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Venezuela & Oil Promise: [00:03 – 00:53]
• Greenland Acquisition & Security: [00:53 – 01:22]
• Ukraine Security Agreement: [01:22 – 01:55]
• Minnesota Governor Announcement: [02:32 – 03:12]
• Philippines Earthquake: [03:12 – 03:28]
• Michael Reagan Obituary: [03:28 – 03:55]
• Measles Outbreak, South Carolina: [03:55 – 04:28]

Closing

The episode concisely covers breaking developments in U.S. foreign policy, state politics, global events, and urgent public health news with a mix of direct White House commentary, political reaction, and field reporting, using the brisk and direct style characteristic of Fox News radio updates.