Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET 01/02/2026 – Episode Summary
Main Theme:
This newscast covers the latest breaking stories from around the globe and across the U.S., with a focus on escalating tensions in Iran, domestic terror arrests, childcare funding investigations, an abortion-related homicide in Kentucky, a building collapse in Nairobi, U.S. minimum wage hikes, and a shakeup in the electric vehicle market.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. US-Iran Tensions Escalate
- Presidential Warning: President Trump issues a public warning to Iran, promising U.S. intervention if peaceful protesters are harmed by the Iranian government.
- Lisa Lacera (00:02): “…President Trump saying if the Iranian government kills peaceful protesters, the U.S. will come to their rescue.”
- Background: Weeks of protests in Iran over a deteriorating economy have led to at least seven deaths.
- Iran’s Response: Stiff pushback from Iran’s leadership, warning the U.S. against interference.
- Lucas Tomlinson (00:21): “Trump should know that American interference in this internal issue is equivalent to chaos across the entire region and the destruction of American interests.”
- Domestic Criticism: Some Democrats urge President Trump not to inflame the situation further.
2. Foiled Terror Plot in North Carolina
- Suspect Arrested: The FBI arrests 18-year-old Christian Sturtevant of Mint Hill, North Carolina, for plotting attacks on a grocery store and fast food restaurant.
- Reporter (00:48): “The plot was in the works for about a year and it involved innocent people with hammers and knives being attacked.”
- Investigation Details: Authorities seized hammers and two butcher knives under the suspect’s bed; specific targets were not disclosed.
- Legal Proceedings: Sturtevant is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
- Lisa Lacera (01:16): “His next court appearance is next week.”
3. Minnesota Childcare Fraud Investigation
- Federal Pressure: The Trump administration demands Minnesota turn over details about childcare fund recipients, alleging fraud or face federal funding cuts.
- Lisa Lacera (01:16): “…Minnesota officials have until next week to hand over information... or risk losing federal funding…”
- State Response: Inspections reveal the centers accused of fraud were mostly operating as expected, despite claims from a conservative influencer.
4. Kentucky Fetal Homicide Case
- Legal Charges: Melinda Spencer, 35, of Camden is charged with first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence after allegedly self-inducing an abortion and burying the fetus.
- Lisa Lacera (02:39): “Charged with fetal homicide after a baby is found buried in a backyard.”
- Jeff Manasso (02:44): “…Spencer of Camden allegedly ordered medication online to carry out an abortion before burying a dead infant in a shallow grave on her property.”
- Legal Context: Kentucky has a near-total ban on abortion, with exceptions only to save the life of the mother.
5. Building Collapse in Nairobi
- Accident Overview: A multi-story building under construction collapses in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, trapping at least four people.
- Lisa Lacera (03:18): “A multi story building under construction in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi has collapsed, leaving at least four people trapped.”
6. U.S. Minimum Wage Increases
- Wage Boost: 19 states and 47 localities increase minimum wages as of January 1, impacting over 8 million workers and adding $5 billion in earnings.
- Max Gordon (03:29): “Washington state now has the highest state minimum wage in the country at $17.13 an hour.”
- Reasons for Changes:
- Some triggers include inflation adjustments, legislation, and ballot measures
- Additional states like Alaska, Florida, and Oregon will implement increases later in the year.
7. Tesla Loses EV Market Crown to BYD
- Market Shift: Tesla’s annual deliveries drop 9% to over 1.6 million vehicles, causing it to lose the title of the world’s largest electric vehicle maker.
- Lisa Lacera (04:12): “Tesla has lost its title as the world’s biggest electric vehicle maker as its sales fall for the second year in a row.”
- New Leader: Chinese automaker BYD surpasses Tesla with over 418,000 vehicles sold in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Lisa Lacera (00:02): “President Trump saying if the Iranian government kills peaceful protesters, the US Will come to their rescue.”
- Lucas Tomlinson (00:21): “Trump should know that American interference in this internal issue is equivalent to chaos across the entire region and the destruction of American interests.”
- Reporter (00:48): “The plot was in the works for about a year and it involved innocent people with hammers and knives being attacked.”
- Max Gordon (03:29): “Nineteen states and 47 cities and counties raised their minimum wages starting January 1, according to the Economic Policy Institute… Washington state now has the highest state minimum wage in the country at $17.13 an hour.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:02 – US issues warning to Iran; context of Iranian protests
- 00:21 – Iran’s official response
- 00:34 – Domestic political reaction in the US
- 00:48 – FBI arrest in North Carolina terror plot
- 01:16 – Charges against suspect; details on Minnesota childcare fraud probe
- 02:39 – Kentucky fetal homicide charges
- 03:18 – Nairobi building collapse
- 03:29 – Minimum wage increases across US states
- 04:12 – Tesla loses top EV spot to BYD
Conclusion
This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update spotlights a mix of international tensions, security threats, social policy debates, and major economic developments, all covered in a brisk, information-driven style suited to a fast-paced radio newscast. The episode’s tone is direct, fact-focused, and timely, offering listeners a concise snapshot of the day’s most pressing stories.