Fox News Hourly Update — 11AM ET, 12/31/2025

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: December 31, 2025

Episode Overview

This edition covers the global New Year’s celebrations, heightened security in major US cities, developments in Iran and its nuclear program, US domestic issues including child care funding in Minnesota, New York City’s new mayor, the latest on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files, and key economic updates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Global New Year’s Celebrations and Security (00:03-01:11)

• Celebrations:

  • Many Asian nations like South Korea, China, the Philippines, and Singapore have already welcomed 2026.

  • Australia has also celebrated the new year.

  • Crowds are gathering in New York City's Times Square, where the iconic ball will drop twice—once at midnight and a second time at 12:04 am to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

    “Instead of dropping the ball, they bang the gong. . . the ball will drop twice tonight, the second one at 12:04 to celebrate America's 250th birthday.”
    — Dave Anthony (00:03)

• Security Measures:

  • NYPD is implementing a secondary security screening in Times Square.

  • The National Guard will patrol New Orleans’ French Quarter in response to last year's ISIS-inspired attack on Bourbon Street.

    “The National Guard will be busy patrolling the French Quarter, deployment coming in response to last year's ISIS-inspired attack that killed 15 people on Bourbon Street early on New Year's Day.”
    — Dave Anthony (00:28)

2. Iran’s Nuclear Program & Protests (01:11-01:23)

• Iran’s Nuclear Program:

  • Following US and Israeli bombings of Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities, Prime Minister Netanyahu claims Iran is resuming nuclear activity.

  • President Trump issues a warning that he would retaliate against Iran if provoked.

    “As far as the nuclear program, I think they're trying to do it. President Trump's warned Iran he'd strike them again.”
    — Dave Anthony (01:10)

• Nationwide Protests in Iran (01:13-01:23):

  • Widespread civil unrest continues for a third day.

  • Protesters are responding to economic struggle, high inflation, and depreciation of the national currency.

    “Iranians angry about the state of its country, rising inflation and falling currency, an economy that is barely growing.”
    — Fox’s Lucas Tomlinson (01:20)

3. US Domestic—Minnesota Childcare Funding and Fraud Probe (01:23-01:42)

• The Trump administration is withholding childcare funding for Minnesota as fraud investigations continue.

• The Department of Homeland Security is conducting door-to-door checks at suspected fraud locations.

  “The Department of Homeland Security is conducting door to door investigations on the ground at potential fraud sites.”
  — Caroline Levitt, White House Press Secretary (01:35)

• Minnesota Governor Tim Walz accuses the Trump administration of political motivation.

  “We've spent years cracking down on fraudsters. It's a serious issue. But this has been his plan all along. He’s politicizing the issue.”
  — Gov. Tim Walz (paraphrased by Dave Anthony, 01:43)

4. New York City Swears In a New Mayor (02:04-02:26)

• Zoran Mandani is sworn in as NYC’s new mayor in a private midnight ceremony.

• Mandani, at 34, is noted for his progressive platform: free buses, free childcare, city bus rides, rent freezes.

• Some critics question whether such ambitious promises can be achieved.

  “Zoran Mandani, he's promised a lot of free things, free buses, free this. So let's go through it. . . Progressive agenda like free childcare, free city buses and rent freezes. But at just 34 years old, critics are asking, can he even deliver on these promises?”
  — Alexis McAdams (02:26)

• He is termed "the new face of the Democratic Party," having campaigned with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders.

5. Jeffrey Epstein Files Update (02:54-03:43)

• The Department of Justice missed a Congress-mandated deadline to release all files on Jeffrey Epstein.

• There are still 5.2 million pages to review, handled by a dedicated team of 400 attorneys.

• About 100,000 pages were published by December 19; the rest are being examined for release between January 5 and 23, with redactions to protect victims.

  “There are 5.2 million pages of Jeffrey Epstein files left to review before they're made public, according to a government document . . . The remaining documents are being reviewed between January 5th and 23rd.”
  — Chris Foster (03:08)

6. Economic and Market Updates (03:43-04:06)

• Unemployment: First-time jobless claims dropped to 199,000 over Christmas week, lower than expected. Ongoing claims fell to 1.86 million.

• Market Recap: The Dow Jones is down 170 points, NASDAQ down 77 on year’s last trading day, but both indexes posted double-digit gains in 2025.

  “Down to 199,000 fewer than expected . . . both [indexes] have had double-digit percentage gains in 2025.”
  — Dave Anthony (03:43)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Instead of dropping the ball, they bang the gong.” — Dave Anthony on Seoul's New Year (00:03)
• “Mandani’s been called the new face of the Democratic Party by some, campaigning alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.” — Alexis McAdams (02:54)
• “There are 5.2 million pages of Jeffrey Epstein files left to review... The remaining documents are being reviewed between January 5th and 23rd.” — Chris Foster (03:08)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• (00:03) Global New Year celebrations & Times Square security
• (00:28) New Orleans security measures after last year’s attack
• (01:10) Netanyahu and Trump on Iran
• (01:13) Iranian protests and economic situation
• (01:23) Minnesota fraud probe, federal funding withheld
• (02:04) Swearing-in of NYC mayor Zoran Mandani, progressive agenda
• (02:54) Jeffrey Epstein files—progress, delay, and mass document review
• (03:43) US unemployment and stock market update

This concise breakdown provides a complete overview of the major news covered in the 11AM ET Fox News Hourly Update for December 31, 2025, useful for anyone who missed the episode but wants a solid grasp of current events.