Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET 12/31/2025 Newscast

Host: Tom Graham, FOX News Podcasts
Date: January 1, 2026

Overview

This episode delivers a succinct but comprehensive update on key events as the United States rings in the New Year. Major stories include Times Square’s unique 2026 celebration, a tragic update in a Texas missing persons case, President Trump’s latest National Guard decision, U.S. military action against narco-trafficking, new sanctions on Venezuela, a widening daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota, and a summary of the day’s stock market losses.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. New Year's Eve in Times Square

[00:02–01:02]

• Atmosphere: As 2026 begins globally, all eyes turn to New York’s iconic Times Square, where a million revelers brave sub-freezing 29-degree temperatures.
• The Main Event: For the first time, the newly designed “constellation ball” will both descend and ascend during the festivities.
• Unique 2026 Features:
  • The ball: 5,280 crystals, 12.5 feet wide, weighing 12,000 pounds.
  • Drops at 11:59 PM per tradition.
  • At 12:04 AM, the ball will rise again.
  • 2,000 pounds of red, white, and blue confetti will celebrate America’s upcoming 250th birthday.
  • Announcement: The ball will drop again on July 4th, 2026.

Notable Quote:
Nate F., Times Square Correspondent:

“But there’s something different this year. At 12:04, it will go back up. £2,000 of red, white and blue confetti will descend on all of us here in Times Square to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Then coming up on July 4th, the ball will drop again.” [00:30]

2. Texas Missing Persons Case Update

[01:02–01:47]

• Details: The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office confirms the body found is 19-year-old Camila Olmos.
• Findings:
  • Confirmed by the medical examiner.
  • Cause of death: Self-inflicted gunshot wound.
  • The gun belonged to a relative.
  • Ongoing investigation into the circumstances, with mention of depression and “suicidal ideations.”

Notable Quote:
Grinal Scott, FOX News Reporter:

“The brief statement also said Olmos died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head... the investigation is continuing.” [01:24]

3. National Guard Deployment Update

[01:47–02:01]

• Policy Change: President Trump announces he is dropping efforts to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Louisiana, and Portland, Oregon.
• Announcement Platform: Truth Social.

4. U.S. Military Strikes on Narco-Trafficking

[02:02–02:54]

• Operations: U.S. Department of War reports three airstrikes on narco-trafficking boats out of Venezuela.
• Casualties:
  • 3 killed on the first boat.
  • Survivors from the remaining two vessels were rescued after jumping overboard.
  • U.S. Southcom notified the Coast Guard for search and rescue.
• Context: 33 strikes since September 2nd, with a reported 109 deaths.

Notable Quote:
Jessica Rosenthal, FOX News Reporter:

“With three separate strikes conducted Tuesday, this means there have been a total of 33 since September 2nd with 109 people killed.” [02:46]

5. U.S. Imposes New Sanctions on Venezuelan Oil Sector

[02:54–03:13]

• Sanctions: Targeting four companies and associated oil tankers operating in Venezuela’s oil sector.
• Purpose: To increase economic pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
• Broader Context: Comes amid heightened U.S.-Venezuela tensions under President Trump.

6. Minnesota Daycare Fraud Scandal Expands

[03:13–03:41]

• Federal Action: New freezes on $185 million in state childcare funds and a suspension of $5.5 million in grants over alleged fraud.
• Scale: Department of Justice has already charged 98 individuals, with more arrests expected.
• Political Dynamics: Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) to testify before oversight hearings, previously criticizing them as “circus hearings.”

Notable Quote:
Garrett Tenney, FOX News Reporter:

“The Justice Department says it already charged 98 people involved in this massive fraud scheme. And federal officials say a whole lot more arrests are coming.” [03:32]

7. Stock Market Results

[03:41–End]

• Market Recap:
  • Dow Jones: –304 points
  • Nasdaq: –177
  • S&P 500: –51
• Summary: Wall Street finished the year on a down note.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Times Square Birthday Celebration:
  “...£2,000 of red, white and blue confetti will descend on all of us here in Times Square to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.” – Nate F., [00:34]

• On the Texas Tragedy:
  “Olmos died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound... her family’s gun,” – Grinal Scott, [01:24]

• On Daycare Fraud:
  “The Justice Department says it already charged 98 people... a whole lot more arrests are coming.” – Garrett Tenney, [03:32]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:02] – Times Square 2026 New Year’s preparation and features
• [01:09] – Texas missing persons case update
• [01:47] – National Guard deployment decision
• [02:21] – U.S. military strikes Venezuelan drug boats
• [02:54] – U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil companies
• [03:13] – Minnesota daycare fraud scandal details
• [03:41] – Governor Walz's response and scheduled hearings
• [03:41] – Market closing numbers

This episode succinctly captures an eventful night as America ushers in 2026, blending celebratory spirit with sobering news and significant political and economic developments.