Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

The O'Reilly Update — December 16, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on major recent news stories, including a tragic campus shooting at Brown University, the arrest of Nick Reiner for the murder of director Rob Reiner and his wife, a thwarted terrorist plot in Los Angeles, and sharp criticism of the Biden administration’s immigration policies. Host Bill O'Reilly also shares his "Message of the Day" critiquing the media's fixation on Donald Trump, followed by a nostalgic look back at legendary broadcaster Larry King. Viewer emails sparking discussion on media bias and integrity round out the episode.

Key News Highlights with Mike Slater (00:10–03:01)

Brown University Shooting (00:13–00:50)

• The two victims of the recent Brown University shooting are identified:
  • Ella Cook, 19, a devoted Christian and vice president of the College Republicans; from Birmingham, Alabama, parishioner at the Catholic Church of the Advent.
  • The second victim: an Uzbekistan national studying to become a neurosurgeon.
• Details:
  • Shooter reportedly yelled something before opening fire, killing two and injuring nine.
  • Investigation ongoing regarding the shooter's statements and motives.

Murder of Director Rob Reiner and Wife (00:50–01:34)

• Rob Reiner (famous director) and his wife were murdered in their Los Angeles home.
• Nick Reiner (their son, 32) was arrested:
  • History of drug addiction and rehab stints; "back 17 times" and bouts of homelessness.
  • Argument at Conan O'Brien's Christmas party possibly preceded the incident.

Thwarted Terrorist Attack in Los Angeles (01:34–02:21)

• FBI Director Cash Patel announces the arrest of four "Turtle Island Liberation Front" members:
  • Described as a "radical offshoot" linked to pro-Palestinian, anti-law enforcement, and anti-government ideology.
  • Allegedly planning coordinated IED bombing attacks on New Year’s Eve at five LA locations.
  • Clarified: "Turtle Island" is referenced by activists as the pre-colonization name for America.

Report: Mass Migration and Terrorists (02:21–03:01)

• Office of the Director of National Intelligence claims "Joe Biden’s mass migration agenda welcomed 18,000 known or suspected terrorists into the United States in just four years."
  • Joe Kent: "These are individuals who under normal circumstances would never be allowed to enter our country because of their ties to jihadist groups."
  • Direct accusation that the administration "facilitated their entry."

Message of the Day: Trump Obsession in the Media (04:06–06:35)

O'Reilly on Media and Trump Coverage (04:06–06:35)

• Questions if the media can pause "Trump bashing" over the holidays:

  "Could that ever happen? Just pack it away over Christmas and New Year's. I don’t think it’s going to happen." (04:12)

• Notes constant criticism of Trump as an addiction for his opposition:

  "For his opposition, criticizing Donald Trump is like crack cocaine. They literally cannot stop doing it." (04:42)

• Calls out Saturday Night Live for repetitive Trump sketches, specifically James Austin Johnson's impression:

  "Johnson is a brilliant impersonator, but the bit was tedious. We’ve seen it over and over." (04:55)

• Suggests alternative political satire targets:
  • Vladimir Putin, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Sen. Chuck Schumer.
• Advocates for a break from Trump-centric media:

  "Trump is now a tired cliche. Stow it for a while." (05:52)

Audience Mailbag: Media Bias & Criticism (06:36–09:10)

Selected Listener Letters

• Eric Byland (Redwood City, CA):
  • Praises O’Reilly’s journalism and wit in a recent column about Walter Cronkite.
• Stephen (concierge member):
  • Sharp critique:

    "The American media is an evil institution. Generally speaking, we have freedom of the press in this country and they choose to lie when they have the freedom to speak the truth. A lot of them do. Money may do it for money." (07:50)

• Brett (concierge member):
  • Asserts CNN is following "a script written by elites who profit from division."
• Ronald:
  • Questions if internet news is any better than TV news:

  "Almost every site has an agenda except for us. All we want to do is tell you the truth." (08:43)

• Robert:
  • Closes with dismay at polarization:

  "It’s depressing to think there are intelligent adults who either believe Rachel Maddow is fair or hate Trump to the point they don’t care." (08:55)

Something You Might Not Know: The Legacy of Larry King (09:34–11:19)

• Fifteen years ago to the day, legendary broadcaster Larry King signed off his final show.
• Biography Highlights:
  • Born Lawrence Zeger in Brooklyn, 1933. Career began in Miami, 1957.
  • Changed his name at a manager’s urging to ‘King’, as ‘Zeger’ was considered "too German, too Jewish and not suitable for show business." (10:06)
  • Launched Larry King Show (1978, radio), Larry King Live (CNN, 1985–2010).
  • Style: Direct, non-confrontational; known for "easy questions" which made him a go-to for high-profile interviews.
  • Retired December 16, 2010.
  • Quote, Larry King’s last CNN sign-off:

    "I don’t know what to say except to you, my audience: thank you. And instead of goodbye, how about so long?" (11:07, as played in the episode)

  • Passed away in January 2021 from Covid complications at age 87.
• Legacy Note:
  • Larry King Live was the top-rated prime-time news show for more than a decade, until overtaken by The O’Reilly Factor in 2001.

Notable Quotes

• O’Reilly on Media Addiction:

  "For his opposition, criticizing Donald Trump is like crack cocaine. They literally cannot stop doing it." (04:42)

• O’Reilly on SNL:

  "SNL simply doesn’t know what to do anymore, so it repeats itself, hoping to please the bubble people who cannot get enough Trump mocking." (05:12)

• Listener Stephen on Media:

  "The American media is an evil institution. Generally speaking, we have freedom of the press in this country and they choose to lie when they have the freedom to speak the truth." (07:50)

• O’Reilly on Internet News:

  "Almost every site has an agenda except for us. All we want to do is tell you the truth." (08:43)

• Larry King’s Farewell:

  "So you’re not going to see me go away. But you’re not going to see me here on this set anymore." (11:05)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:10] – Mike Slater’s Headlines: Shooting, Reiner Family, Terror Arrests, Biden Migration
• [03:01] – Start of O’Reilly’s Message of the Day (ad before actual message)
• [04:06] – O’Reilly on media fixation with Trump
• [06:36] – Audience Mailbag on media bias
• [09:34] – “Something You Might Not Know” – Larry King retrospective
• [11:07] – Audio of Larry King’s final sign-off

Tone and Delivery

• O’Reilly maintains his trademark “No Spin, Just Facts” approach, blending direct criticism, wry humor, and nostalgia.
• The episode’s mood is serious regarding news coverage but lightens in the Larry King segment.

Summary

This O'Reilly Update episode delivered a fast-moving roundup of pressing national headlines—tragedy on a college campus, celebrity crime, and terrorism averted. O’Reilly’s central commentary takes sharp aim at American media’s persistent Trump obsession, urging for more varied satire and news focus. The episode closes on a reflective note, commemorating Larry King’s broadcasting legacy while asserting O'Reilly's own role in media history, reinforced by engaged—but strongly opinionated—listener contributions.