7PM ET 01/01/2026 Newscast - Fox News Hourly Update

Summary4 min read

Fox News Hourly Update: 7PM ET 01/01/2026 – Summary

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode provides a concise roundup of significant news events on January 1, 2026, covering politics, international affairs, major incidents, and cultural milestones. The broadcast is structured as a headline-driven newscast, aiming to bring listeners key updates with brief analysis and firsthand quotes from major figures.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani's Inauguration and First Actions

[00:02] Lisa Lucera introduces Zoran Mamdani, on his first day as New York City Mayor, fulfilling a campaign promise by reinstating a city agency for tenant protection.
- Emphasis on making NYC affordable.
- Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders administered the oath, commending NYC voters for their choice.
[00:25] Mamdani addresses supporters:
- Quote: “When working people stand together, when we don't let them divide us up, there is nothing we cannot accomplish... Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.” — Zoran Mamdani ([00:25])
  - Tone: Ambitious, unifying, progressive.
Background details: Mamdani’s biography includes Ugandan origins, immigration to NYC at age seven, US citizenship in 2018, and prior service as a state assemblyman.

2. Jack Smith Testifies to Congress on Trump Prosecution

[01:09] Jack Smith, former special counsel, details his prosecution case against President Trump regarding the Capitol riot of Jan 6, 2021.
- Eight-hour closed session: Smith affirms there’s strong evidence for conviction, denies political bias.
- Downplays Cassidy Hutchinson’s testimony about Trump allegedly grabbing Secret Service vehicle’s wheel, labeling it as secondhand.
  - Quote: “President Trump was culpable for the capitol riot on January 6, 2021.” — Jack Smith ([01:09])
  - Smith’s tone: Factual, defensive, assertive.

3. Iran Protests Turn Deadly Amid Economic Crisis

[01:46] At least six dead in Iran during protests over economic conditions.
- Context: Increasing civil unrest, fragile political climate.

4. Missing Boy in Alabama and Arrest of Father

[03:00] Update on ongoing search for 5-year-old Jonathan Boley in Jasper, Alabama.
- Search paused after explosive materials found at family home; father taken into custody.
- Ground, air, and water search resumes.
- [03:25] Sheriff Nick provides update:
  - Quote: “The indications were that him and his brother were outside playing around the fence line with a dog...” — Sheriff Nick ([03:25])
- FBI and volunteers assist in search.
- Summary: Urgency combines with concern for broader safety.

5. Train Derailment in Southern Mexico

[03:43] Death toll rises to 14 after a train derailment in Oaxaca, Mexico.
- Over 100 injured; investigation ongoing.
- Hints at infrastructure or safety issues.

6. Pope Leo XIV’s New Year Message

[04:08] Pope Leo XIV addresses millions, emphasizing peace and prayers for global conflict zones in his New Year’s Day Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Marks the Church’s World Day of Peace; gearing up for Epiphany and the close of the Holy Year.
- Notable Tone: Hopeful, reconciliatory, pastoral.

7. Anthony Joshua Recuperates After Fatal Crash

[04:39] Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua remains in Nigeria after a car crash that killed two of his associates; he was released from hospital in Lagos.
- Expects further updates on recovery.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

[00:25] Zoran Mamdani:
“When working people stand together, when we don't let them divide us up, there is nothing we cannot accomplish... Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.”
[01:09] Jack Smith:
“President Trump was culpable for the capitol riot on January 6, 2021.”
[03:25] Sheriff Nick:
“The indications were that him and his brother were outside playing around the fence line with a dog...”

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:02 | NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s oath and promises | | 00:25 | Mamdani’s victory speech (notable quote) | | 01:09 | Jack Smith’s testimony on Trump | | 01:46 | Deadly economic protests in Iran | | 03:00 | Search for missing Alabama boy; father arrested | | 03:43 | Train derailment in Oaxaca, Mexico | | 04:08 | Pope Leo XIV’s New Year peace message | | 04:39 | Anthony Joshua recovers after fatal car crash |

Tone & Language

The episode is fast-paced, factual, and to-the-point, consistent with a radio news bulletin.
Quotes reflect the directness of the political, law enforcement, and religious figures featured.
Overall mood shifts from hopeful (new inaugurations, calls for peace) to somber (protests, accidents, missing child).

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

Major political change in NYC with an activist mayor hitting the ground running.
Continued legal and political fallout from the Capitol riot.
Ongoing crises and tragedies around the globe highlight the breadth and interconnectedness of current events.
Opportunities for hope and unity, especially in New Year messages and community response to tragedies, are recurring themes.

