Fox News Hourly Update – 7AM ET, January 5, 2026

Overview

This episode gives a fast-paced rundown of major news stories: the dramatic U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the U.S. administration's intentions in Venezuela, reaction from regional leaders, the ongoing fallout in Cuba, political maneuvers ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, the latest economic figures, and a recap of the NFL’s season finale with coaching shakeups.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nicolas Maduro Captured and Facing U.S. Charges

• [00:02] Dave Anthony reports that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro is now in a New York City jail after being captured in a U.S. operation. His arraignment is set for later that morning.
• [00:13] Eric Shawn details the charges:
  • Alleged two-decade collaboration with the Sinaloa and Zeta cartels,
  • Charges include narco-terrorism, drug importation conspiracies, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and related conspiracies.
• Maduro's wife, son, and several Venezuelan officials also face similar charges.
  • Notable quote:
    Eric Shawn [00:16]: "He faces four counts: narco terrorism, conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices."

2. U.S. Political & Global Reaction

• [00:47] Dave Anthony mentions that congressional leaders will be briefed on the operation; Democrats question the mission’s legality.
• President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, says the U.S. is now "in charge" of Venezuela.
  • Notable quote:
    President Trump (quoted by Dave Anthony) [01:00]: "Venezuela is a mess and the US is in charge now."
• [01:00] Eric Shawn relays Trump’s justifications:
  • The U.S. needs "total access" to Venezuelan resources (notably oil) to "rebuild their country."
  • Notable quote:
    President Trump (via Eric Shawn) [01:03]: "We need total access. We need access to the oil and to other things in their country that allow us to rebuild their country."

3. Venezuelan & Cuban Response

• [01:10] Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, releases a statement prioritizing "peace and dialogue" and offers to collaborate with the U.S., though under threat from Trump if she does not "do what’s right."
  • Notable quote:
    Delcy Rodriguez (quoted by Jonathan Savage) [01:15]: "Our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war."
• [01:24] Cuba mourns 332 citizens killed during the U.S. operation; many were part of Maduro’s security detail.
• [01:42] President Trump comments that Cuba "looks ready to fall," escalating rhetoric in the region. He also suggests American interest in Greenland, prompting Danish resistance.
  • Notable quotes:
    President Trump [01:43]: "We need Greenland."
    Eric Shawn [01:48]: "From a national security situation."
    Danish Prime Minister (paraphrased) [01:51]: The U.S. "has no right to it and should stop the threats."

4. U.S. Political Landscape — Midterms Preview

• [02:04] Dave Anthony references a looming congressional briefing and shifts to the 2026 midterms, with President Trump hoping Republicans retain Congressional control.
• [02:28] Jared Halpern covers Trump’s campaign strategy:
  • Trump will campaign "like it's 2024" to boost Republicans, focusing on key battlegrounds like Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
  • There is an emphasis on mobilizing voters that formed Trump's coalition in 2024, especially lower-propensity voters.
  • Notable quote:
    Jared Halpern [02:34]: "A challenge for Republicans is energizing the coalition President Trump built in 2024, made up in part with lower propensity voters."

5. Economic Update

• [03:05] Dave Anthony reports positive market momentum to start the year:
  • Dow Jones surged 319 points
  • Nasdaq dipped 6 points

6. NFL Update — Season Finale & ‘Black Monday’

• [03:19] Ainsley Earhardt recaps pivotal games:
  • Steelers seize the AFC North with a win over the Ravens.
  • Panthers claim the NFC South via tiebreaker after a missed Bucs field goal.
  • Falcons fire their head coach and general manager despite an end-season rally.
  • Broncos secure AFC's top seed; Jaguars take the AFC South; Las Vegas Raiders, despite a win, clinch the top draft pick.
• [04:03] Dave Anthony reminds listeners it’s "Black Monday," the NFL’s traditional day for coaching changes after the regular season.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Eric Shawn [00:16]: "He faces four counts: narco terrorism, conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices."
• Dave Anthony quoting President Trump [01:00]: "Venezuela is a mess and the US is in charge now."
• Eric Shawn quoting President Trump [01:03]: "We need total access. We need access to the oil and to other things in their country that allow us to rebuild their country."
• Jonathan Savage quoting Delcy Rodriguez [01:15]: "Our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war."
• President Trump [01:43]: "We need Greenland."
• Jared Halpern [02:34]: "A challenge for Republicans is energizing the coalition President Trump built in 2024, made up in part with lower propensity voters."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:02] — Maduro in NYC jail, charges detailed
• [00:47] — U.S. and Congressional response, Trump’s comments
• [01:10] — Venezuela’s acting president responds
• [01:24] — Cuba’s losses, regional instability, Trump on Cuba and Greenland
• [02:04] — Congressional briefing, midterm election setup
• [02:28] — Trump’s campaign plans for the 2026 midterms
• [03:05] — Stock market update
• [03:19] — NFL playoff and coaching shakeup recap
• [04:03] — NFL ‘Black Monday’ preview

Summary

This concise, hard news episode rapidly covers a dramatic international development (Maduro’s arrest and U.S. intervention in Venezuela), the political fallout and global ramifications, competitive U.S. midterm campaigning, Wall Street’s opening trends, and an NFL season end brimming with drama and executive firings. Critical quotes from Trump and foreign leaders, plus a sense of escalating international tension, dominate the tone—underscored by tight, urgent delivery characteristic of FOX News newscasts.