Fox News Hourly Update - 3PM ET 01/03/2026

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: January 3, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode covers several urgent international and domestic news stories, focusing on the aftermath of U.S. intervention in Venezuela, an attempt to prevent a New Year's Eve terrorist attack in North Carolina, and a deadly fire at a Swiss nightclub. The updates include reactions from world leaders, legal developments concerning a U.S. judge, and insights into policy implications.

1. U.S. Intervention and Maduro's Capture in Venezuela (00:02-01:52)

Main Story

• Host Angelo Bavaro reports that President Trump declared the U.S. stands ready after the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.
  • Quote: “President Trump says the US stands ready after the capture of his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro.” (00:02, Angelo Bavaro)

U.S. Stance and Plan for Venezuela

• President Trump on possible further action:
  • Quote: “We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so.” (00:11, President Trump)
  • Context: The president emphasizes a prepared “second wave” if necessary.
• The U.S. will administer Venezuela “until a safe, proper and judicious transition of power” is achieved. (00:27, Angelo Bavaro)

Rebuilding and Oil Infrastructure

• Fox Correspondent outlines Trump's vision for Venezuela’s reconstruction:
  • American oil companies will play a key role in restoring infrastructure and ramping up oil production.
  • “...the president talked at length about what rebuilding Venezuela would look like and the role of American oil companies in rebuilding the infrastructure... there is still a full embargo on Venezuelan oil and... a ready force posture in the region.” (00:33, Reporter)

International and Domestic Response

• Mixed reactions to U.S. actions:
  • Some praise Trump’s decisiveness, while others voice concern about the legality and global ramifications.
  • UN Secretary-General and European Council President Antonio Guterres express “great concern,” urging de-escalation and adherence to international law. (01:13, D)
  • France condemns both the Maduro regime and the U.S. operation, stating:

  “The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro contravenes the principle of the non use of force that underpins international law.” (01:52, French Foreign Affairs statement)

2. Wisconsin Judge Convicted and Resigns Over Immigration Case (02:21-02:53)

• Judge Hannah Dugan of Milwaukee County has resigned following her conviction for felony obstruction.
  • Prosecutors claim Dugan helped a Mexican immigrant evade ICE outside her courtroom by distracting agents and escorting the man through a private exit.
  • The case drew national attention, with divergent partisan reactions:
    • President Trump cited it during his immigration policy push.
    • Democrats labeled the conviction as “politically motivated.”
  • “A jury convicted her Dec. 19, prompting Republicans to begin preparing impeachment proceedings.” (02:21, Matt Murphy)

3. Foiled Terror Plot in North Carolina (02:53-03:42)

• Federal authorities arrest Christian Sturtevant (18), a U.S. citizen, preventing a planned New Year's Eve attack at a North Carolina grocery store.
  • FBI Details:
    • Sturtevant pledged allegiance to ISIS, but only engaged with undercover law enforcement online.
    • Quote: “He then talked with another person online who he thought was an ISIS member, but in fact, it was an undercover FBI agent.” (03:05, David Spunt)
    • He had previously received court-ordered psychological care after being monitored since January 2022.
    • Charges: Attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
  • Planned to use butcher knives and hammers.
  • Potential sentence: Up to 20 years in prison. (03:42, Angelo Bavaro)

4. Tragedy in Switzerland: Nightclub Fire (03:42-03:59)

• Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation after a bar fire at a New Year’s Eve party killed 40 people.
  • Cause preliminarily linked to “sparkling candles on top of champagne bottles” igniting when too close to the crowded bar ceiling.
  • “Investigators say they believe sparkling candles on top of champagne bottles ignited that fire when they came too close to the ceiling of that crowded bar.” (03:42, Angelo Bavaro)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• President Trump (on Venezuela):
  “We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so.” (00:11)
• European Council President Antonio Guterres (via reporter):
  "Following the developments in Venezuela with 'great concern', urging de-escalation and respect of international law." (01:13)
• French Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
  “The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro contravenes the principle of the non use of force that underpins international law.” (01:52)
• Fox Correspondent:
  “There is still a full embargo on Venezuelan oil and that there is a ready force posture in the region to make sure that this doesn't devolve into a destabilized situation.” (00:33)

Timestamps of Key Sections

• Venezuela Update and Global Response: 00:02–01:52
• Wisconsin Judge Resignation: 02:21–02:53
• NC Terror Arrest: 02:53–03:42
• Swiss Nightclub Fire: 03:42–03:59

Summary

This broadcast delivers swift, impactful global news, with U.S. foreign policy, security, and legal developments at the center. Key focus is given to controversial action in Venezuela and its complex international fallout, an emblematic court case in Wisconsin, a successful counterterrorism operation, and a tragic incident in Switzerland. The tone is urgent, factual, and direct—characteristic of Fox News’ hourly updates.