Fox News Hourly Update: January 2, 2026

Episode Theme:
A fast-paced roundup of major national and international headlines, including Minnesota’s new paid leave law, rising minimum wages across multiple states, the deadly Swiss New Year’s fire, a tragic cruise ship incident near Cuba, and the passing of Tommy Lee Jones’ daughter.

Main Stories and Key Discussion Points

1. Minnesota Paid Leave Scandal Fallout & New Benefits Program

• [00:02] Paul Stevens: Opens with fallout from a recent fraud scandal in Minnesota, reporting that Governor Tim Walz has launched a significant new benefits program.
• [00:17] Garrett Tenney:
  • Minnesota’s new law grants up to 20 weeks of paid leave annually for nearly all residents, covering both medical and family leave.
  • “Taxpayer dollars will pay out a percentage of a person's salary up to $1,420 a week.”
  • The estimated annual cost has risen and now sits between $1 and $1.5 billion.
  • Reference made to fraud in other state programs and concern from Republican lawmakers that the cost could spiral and potential for fraud remains.
• [00:54] Paul Stevens:
  • Reflects on the 2023 law signing ceremony, quoting the state's lieutenant governor:
    • “Everyone deserves paid time away from work to heal and to live.” [00:54]

2. Minimum Wage Hikes Across the U.S.

• [00:54] Paul Stevens introduces Max Gordon (Fox Business):
• [01:19] Max Gordon:
  • “California is raising its minimum wage up to $16.90 an hour. Then here in West Hollywood, they're going a step further, raising the minimum wage for non hotel workers up to $20.25 an hour.”
  • Highlights that on Jan 1st, 19 states and 47 localities raised their minimum wages.
  • “According [to the] Economic Policy Institute, this impacts 8.3 million workers, adding a total of $5 billion in earnings.”
  • Washington State now boasts the highest minimum wage at $17.13/hour.
  • Some economists express concerns about potential negative effects on hiring.
• Memorable moment:
  • Max Gordon addresses both the positive impact—“more money in some entry level workers pockets”—and the economic apprehension surrounding the changes [01:19–01:56].

3. Deadly Bar Fire in Switzerland – Sparklers May Have Been the Cause

• [02:16] Paul Stevens: Reporting on breaking developments from Switzerland.
• [02:22] Fox’s Deputy Bennett (from London):
  • Early New Year's Day, a fire at La Consolation Bar in Crans-Montana killed over 40 people; 119 are injured.
  • Victims of various nationalities—Swiss, French, Italian, Serbian, Bosnian, Polish, Belgian, and Portuguese. No confirmed American victims as of yet.
  • Severe burns necessitate DNA and dental records for identification.
  • “Last night, the town gathered to lay flowers and candles in honor of the victims.”
• [02:56] Paul Stevens:
  • Cites officials who indicate, “the available evidence seems to indicate that the fire may have started from sparklers that were placed in champagne bottles.”

4. Cruise Ship Overboard – Search Suspended

• [03:13] Eben Brown (Miami):
  • US Coast Guard has suspended its search after a 77-year-old woman reportedly fell overboard north of Cuba.
  • Search involved helicopters and ships, covered nearly 700 square miles.
  • The woman went missing from a Holland America ship that set sail from Fort Lauderdale on Dec 27.

5. Victoria Jones, Daughter of Tommy Lee Jones, Found Dead

• [03:40] Paul Stevens:
  • Reports passing of 34-year-old Victoria Jones, found at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco on New Year’s Day.
  • “No signs of foul play,” but cause of death still under investigation.
  • Mentions her minor acting roles alongside her famous father and notes the wave of tributes following her death.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Minnesota’s Paid Leave:

  • “Taxpayer dollars will pay out a percentage of a person's salary up to $1,420 a week.” – Garrett Tenney [00:17]
  • “Everyone deserves paid time away from work to heal and to live.” – Minnesota Lieutenant Governor (quoted by Paul Stevens) [00:54]

• On Minimum Wage Increases:

  • “According [to the] Economic Policy Institute. This impacts 8.3 million workers, adding a total of $5 billion in earnings.” – Max Gordon [01:19]
  • “Washington State now has the highest state minimum wage in the country at $17.13 an hour.” – Max Gordon [01:19]

• On Swiss Fire Causes:

  • “Available evidence seems to indicate that the fire may have started from sparklers that were placed in champagne bottles.” – Paul Stevens [02:56]

Timeline of Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:02 | Minnesota fraud fallout, Governor Walz’s new benefits law | | 00:17 | Paid leave program details & concerns | | 00:54 | Minimum wage hike coverage | | 01:19 | California and national wage changes analysis | | 02:16 | Swiss New Year’s fire: fatalities and cause investigation | | 03:13 | Cruise ship overboard incident: search suspended | | 03:40 | Victoria Jones (Tommy Lee Jones’ daughter) found dead |

Tone and Style

• Crisp, urgent news delivery typical of FOX News Radio.
• Balanced reporting: includes government statements, economic analysis, and emotional tributes.
• Human interest present in coverage of the Swiss fire vigil and the Victoria Jones story.

Summary

This update delivers a compact but thorough sweep of top headlines: new worker benefits and wage laws, a tragic fire in Switzerland potentially caused by sparklers, a cruise ship disappearance, and the sudden death of a Hollywood figure’s daughter. The reporting is informative and impartial, blending factual details with voices of concern and compassion where appropriate.