Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET 01/04/2026 Newscast

Date: January 5, 2026
Host: Paul Stevens and FOX News team

Main Theme

This episode delivers a rapid overview of major global and domestic events, with a special focus on the upcoming arraignment of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in New York, reactions to the US-led operation in Venezuela, associated impacts on air travel, significant violent incidents in Nigeria, military actions in Syria, North Korean missile activity, and a major power outage in Berlin.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Maduro Arraignment & US Military Operation in Venezuela

• Upcoming Arraignment:
  Former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro is set to be arraigned in New York City on federal charges related to his regime's alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking.
  • "Arraignment tomorrow in New York City for former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro." (00:02, Paul Stevens)
• Political Reactions:
  The US military action and Maduro's detention have sparked divided opinions along US party lines.
  • NYC Democratic Socialist Mayor Zoram Mamdani called President Trump to criticize Venezuelan strikes.
    • "New York City Democratic Socialist Mayor Zoram Mamdani said he directly called President Trump yesterday to criticize the Venezuelan strikes." (00:20, CB Cotton)
  • NY Attorney General Letitia James acknowledged Maduro's brutality but voiced concern over constitutional overreach:
    • “Maduro was a brutal dictator who caused pain and suffering … I am deeply concerned with the administration's continued abuse of the rule of law." (00:33, quoting Letitia James as reported by CB Cotton)
  • Despite this, such opposition is not expected to affect the federal case.
• Charges:
  The Department of Justice (DOJ) indictment claims Maduro and his allies transformed Venezuela into a major cocaine trafficking route into the US.
  • “The DOJ's four count superseding indictment accuses him and his outlaws allies of turning Venezuela into a drug pipeline to flood the U.S. with, quote, thousands of tons of cocaine.” (00:51, CB Cotton)

2. Aviation Disruptions Following US Operation

• Regional Airspace Closures:
  The US military operation led to closure of Venezuelan and regional airspace, impacting travelers.
  • Airlines including American, United, and Delta are working to restore and supplement Caribbean flights after airspace closure by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.
    • “Service slowly gradually returning after Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy had to close off the airspace in the region on Saturday night.” (01:09, Paul Stevens)

3. Violence in Nigeria

• Deadly Attack:
  Gunmen attacked a northern Nigerian village, leaving at least 30 dead, homes and markets burned, and multiple kidnappings, including children.
  • “At least 30 people are reported dead after gunmen raided a village in northern Nigeria… Several people missing, others abducted, including children.” (01:30, Paul Stevens)

4. North Korean Missile Launches

• Missile Test:
  North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles eastward, shortly before the South Korean president departed for nuclear-related talks in China.
  • “North Korea launching multiple ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters today. This coming hours before South Korea's president left for China for talks expected to cover North Korea's nuclear program.” (02:40, Paul Stevens)
  • The launches covered ~600 miles; further analysis ongoing by South Korean & US officials.

5. Military Airstrikes Against ISIS in Syria

• UK & French Airstrikes:
  UK and France struck ISIS targets in the mountains north of Palmyra, Syria.
  • “The UK Ministry of Defense says careful intelligence analysis identified an underground facility in the mountains north of Palmyra... initial indications show it was a successful mission and all aircraft returned safely.” (03:15, Stephanie Bennett)
    • French military: goal is to prevent ISIS resurgence.
  • Both countries operate as part of the long-standing US-led anti-ISIS coalition.
    • “Britain and France are part of the U. S Led coalition that has been fighting ISIS militants for more than a decade.” (03:45, Stephanie Bennett)

6. Berlin Power Outage

• Widespread Blackout:
  A fire damaged high voltage lines, causing mass outages in Berlin – initially affecting 45,000+ households and over 2,200 businesses.
  • “According to local authorities, over 45,000 households and about 2200 businesses were without power before power was restored to thousands of households by today Sunday. Many others are likely to be left in the dark deep into the week, officials say.” (03:53, Paul Stevens)
  • Officials suspect left-wing extremist motivation behind the incident.
    • “Authorities saying Sunday they're investigating whether the attack may have been motivated by quotas. They put it left wing, extreme extremists.” (04:18, Paul Stevens)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Letitia James's Statement on Rule of Law:
  “Maduro was a brutal dictator who caused pain and suffering while adding that she also believes in the Constitution. And as such, quote, 'I am deeply concerned with the administration's continued abuse of the rule of law.'" (00:33 – CB Cotton quoting Letitia James)

• UK MOD’s Assessment of Syria Airstrikes:
  “Careful intelligence analysis identified an underground facility… initial indications show it was a successful mission and all aircraft returned safely.” (03:18 – Stephanie Bennett)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Maduro Arraignment & Political Fallout: 00:02 – 01:09
• Aviation Disruptions: 01:09 – 01:30
• Nigeria Village Attack: 01:30 – 02:00
• North Korean Missile Launch: 02:40 – 03:15
• UK & French Airstrikes in Syria: 03:15 – 03:53
• Berlin Power Outage: 03:53 – 04:36

Language & Tone

The tone throughout the newscast is urgent, factual, and concise—typical of radio news updates—emphasizing rapid dissemination of key facts and immediate context.

This summary provides listeners who missed the episode with a clear, structured understanding of the major news stories and perspectives covered during this newscast.