Fox News Hourly Update – 9AM ET 01/01/2026 Newscast

Host: Paul Stevens (with reports by Lucas Tomlinson, Jared Halpern, Stephanie Bennett, and Ainsley Earhardt)
Date: January 1, 2026

Episode Overview

This newscast rings in the new year while focusing heavily on the launch of America’s 250th birthday celebrations, major headlines surrounding President Trump’s administration—including National Guard deployments—and key world events such as a deadly explosion in Switzerland and reported drone strikes in Russian-occupied Ukraine. The episode provides rapid-fire coverage of both uplifting national milestones and somber international developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. America’s 250th Birthday Celebrations (00:02–01:52)

• Times Square and Washington Monument Celebrations
  • Thousands gathered in NYC’s Times Square for the annual ball drop, accompanied by Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” not only to welcome 2026 but also to kick off the lead-up to America’s 250th birthday.
  • Unique: The Times Square ball will drop a second time this year—scheduled for July 3rd—to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial (250th birthday).
  • In Washington, DC, crowds celebrated near the Washington Monument, which featured a projected birthday candle and fireworks.
• Presidential Statement on National Celebrations (01:07–01:40)
  • President Trump makes a pledge to the nation (see Quote below).
  • Past commemorations noted: The 250th birthdays of the Army, Navy, and Marines already celebrated.
  • The National Park Service announces that the Washington Monument will be illuminated hourly each night from 7–11:30pm ET until January 5th.
• Quote:
  • "I pledge to give America the most spectacular birthday party the world has ever seen for America's 250th anniversary on July 4th next year." – President Donald Trump (01:18)
  • "Already we've had big celebrations to commemorate the 250th birthdays of the Army, the Navy and the United States Marines. But there is much, much more to come." – President Donald Trump (01:22)

2. National Guard Withdrawals from Major Cities (02:39–03:21)

• President Trump announces the end of National Guard deployments to Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland—while cautioning that troops could return if crime surges.
• The withdrawal follows a string of legal challenges by Democrat-led cities and states, with the Supreme Court recently (6-3 decision) temporarily blocking deployment to the Chicago area.
• In a social media post, Trump claims federal intervention prevented the cities from being “gone,” hinting at possible future action.
• Quote:
  • "We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form when crime begins to soar again." – President Donald Trump (Paraphrased by Jared Halpern, 02:55)

3. International News: Tragedy in Switzerland (03:21–04:07)

• Explosion in Swiss Alps
  • A devastating explosion and subsequent fire at Le Consolation Bar in Crans, Montana, during a New Year’s party has left dozens dead and nearly 100 injured, many of whom were foreign visitors.
  • The incident occurred around 1:30 am local time; authorities have ruled out an attack.
  • Local emergency response involved 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances; the process of identifying victims is ongoing.
• Quote:
  • "Officials say it's still too early to determine the cause of this fire and the blast... Authorities ruled out an attack." – Stephanie Bennett (03:28)

4. Russian-Ukrainian Conflict Escalation (04:07–04:36)

• Russian officials report a deadly Ukrainian drone strike on a cafe and hotel in a Russian-occupied Ukrainian village, with at least 24 dead and dozens wounded.
• Ukrainian officials have not commented; claims remain unverified.
• The strike occurs amid rising tensions and active peace talks.
• Quote:
  • "The reported strike comes as tensions rise despite ongoing and renewed peace talks to try and end that war." – Paul Stevens (04:27)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Celebratory Vision:
  "I pledge to give America the most spectacular birthday party the world has ever seen for America's 250th anniversary on July 4th next year."
  – President Donald Trump (01:18)

• Warning on National Guard Withdrawal:
  "We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form when crime begins to soar again."
  – President Donald Trump (Paraphrased by Jared Halpern, 02:55)

• Swiss Tragedy Update:
  "Officials say it's still too early to determine the cause of this fire and the blast... Authorities ruled out an attack."
  – Stephanie Bennett (03:28)

Important Segment Timestamps

• New Year’s and Semiquincentennial Celebrations – 00:02–01:52
• President Trump Statement on America 250 – 01:18
• National Park Service Announcement – 01:40–01:52
• National Guard Withdrawal Announcement – 02:39–03:21
• Swiss Bar Explosion Coverage – 03:21–04:07
• Russian-Ukrainian Drone Strike – 04:07–04:36

Tone & Language

The episode maintains a brisk, news-driven tone, balancing national pride and celebration with candid updates on domestic and international crises. The language is direct, reflecting the urgency and importance of each headline.

Summary:
This Fox News Hourly Update marks the beginning of 2026 with a spotlight on nationwide celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, key interventions and policy changes from President Trump, and international tragedies unfolding in Switzerland and the war-torn regions of Ukraine. It captures both the spirit of celebration and the gravity of current global affairs.