Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: 9AM ET 01/04/2026 Newscast
Date: January 4, 2026
Host: Paul Stevens

Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update provides breaking global news focused on dramatic geopolitical developments, domestic public health updates, and ongoing conflicts. The top story details the stunning arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a U.S. military operation, with subsequent U.S. intervention in Venezuela’s governance and oil infrastructure. The episode also covers widening protests in Iran, multilateral diplomatic moves regarding the war in Ukraine, a record-breaking flu surge in New York, and North Korea’s ramped-up weapons production.

Key Discussion Points

1. U.S. Raid and Capture of Venezuelan President Maduro

[00:03 – 01:42]

• Main headline: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and detained in Brooklyn, NY, by U.S. authorities after a military raid in Caracas. They face serious federal charges.
• Charges: Narco-terrorism conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, among other infractions.
  • Madeleine Rivera ([00:20]): “They were charged with narco terrorism conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices, among other things.”
• U.S. Motives and Actions:
  • The U.S. President cited varying justifications—from immigration to combating drug trafficking—but emphasized American interests in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector.
  • Madeleine Rivera ([00:20]): “…making it clear there is a US interest in oil as well, saying that they're going to be rebuilding the country's oil infrastructure.”
  • The U.S. will temporarily “run Venezuela” to ensure a safe transition of power.
  • Paul Stevens ([00:40]): “And the president says the US Will run Venezuela until what can be a safe transition of power being done.”
• Formation of Interim Leadership:
  • Unnamed Political Commentator ([00:47]): “Right now we're designating people… we're going to let you know who those people are.”
• International Law Concerns:
  • UN Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez expressed concern that international law may have been violated.
• Presidential commentary:
  • Unnamed Political Commentator ([01:13]): “…the illegitimate dictator. Maduro was the kingpin of a vast criminal network responsible for trafficking colossal amounts of deadly and illicit drugs into the United States.”
  • Jared Halpern ([01:25]): “President Trump says Maduro will face federal narco terror charges in New York. He also says the US Will now run Venezuela and rebuild the country's oil infrastructure until a proper transition of power can take place.”

2. Protests in Iran

[01:42 – 02:00]

• There are widespread demonstrations in Iran, reportedly reaching over 170 locations in 25 out of Iran’s 31 provinces.
• Cause: Ongoing economic hardships in the Islamic Republic.
• Paul Stevens ([01:42]): “Human rights activists say widening protests in Iran sparked by the Islamic Republic's ailing economy have reportedly now reached over 170 locations in 25 of Iran's 31 provinces.”

3. Diplomatic Push for Peace in Ukraine

[02:32 – 03:27]

• National security advisers from Europe, the U.S., and other countries convened in Kyiv to discuss security guarantees and economic assistance.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky is planning talks in Paris and has shared all relevant peace documents with international partners.
• The coalition of support for Ukrainian peace efforts involves approximately 30 countries, including Canada and Japan.
• Unnamed Ukrainian Correspondent ([02:45]): “Zelensky said he now expects further work will take place in the capitals of European countries as well as Canada, Japan and other representatives of the Coalition of the Willing…”

4. Public Health Crisis: Influenza Surge in New York

[03:27 – 03:59]

• New York State faces a record-high number of flu-related hospitalizations, the highest single-week total since records began two decades ago.
• Over 4,500 hospitalizations in the week ending December 27, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week.
• An influenza-related death was reported; authorities urge vaccination.
• Chris DeMaio ([03:33]): “...recorded the highest number of hospitalizations in a week since it started collecting data 20 years ago... the state saying it's still not too late to get a flu shot.”

5. North Korea’s Escalating Weapons Production

[03:59 – 04:29]

• Kim Jong Un intensified weapons manufacturing efforts, highlighted by three factory visits within three weeks.
• Focus: Short-range tactical guided missiles aimed at moving military targets.
• Missile production to increase by 2.5 times current levels.
• Paul Stevens ([03:59]): “Kim has called for missile production to increase to two and a half times its current level.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On U.S. intervention in Venezuela:
  Madeleine Rivera ([00:20]): “…they're going to be rebuilding the country's oil infrastructure.” Paul Stevens ([00:40]): “...US Will run Venezuela until what can be a safe transition of power being done.”
• On allegations against Maduro:
  Unnamed Political Commentator ([01:13]): “...the illegitimate dictator. Maduro was the kingpin of a vast criminal network responsible for trafficking colossal amounts of deadly and illicit drugs into the United States.”
• On Ukrainian diplomatic efforts:
  Unnamed Ukrainian Correspondent ([02:45]): “...work on the peace proposals could now accelerate as Ukraine has shared all documents under discussion with the 18 National Security Advisors, including those on security guarantees.”
• On public health in New York:
  Chris DeMaio ([03:33]): “...recorded the highest number of hospitalizations in a week since it started collecting data 20 years ago.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Maduro’s Capture & U.S. Actions: [00:03 – 01:42]
• Iran Protests: [01:42 – 02:00]
• Ukraine Diplomatic Developments: [02:32 – 03:27]
• New York Flu Surge: [03:27 – 03:59]
• North Korean Weapons Escalation: [03:59 – 04:29]

This concise and authoritative newscast captures a world in flux, offering key facts, direct reportage, and impactful statements for listeners seeking a rapid yet thorough update on pressing international and domestic developments.