Loading summary

Transcript15 lines

[00:03]
Lisa Lucera
He's promising to hit the ground running. I'm Lisa Lucera, Fox News. On his first day in office, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani has brought back a shelved city agency that protects tenants as he works to fulfill a campaign promise to make the city affordable for all New Yorkers. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders administered the public oath of office to Mamdani this afternoon and praised New Yorkers for voting for him.
[00:25]
Zoran Mamdani
When working people stand together, when we don't let them divide us up, there is nothing we cannot accomplish, mamdani told the crowd. Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.
[00:52]
Lisa Lucera
Mamdani was born in Uganda. He moved to New York City when he was 7 and became an American citizen in 2018. Before becoming mayor, he he served as a New York state assemblyman. Former special counsel Jack Smith laid out his case for prosecuting President Trump during an hours long interview with Congress.
[01:09]
Jack Smith
President Trump was culpable for the capitol riot on January 6, 2021, former special counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers. In December, the Republican led House Judiciary Committee released both the video and transcript of last month's eight hour closed door session focused on Smith's two criminal cases against President Trump. Throughout the session, Smith rejects accusations of political bias and insists he gathered enough strong evidence for a conviction. At the same time, Smith downplayed the testimony of a former White House aide, Cassidy Hutchinson, who made explosive claims of the president trying to grab the wheel of a Secret Service suv. The former special counsel saying that claim was secondhand.
[01:46]
Lisa Lucera
Fox's Jared Halpern in Washington, at least six people have died in protests in Iran sparked by the ailing economy. America is listening to Fox News. Nearly home.
[02:02]
Reba (Realtor.com spokesperson)
Isn't home where we all want to be? Reba here for realtor.com, the Pro's number one most trusted app, if you're hearing me, I'm going to assume you're awake. And if you aren't, because while you're snoozing, someone else might be finding your dream home. That's where realtor.com comes in with over 500,000 new real listings straight from the pros every month. That's a lot of chances to find the place you've been dreaming of. Whether you're searching for a two story mid century with a pool or a little extra space with a Spa inspired bathroom, realtor.com can help you find it today. So quit hitting that snooze button realtor.com isn't sleeping on finding your dream home and neither should you. Download the realtor.com app today cause you're nearly home. Make it real with realtor.com pro's number.
[02:52]
Realtor.com Announcer
One most trusted app based on August 2024 proprietary survey. Over 500,000 new listings every month based on average new for sale and rental listings. February 2024 through January 2025.
[03:01]
Lisa Lucera
The search for a missing boy in Alabama gets sidelined with the arrest of.
[03:05]
Walker County Sheriff or Reporter
The boy's father in Walker County, Alabama. The sheriff's office temporarily stopping the search for five year old Jonathan Boley who went missing Wednesday in Jasper after deputies during a ground search found explosive materials in and around the family home and took the boy's father into custody. The search resumes by ground, air and water to find the boy.
[03:26]
Sheriff Nick
The indications were that him and his brother were outside playing around the fence line with a dog when Sheriff Nick.
[03:33]
Walker County Sheriff or Reporter
Smith says Jonathan crossed the rural fence line and disappeared. Dozens of volunteers and the FBI are assisting in the search. Jeff Manasso, FOX News.
[03:43]
Lisa Lucera
A woman has died from injury sustained in last week's derailment of a passenger train in southern Mexico, increasing the number of deaths in the accident to 14. More than 100 people were injured. There were 250 people on board when the train went off the rails and it passed a curve in the state of Oaxaca. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Pope Leo XIV ushering millions of Catholics into 2026.
[04:08]
Paul Stevens
Pope Leo opening the new year with a call for peace, urging prayers for nations torn by conflict and families suffering from violence. The Pope celebrating a New Year's day Mass at St. Peter's Basilica and delivering a noontime prayer overlooking St. Peter's Square January 1, also marking the church's World Day of Peace. Pope Leo now takes a short break before Epiphany on January 6, formally closes the holy year and then meets with the College of Cardinals. Paul Stevens, FOX News.
[04:39]
Lisa Lucera
Two time former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua remains in Nigeria as he continues to recover from injuries after a car crash that killed two of his associates. Joshua was released from a hospital in Lagos yesterday afternoon. I'm Lisa Licera. This is FOX News.
[04:59]
Realtor.com Announcer
Every business is asking the same question, how do we make AI work for us? No more waiting with Netsuite by Oracle. You can put AI to work today. NetSuite is the number one AI cloud ERP, trusted by over 43,000 businesses. It's the unified suite that brings your financials, inventory, commerce, HR and CRM into a single source of truth that connected data is what makes your AI smarter, helping you make fast decisions. Right? Now get the business guide Demystifying AI free at netsuite. Com Fox.