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

Date: January 2, 2026
Host: John Saucier
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Runtime for Summary: 00:02–03:54

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major national and international news, including a foiled terror plot in North Carolina, an update on the January 6, 2021 Capitol incident, the death of Tommy Lee Jones’s daughter, leadership changes in Ukraine, pandemic loan fraud in Minnesota, and a concerning rise in flu cases across the U.S.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Foiled Terror Attack in North Carolina

• Segment: 00:02–00:55
• Details: Federal law enforcement stopped an 18-year-old, Christian Sturtevant, from carrying out a planned attack on a grocery store and fast food restaurant in Mint Hill, NC.
• Law Enforcement Findings:
  • Sturtevant spent about a year planning, was influenced online, especially on TikTok.
  • Reached out to what he thought was ISIS, but was actually communicating with undercover agents.
  • Disclosed to agents his intent: “do jihad soon.” (John Saucier, 00:29)
  • FBI found hammers, knives, and a typed attack plan at his residence.
  • Arrested on New Year's Eve and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
• Notable Quote:

  "He pledged his allegiance to ISIS with that undercover agent and he disclosed his plans to, quote, do jihad soon."
  — John Saucier (00:29)

2. Jan. 6 Related Pipe Bomb Case Update

• Segment: 00:55–01:44
• Details: Brian Cole Jr., accused of planting pipe bombs near Republican and Democratic national committee headquarters in D.C. on January 5, 2021, will remain in pretrial detention.
• Legal Highlights:
  • Arrested after a five-year investigation.
  • Judge Matthew Scharbaugh cited community safety, stating “no conditions...could impose to reasonably assure the safety of the community.” (Jared Halpern, 01:27)
• Notable Quote:

  "Cole was arrested last month in his Virginia home following a nearly five-year investigation to determine his identity."
  — Jared Halpern (01:16)

3. Death of Victoria Jones

• Segment: 01:44–01:59
• Details: Victoria Jones, daughter of actor Tommy Lee Jones, was found deceased in a California hotel on New Year's Day from a suspected drug overdose.
• Source: TMZ first reported the story.
• Tone: Brief, factual.

4. Leadership Changes in Ukraine

• Segment: 02:22–02:52
• Details: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appoints General Kyrylo Budanov, former head of military intelligence, as his new chief of staff amid security concerns and corruption probes.
• Context:
  • The U.S. and Russia are calling for elections in Ukraine.
  • Budanov’s appointment linked to need for heightened security focus.
  • Zelensky’s previous chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, dismissed during an investigation into graft.
• Notable Quote:

  "Budanov is considered a potential future presidential candidate as the US and Russia call for new elections in Ukraine."
  — Chris Foster (02:35)

5. Minnesota Pandemic Loan Fraud Crackdown

• Segment: 02:58–03:30
• Details:
  • The SBA found almost 7,000 people in Minnesota suspected of fraudulently receiving approximately $400 million in pandemic-era loans.
  • These individuals are now banned from future SBA loans; cases referred for prosecution and repayment.
  • SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler stated Minnesota is "just the beginning." (Garrett Ney, 03:15)
  • Health and Human Services cut off some federal funding to Minnesota.
• Notable Quote:

  "We are going to make sure now that we understand the breadth and the depth and the method of these crimes that we hold more states accountable."
  — SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, quoted by Jessica Rosenthal (03:22)

6. Flu Cases Spiking Nationwide

• Segment: 03:34–03:54
• Details:
  • Surge driven by a new flu variant called subclade K.
  • Highest activity in Northeast, especially New York and New Jersey.
  • Hospitalizations are up, but severity is still considered low for now.
  • Reminder to stay vigilant and practice good hygiene.
• Closing Note:

  "A stark reminder to stay vigilant. Keep washing those hands."
  — John Saucier (03:51)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "He pledged his allegiance to ISIS with that undercover agent and he disclosed his plans to, quote, do jihad soon."
  — John Saucier (00:29)

• "Cole was arrested last month in his Virginia home following a nearly five-year investigation to determine his identity."
  — Jared Halpern (01:16)

• "Budanov is considered a potential future presidential candidate as the US and Russia call for new elections in Ukraine."
  — Chris Foster (02:35)

• "We are going to make sure now that we understand the breadth and the depth and the method of these crimes that we hold more states accountable."
  — SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, quoted by Jessica Rosenthal (03:22)

• "A stark reminder to stay vigilant. Keep washing those hands."
  — John Saucier (03:51)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02: Terror attack foiled in North Carolina – Jessica Rosenthal
• 00:55: Brian Cole Jr. pipe bomb case update – Jared Halpern
• 01:44: Victoria Jones found dead
• 02:22: Ukraine leadership shakeup – Chris Foster
• 02:58: Minnesota pandemic loan fraud crackdown – Garrett Ney, Jessica Rosenthal
• 03:34: Flu surge, new variant spreading – John Saucier

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update offers concise, fact-focused reporting on current high-interest national and international events, with a serious and urgent tone throughout.