Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET 01/02/2026 Newscast

Host: Ted Lindner | Date: January 2, 2026

Overview

This episode covers a range of major news stories for the start of 2026, spotlighting the historic swearing-in of New York City's new mayor, a deadly nightclub fire in Switzerland, a notable NHL Winter Classic game in Florida, a controversial daycare robbery tied to a federal investigation in Minnesota, and updates on international crises in Afghanistan and Taiwan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New York City’s First Democratic Socialist Mayor

• Swearing-In of Mayor Zorramdani
  • Zorramdani, the city’s first self-declared democratic socialist mayor, was sworn in on New Year’s Day.
  • Immediately after the public inauguration, Zorramdani held a press conference to announce new executive orders focusing on tenant protections and increased housing development.
    • Quote: “He’s going to transform City hall with a new way of doing things that he won’t back down from.” – CB Cotton [00:27]
  • Notably, he was sworn in by his political hero, Senator Bernie Sanders.
    • Quote: “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.” – Mayor Zorramdani [00:37]
• Tensions with the White House
  • During the campaign, President Trump labeled Zorramdani a communist and threatened federal funding cuts.
  • Zorramdani met with Trump at the White House in November, following his election win.

2. Swiss Nightclub Fire: Tragic New Year’s Disaster

• Incident Overview:
  • A fire broke out at Le Consolation Bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, shortly after 1:30 am during a New Year’s celebration.
  • Reports indicate 13 helicopters and 42 ambulances responded within minutes.
    • Quote: “First responders were on scene two minutes after the first call.” – Stephanie Bennett [01:11]
• Potential Causes:
  • Theories include a firecracker or champagne bottles with sparklers igniting the ceiling.
  • Witnesses described panic as partygoers attempted to escape up narrow stairs and through windows.
• Casualties:
  • At least 40 people killed, over 115 injured.
    • Quote: “Officials say the fire likely triggered the release of combustible gases, causing a flashover or a backdraft, basically an explosion.” – Stephanie Bennett [01:35]

3. NHL Winter Classic Comes to Florida

• Historic Outdoor Game:
  • The Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers at Lone Depot Park in Miami, marking one of two outdoor NHL games in the state this season.
  • A second game will feature the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins on February 1 at Raymond James Stadium.
  • Quote: “With the experience we’ve had with our ice making crews, what hockey operations does, we think we can do this and make it a huge success.” – NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman [03:14]
• Atmosphere:
  • The Miami game is expected to be a sellout, underscoring growing excitement for hockey in non-traditional markets.

4. Minnesota Daycare Robbery Amid Federal Fraud Probe

• Incident Details:
  • Nokomis Daycare in Minnesota reported a break-in, with surveillance indicating the suspects entered through a cinder block wall and stole records containing personal information.
    • Quote: “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…” – Garrett Tenney [03:36]
• Controversy:
  • The daycare is among dozens flagged for receiving over a million dollars in federal funds despite repeated violations; it was not featured in a viral video but has been under state scrutiny.
  • Some suggest the break-in could be a cover-up.
• Consequences:
  • Federal funding for various Minnesota child care programs has been halted as an investigation continues.

5. International Updates

• Afghanistan Flooding:
  • At least 17 deaths and 11 injuries after heavy rain and snow caused flooding in multiple districts since Monday.
• US-China-Taiwan Tension:
  • The US State Department urges China to end military drills near Taiwan, noting that China’s rhetoric and maneuvers are raising regional tensions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.”
  – Mayor Zorramdani [00:37]

• “First responders were on scene two minutes after the first call.”
  – Stephanie Bennett [01:11]

• "With the experience we've had with our ice making crews, what hockey operations does, we think we can do this and make it a huge success."
  – NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman [03:14]

• “Some are suggesting it could be a cover up of wrongdoing.”
  – Garrett Tenney on the Minnesota daycare robbery [04:04]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:03 – 00:49: New York City’s new mayor, swearing-in, and political context
• 01:09 – 01:49: Swiss nightclub fire details and aftermath
• 02:40 – 03:22: Preview of the NHL Winter Classic in Florida
• 03:25 – 04:07: Minnesota daycare robbery and fraud investigation
• 04:07 – 04:28: Afghanistan flood casualties and US statement on China-Taiwan tensions

This episode delivers a brisk update on breaking news across politics, international affairs, sports, and ongoing investigations, capturing the morning’s biggest headlines in a concise format.