Fox News Hourly Update – 11PM ET 12/01/2025

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: December 2, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an incisive roundup of major national and international news stories, focusing on the U.S. administration’s defense of high-profile airstrikes, the contentious Tennessee House special election, a billion-dollar fraud scandal in Minnesota, legal action against NASCAR, and Oxford’s pick for Word of the Year. The style is brisk, fact-driven, and analytical, representative of the typical Fox News Radio hourly news cycle.

Key News Topics & Insights

1. Trump Administration Defends Deadly Airstrikes on ‘Narco Terrorists’

• Summary:

  • The Trump administration stands firm on airstrikes against suspected drug traffickers.
  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt does not deny that survivors of an initial strike on September 2nd were killed in a follow-up attack.
  • Levitt emphasizes legality under the laws of war (00:22–00:32).
  • War Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the strikes to eliminate threats, rejecting reports that everyone aboard was ordered killed.
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries demands Hegseth be held accountable, citing evidence of “extra strikes” and labeling Hegseth “the most unqualified Secretary of Defense in American history.”
  • The President of Columbia accuses the Trump administration of killing innocent fishermen.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that presidentially designated narco terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war.”
    — Caroline Levitt, White House Press Secretary (00:22–00:31)
  • “It's already been crystal clear that Pete Hegseth is the most unqualified Secretary of Defense in American history. I called for him to be terminated months ago.”
    — Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader (00:55–01:07)

2. Tennessee Special Election Heats Up

• Summary:

  • Final day of campaigning for an important House seat in Tennessee’s 7th District.
  • Republican candidate Matt Van Epps receives vocal support from President Trump via phone, focusing on support for families, farmers, military, and veterans.
  • Democrat Afton Bain attempts to flip the district, which Trump won by 60% in 2024 (01:19–01:45).
  • The seat is open following Republican Mark Green's resignation for a private sector job.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “It’s going to be very special. He’s for everything that we represent.”
    — Matt Van Epps, Republican candidate (01:22–01:26)
  • “Do for working families, for farmers, for military and veterans to make it easier and better for them.”
    — Matt Van Epps, outlining his platform (01:33–01:39)

3. Minnesota Fraud Scandal and Fallout

• Summary:

  • Governor Tim Walz faces blame from hundreds of state employees for a $1 billion fraud involving taxpayer-funded social services that were never delivered.
  • The DOJ charges a 78th person in the scheme (03:05).
  • Whistleblowers accuse Walz of retaliation and ignoring audit findings.
  • In response, President Trump announces on Truth Social the suspension of temporary protected status for Somalis in Minnesota, citing fraudulent activity. This is expected to be legally challenged.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Those people are going to jail, doing everything we can.”
    — Governor Tim Walz on Meet the Press (03:05–03:21)

4. NASCAR Faces Antitrust Lawsuit

• Summary:

  • Racing teams 23XI Racing (co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin) and Front Row Motorsports are plaintiffs, accusing NASCAR of restricting independence and earning potential.
  • Lawsuit focuses on “take it or leave it” contracts and NASCAR exclusivity with suppliers and racetracks.
  • NASCAR defends the system as necessary for quality and efficiency.
  • The trial is set to last three weeks, likely followed by appeals.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “The plaintiffs are only suing because they didn’t like the deal they were offered.”
    — NASCAR response (04:07–04:42)

5. Word of the Year: 'Rage Bait'

• Summary:
  • Oxford University Press names “rage bait” as 2025’s word of the year, referring to online posts designed to provoke anger and drive social media traffic (04:42).

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Airstrikes & White House Position: 00:02–01:07
• Tennessee Special Election: 01:19–01:45
• Minnesota Fraud Scandal: 03:05–03:40
• Trump Reacts to Fraud/Immigration Status: 03:40–04:07
• NASCAR Lawsuit: 04:07–04:42
• Word of the Year Announcement: 04:42–04:53

Memorable Moments

• Hakeem Jeffries’ direct criticism of Pete Hegseth highlighted growing partisan tensions over administration accountability and military conduct.
• The juxtaposition of local (Tennessee special election), national (Minnesota fraud), and international (airstrikes, Columbia’s accusation) stories illustrated a broad spectrum of issues in a concise format.
• Oxford’s new addition, “rage bait,” effectively captured the digital media climate of 2025.

This summary covers all key points for listeners seeking an informed snapshot of the day's significant Fox News stories.