Fox News Hourly Update – 3PM ET Jan 1, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of breaking national and international stories, including a tragic New Year’s fire in the Swiss Alps, developments in a Minnesota daycare fraud probe, political pressures on U.S. healthcare policy, a New Year’s message from Chief Justice John Roberts, and Zoran Mamdani’s historic inauguration as New York City mayor.

1. Deadly New Year’s Fire in the Swiss Alps

Theme: Catastrophic fire and explosion during celebrations at a Swiss nightclub

• [00:02] Jack Callahan starts with news of a “deadly blaze that broke out early this morning during a celebration at a club in the Swiss Alps.”
• Details (Stephanie Bennett, London Bureau) [00:14]:
  • The fire occurred at Le Consolacion bar in Crans-Montana, roughly 25 miles north of the Matterhorn.
  • Sequence: A blast occurred, then fire broke out around 1:30am local time.
  • Emergency response: 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances rushed to the scene.
  • “Authorities ruled out an attack. It happened around 1:30am local time.” (Stephanie Bennett, [00:24])
  • Casualties: Several dozen feared dead, around 100 injured—many of them foreign visitors.
  • Identification of victims and informing families is ongoing.
  • Quote: “Work is now underway to identify the victims and inform their families, which police say will take some time.” (Stephanie Bennett, [00:37])

2. Minnesota Daycare Robbery and Federal Fraud Probe

Theme: Daycare robbery raises suspicions amid broader fraud investigation

• [00:52] Report on a burglary at Nokomis Daycare, Minneapolis.
• Details (Garrett Tenney) [00:57]:
  • Not directly featured in a prior viral investigation video, but among dozens of daycares flagged for receiving >$1 million federal funds despite repeated violations.
  • Owners allege two men broke in, cutting through exterior and interior walls, then stole business records, including personal attendee information.
  • “They cut through an outside cinder block wall, crawled through an interior wall and busted their way in before getting into an office and stealing business records, including personal information.” (Garrett Tenney, [01:09])
  • The break-in’s timing is suspicious—occurring a day after the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) froze funds due to a fraud investigation.
  • Some suggest the burglary could be a cover-up.

3. National Guard Withdrawal & Federal Response to Crime

Theme: Federal involvement in public safety

• [01:34] President Trump announces withdrawal of National Guard from Chicago, Louisiana, and Portland, stating that federal forces could return if crime rates increase.
  • “Federal forces will come back, crime rates go up.” (Jack Callahan, [01:36])

4. Health Care Subsidies and Political Tensions

Theme: Congressional gridlock as Affordable Care Act subsidies expire

• [02:04] Congressional Republicans face growing pressure as ACA (Obamacare) subsidies expire.
  • “These now expired 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.” (Fox News reporter, [02:22])
• Key Points:
  • Democrats pushed to extend subsidies; Republicans allege fraud in Obamacare, demand reform.
  • President Trump urges direct aid to patients, not insurance companies:
    “No more money to fat cat insurance companies. The money must go directly to the people to buy their own health care.” (Quoted from Trump on Truth Social, [02:52])
  • Another vote on healthcare subsidies expected later in the month.

5. Chief Justice Roberts’ New Year’s Message

Theme: Supreme Court’s resilience amid controversy

• [03:05] Chief Justice John Roberts addresses the judiciary’s responsibilities in an annual letter.
• (Jared Halperin reporting) [03:21]:
  • The judicial system faces “fierce criticism from the left and right.”
  • Roberts affirms: “The nation’s founding documents are firm and unshaken.”
  • Roberts to judges: “...decide the cases before us according to our oath and impartially under the Constitution.” (Jared Halperin, [03:29])
  • Context: Ongoing legal battles over immigration, presidential tariffs, and birthright citizenship will reach SCOTUS in the coming year.

6. Zoran Mamdani Sworn in as NYC’s First Muslim Mayor

Theme: Historic change in New York City leadership

• [03:55] Zoran Mamdani takes office as NYC mayor, sworn in at a decommissioned Manhattan subway station just after midnight.
  • Highlights:
    • Sworn in on a Quran, Mamdani becomes the first Muslim to lead the country’s largest city.
    • “Zoran Mandani has become the mayor of New York City just after midnight taking the oath of office at the historic decommissioned subway station in Manhattan... Mamdani sworn in as the first Muslim leader of America's largest city, placing his hand on a Quran.” (Jack Callahan, [03:55])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Stephanie Bennett (on Swiss fire):
  “Authorities ruled out an attack. It happened around 1:30am local time.” [00:24]

• Garrett Tenney (on daycare robbery):
  “They cut through an outside cinder block wall, crawled through an interior wall and busted their way in before getting into an office and stealing business records, including personal information.” [01:09]

• Trump’s social media statement:
  "No more money to fat cat insurance companies. The money must go directly to the people to buy their own health care." (Quoted by Fox News, [02:52])

• Chief Justice Roberts (on the judiciary):
  “The nation’s founding documents are firm and unshaken.” (Narrated by Jared Halperin, [03:22])
  “Decide the cases before us according to our oath and impartially under the Constitution.” (Jared Halperin, [03:29])

• On historic NYC mayoral inauguration:
  “Mamdani sworn in as the first Muslim leader of America's largest city, placing his hand on a Quran.” (Jack Callahan, [03:58])

Conclusion

This Fox News update covers rapidly developing international tragedy, ongoing domestic fraud investigations, high-stakes national policy battles, and landmark political milestones, all with concise reporter dispatches and direct quotes for context and clarity. It captures the urgency and tone of the day’s headlines for listeners needing a quick yet thorough news briefing.