Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET 01/01/2026 Newscast
Host: Sue Guzman (FOX News)
Date: January 1, 2026
Episode Overview
This special newscast covers the nationwide celebrations and landmark events marking the dawn of 2026—especially the United States' 250th birthday—is filled with updates from New York City’s Times Square, Washington, D.C., and highlights major policy changes and national news affecting Americans as the year begins.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Historic New Year’s Celebrations
-
New York City Times Square Ball Drop
- Thousands gathered in Times Square to ring in 2026.
- For the first time ever, the iconic ball will have two drops this year:
- One during NYE (raised and lit in red, white, and blue, showing “2026”).
- Another planned for July 4th, to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary.
- Special red, white, and blue confetti featured prominently.
- Quote:
“It doesn't get better than listening to some Frank Sinatra here... New York, New York as people from all over the world have come here to celebrate the new year.”
— Nate Voight (00:18)
-
Washington, D.C. Bicentennial Celebrations
- Massive fireworks over the nation’s capital.
- The Washington Monument was transformed with a giant birthday candle projection.
- Highlights the significance of 2026 as “250 years of America.”
- Quote:
“A birthday candle lit up projected on the Washington Monument to mark the country's 250th anniversary.”
— Sue Guzman (00:50)
Political Milestones
- New York City Swears in New Mayor
- Zora Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, becomes the 112th mayor.
- Sworn in at midnight in a private ceremony in the old City Hall subway station.
- Oath administered by NY Attorney General Letitia James.
- Second public ceremony scheduled later at City Hall; Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to conduct public swearing-in before 4,000 guests.
- Afterwards, a city block party is planned.
- Quote:
“Democrat Socialist Zora Mamdani was sworn in at the stroke of midnight... Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders swear[ing] Madam in...the public is invited to a block party after.”
— Chanley Painter (01:26)
National Guard Troop Withdrawal
- President Trump Removes Troops
- Announcement that National Guard troops are withdrawn from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon.
- Context: Provided as a notable, succinct update on ongoing domestic security policy.
- Quote:
“President Trump removes National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon.”
— Sue Guzman (01:49)
State Legislation & Labor Updates
- Minimum Wage Increases in 19 States
- Beginning January 1, 19 states increase minimum wages, further diverging from stagnant federal wage law.
- Highest minimum wage:
- Washington State: $17.13/hr
- New York City, Westchester, Long Island: $17/hr
- Upstate New York: $16/hr
- California: $16.90/hr, with $25/hr for healthcare workers in 6 months.
- Lowest of 19:
- Montana: $10.85/hr
- Federal minimum wage remains at $7.25/hr, unchanged since 2009.
- Quote:
“Of the 19 states, the lowest minimum wage is in Montana, 10.85. But that still out distances the federal minimum, which has been at 7.25 since 2009.”
— Gernall Scott (02:50)
SNAP Program & Nutrition Policy
- SNAP ‘Junk Food’ Restrictions
- Five states (Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, West Virginia) roll out new bans on soda, candy, and other junk foods for SNAP recipients.
- Driven by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rawlins.
- Over a dozen more states expected to follow.
- National Grocers Association warns these changes could cost retailers over $1.5 billion.
- SNAP provides assistance to over 40 million Americans.
- Quote:
“Five states are putting new restrictions on soda, candy and other junk foods that can be purchased with SNAP benefits or food stamps beginning today...”
— Jared Halpern (03:51)
“SNAP restrictions could cost retailers more than one and a half billion dollars.”
— Jared Halpern (04:15)
National Security
- US Southern Command Anti-Drug Operations
- U.S. Southern Command conducted three new strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats.
- Outcome: three “narco-terrorists” killed, two jumped ship (status unknown).
- Indicates continued emphasis on combating drug trafficking at the start of 2026.
- Quote:
“Announcing they have conducted three more strikes and alleged drug smuggling boats. It says three narco terrorists were killed in that two narco terrorist jump ship. A search was ordered, but it is unclear if they were found.”
— Sue Guzman (03:32)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “It doesn't get better than listening to some Frank Sinatra here... New York, New York as people from all over the world have come here to celebrate the new year.”
— Nate Voight (00:18) - “A birthday candle lit up projected on the Washington Monument to mark the country's 250th anniversary.”
— Sue Guzman (00:50) - “Democrat Socialist Zora Mamdani was sworn in at the stroke of midnight... Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders swear[ing] Madam in...”
— Chanley Painter (01:26) - “Of the 19 states, the lowest minimum wage is in Montana, 10.85. But that still out distances the federal minimum, which has been at 7.25 since 2009.”
— Gernall Scott (02:50) - “Five states are putting new restrictions on soda, candy and other junk foods that can be purchased with SNAP benefits or food stamps beginning today...”
— Jared Halpern (03:51)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:02 – New Year celebrations in Times Square & D.C.
- 01:26 – New York City’s new mayor sworn in
- 01:49 – President Trump withdraws National Guard from select cities
- 02:40 – Minimum wage increases in 19 states (Washington, NY, CA, etc.)
- 03:32 – US Southern Command anti-drug strikes
- 03:51 – SNAP restrictions on junk food begin in 5 states
Tone and Language
- The reporting is fast-paced, matter-of-fact, and concise—typical of a news update format.
- Tone is neutral with some celebratory language for national milestones and direct factual delivery of policies and political news.
- Occasional evocative language, e.g., “It doesn’t get better than listening to some Frank Sinatra here.”
This episode delivers a snapshot of America welcoming 2026: balancing reflective national pride, significant policy shifts, and the ongoing challenges facing the country.