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

Summary4 min read

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.

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Transcript16 lines

[00:02]
A
Taking control in Venezuela. I'm Angelo Bavaro, Fox News. President Trump says the US Stands ready after the capture of his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro.
[00:12]
B
We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so. So we were prepared to do a.
[00:22]
A
Second wave.
[00:25]
B
If we needed to do so.
[00:27]
A
The president also says the US Will run Venezuela until a safe, proper and judicious transition of power.
[00:34]
C
The president talked at length about what rebuilding Venezuela would look like and the role of American oil companies in rebuilding the infrastructure and getting the production to a level that the president thinks is necessary. He said that for a long time the Venezuelan oil business has been a bust, but spoke spoke about really having a strong hand in rebuilding the infrastructure and bringing that oil to market. He said 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.
[01:10]
A
Fox's Jackie Heinrich, meantime, the reaction pouring in.
[01:14]
D
Some are praising President Donald Trump for taking this decisive action against the Maduro regime. Others are expressing concern about international law to include the UN Secretary secretary general. As you can expect, he's not the only one. The president of the European Council, Antonio Guterres said he's following the developments in Venezuela with quote, great concern, urging de escalation and respect of international law. France's foreign affairs echoing those sentiments, but also condemning the Maduro regime. They wrote the military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro contravenes the principle of the non use of force that underpins international law.
[01:53]
A
Foxes CB Cotton America is listening to FOX News.
[02:00]
D
This is Ainsley Earhart.
[02:01]
C
Thank you for joining me for the 52 episode podcast series the Life of.
[02:05]
A
Jesus, a listening experience that will provide hope, comfort and understanding of the greatest story ever told. Listen and follow now@foxnewsodcasts.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. The Wisconsin judge convicted in a federal immigration case has formally resigned.
[02:21]
E
Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan has sent her resignation letter to the governor weeks after being convicted of felony obstruction. Prosecutors say Dugan helped a Mexican immigrant evade arrest last April by distracting federal agents outside her courtroom and escorting the man out through a private door. A jury convicted her Dec. 19, prompting Republicans to begin preparing impeachment proceedings. The case drew national attention with President Trump highlighting it as part of his immigration push, while Democrats called the prosecution politically motivated. Matt Murphy, FOX News.
[02:54]
A
Federal authorities have arrested 18 year old Christian Sturtevant, a US citizen in connection to to what would have been a potential New Year's Eve attack at a North Carolina grocery store. Fox's David Spunt.
[03:05]
B
According to the FBI, Sturtevant pledged his support to ISIS online with someone who he thought was an ISIS member. Turns out that was an undercover officer working with the New York Police Department. He then talked with another person online who he thought was an ISIS member, but in fact, it was an undercover FBI agent. Authorities had him on the radar since January 2022, four years ago, when he was on social media with an unidentified ISIS member. Overse. But at that time, no charges were filed. 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.
[03:42]
A
Sturdivant allegedly planned to use butcher knives and hammers in that attack. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the managers of the bar where a fire at a New Year's eve party left 40 people dead. 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. I'm Angelo Bavaro, and this is Fox News.