Fox News Hourly Update – 7AM ET 01/01/2026 Newscast
Date: January 1, 2026
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Runtime: ~4.5 minutes (editorial content)
Overview
This newscast from FOX News delivers a concise roundup of major national and international headlines to kick off January 1, 2026. The episode covers a tragic New Year’s incident in Switzerland, memorable U.S. New Year’s celebrations, political milestones in New York City, new minimum wage laws, federal and state actions on health and nutrition, as well as key U.S. military activity in the war on drugs.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. New Year’s Tragedy in Switzerland
- [00:02]
Headline: Deadly Explosion at Krans, Montana Ski Resort- Police confirm "several dozen" deaths and over 100 injured after an explosion and fire at a bar in the Alpine resort town of Krans, Montana.
- Many victims suffered burns.
- Authorities have no indication of terrorism.
- Memorable Moment:
"What should have been a celebration turned into a nightmare." — Sue Guzman [00:02]
2. Major U.S. New Year’s Celebrations
-
Times Square Ball Drop – New York City
Reporter: Nate Foy [00:36]- Thousands gathered for the iconic ball drop.
- "The first time ever that the ball is going to drop two times," with significance for 2026 and the coming July 4th.
- The ball lit in blue, switching to red, white, and blue for the nation's 250th birthday; a special confetti display is planned.
- Quote:
"It doesn’t get better than listening to some Frank Sinatra here. The famous song 'New York, New York,' as people from all over the world have come here to celebrate the new year." — Nate Foy [00:36]
-
Washington, D.C. Festivities
- Fireworks over the capital.
- Birthday candle projected onto the Washington Monument for the country’s 250th anniversary.
- Transition Note: Segment moves seamlessly from one major city to another, emphasizing national unity and celebration.
3. Political Milestone: New Mayor for New York City
- [01:06]
Reporter: Chanley Painter- Democratic Socialist Zora Mamjani is sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor, at a private midnight ceremony in the historic City Hall subway station.
- Oath administered by NY Attorney General Letitia James.
- Second public ceremony later at City Hall, with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders officiating.
- 4,000 guests expected; the public invited to a citywide block party.
- Quote:
"Democratic Socialist Zora Mamjani was sworn in at the stroke of midnight. The private ceremony happened in the old City hall subway station.” — Chanley Painter [01:32]
4. Minimum Wage Increases Across the U.S.
- [02:40]
Reporter: Grinnell Scott- 19 states are raising their minimum wage starting January 1.
- Washington State leads at $17.13/hr.
- New York’s rates vary:
- NYC, Westchester, Long Island: $17/hr
- Upstate NY: $16/hr
- California’s new baseline: $16.90/hr, rising to $25/hr for healthcare workers in six months.
- Montana has the lowest of the cohort at $10.85/hr.
- Federal minimum stays at $7.25/hr (unchanged since 2009).
- Insight: State legislation continues to move faster than federal action on wages.
- 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." — Grinnell Scott [02:50]
5. U.S. Anti-Drug Operations
- [03:31]
Headline: Southern Command Strikes Narco Boats- Three strikes conducted by U.S. Southern Command on suspected drug smuggling boats.
- Three narco-terrorists reported killed; two others apparently jumped ship—unknown if they survived.
6. New SNAP Restrictions on “Junk Food”
- [03:52]
Reporter: Jared Halpern- Five states restrict soda, candy, and other snack purchases with SNAP (food stamps): Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, West Virginia.
- Initiated under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rawlins.
- Over a dozen additional states expected to enact similar measures this year.
- National Grocers Association estimates a $1.5 billion impact to retailers.
- Quote:
"SNAP restrictions could cost retailers more than one and a half billion dollars." — Jared Halpern [03:52]
Notable Quotes and Moments
-
On Swiss Tragedy:
"What should have been a celebration turned into a nightmare." — Sue Guzman [00:02]
-
On the NYC Ball Drop:
"The first time ever that the ball is going to drop two times...to celebrate the 250th birthday of our country." — Nate Foy [00:36]
-
On New NYC Mayor:
"Democratic Socialist Zora Mamjani was sworn in at the stroke of midnight...The public is invited to a block party after." — Chanley Painter [01:32]
-
On Minimum Wage:
"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." — Grinnell Scott [02:50]
-
On SNAP Restrictions:
"SNAP restrictions could cost retailers more than one and a half billion dollars." — Jared Halpern [03:52]
Timeline of Segments
- 00:02 – Swiss Bar Explosion and Fire; Fatalities and Injuries
- 00:36 – Times Square Ball Drop, New Year’s Atmosphere (Nate Foy)
- 01:06 – D.C. Fireworks; 250th U.S. Birthday Theme
- 01:32 – NYC’s New Mayor, Zora Mamjani (Chanley Painter)
- 02:40 – Minimum Wage Hikes in 19 States (Grinnell Scott)
- 03:31 – U.S. Southern Command’s Anti-Drug Operation
- 03:52 – New SNAP Restrictions and Economic Impact (Jared Halpern)
Summary
This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provides a rapid, informative sweep through global and national news at the dawn of 2026. While the tragic loss of life in Switzerland casts a somber shadow, the U.S. marks its 250th year with major public celebrations and political milestones, including progressive wage policies and social reforms. The newscast captures a nation in motion: reflective, celebratory, and confronting both longstanding challenges and new beginnings.