Fox News Hourly Update – 11PM ET 12/21/2025 Newscast
Host: Ted Lindner, FOX News
Date: December 22, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode provides a concise update on major national and international news developments. Main topics include: heightened U.S. military actions against sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, fluctuating American gas prices, a deadly bus crash in Indonesia, a record Powerball drawing, ongoing mass shooting investigations in South Africa, U.S.–Russia talks regarding Ukraine, new files released about Jeffrey Epstein, and a diplomatic appointment from President Trump.
Key News Segments & Insights
1. U.S. Military Action on Venezuelan Oil Tankers
- (00:02-00:12) The U.S. military is actively pursuing a third oil tanker after having already captured another, continuing a campaign targeting vessels under sanctions.
- Molly Lime’s Report (00:12-00:41):
- The U.S. Coast Guard is intercepting a third oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela.
- The tanker is "under sanctions and flying a false flag."
- These efforts follow President Trump's announcement of a "total and complete blockade" on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.
- This is part of a pressure campaign to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, with U.S. officials alleging oil revenues fund "narco terrorism."
- Bipartisan Response:
- Both Democrats and Republicans criticize recent tanker seizures and attacks.
- Senator Lindsey Graham supports regime change in Venezuela.
2. Decline in U.S. Gas Prices
- (00:41-01:22)
- Gas prices have fallen 9 cents over two weeks to a national average of $2.99 for regular unleaded (source: Trilby Lumberg, Lumberg Survey).
- Market dynamics:
“We’ve had more than enough gasoline and now the supply of actual gasoline has grown while our demand is still shrinking. Maybe this big price cut will stop the shrinking of demand, but that can’t be known. It may be that the costs of other goods and services have not dropped enough.” — Trilby Lumberg (01:03)
- Prices are 17 cents lower over the last month, and 13 cents lower than this time last year.
3. International Incidents
- Indonesia Bus Crash (01:22):
- At least 16 killed in a passenger bus crash on the main island of Java.
- South Africa Mass Shooting (02:32):
- Ongoing manhunt after gunmen killed at least nine and wounded at least ten overnight at a pub west of Johannesburg.
- This is South Africa's second mass shooting in three weeks.
4. Domestic Headlines
- Powerball Jackpot Update (01:22-02:01):
- No winner in Saturday’s $1.5 billion Powerball drawing; next jackpot rises to $1.6 billion (lump sum: $735 million).
5. U.S.–Russia and Ukraine Developments
- (02:32-03:20)
- U.S. and Russian negotiators meet in Miami to discuss Ukrainian conflict diplomacy.
- Senator Lindsey Graham warns President Trump, vowing congressional action to increase sanctions on Russia:
“Putin’s going to continue to take the Donbas by force until we increase pressure. So here’s what I think. We’re going to be Lucy with the football if we don’t watch it. We keep engaging Russia. We keep engaging trying to lure Putin to the peace table and he rebuffs all of our efforts.” — Sen. Lindsey Graham (03:00)
- Graham also favors seizing Russian oil tankers; his sanctions bill has 85 cosponsors.
6. Jeffrey Epstein Files Released
- (03:20-03:58)
- The Justice Department releases some files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Questions raised over the completeness of the release; many believe the disclosure falls short of legal requirements.
- Deputy AG Todd Blanch explains the careful, “methodical process” to protect victims’ identities:
“We’re going through a very methodical process with hundreds of lawyers looking at every single document and making sure that victims’ names and...information from victims is protected and redacted.” — Todd Blanch (03:40)
- Only limited details about President Trump's connection to Epstein; more photographs of former President Clinton circulate instead.
- Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles claims there is "no incriminating evidence" against Trump.
7. Diplomatic Appointment
- (03:58-04:15)
- President Trump announces via Truth Social that he has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Gas Prices:
“We’ve had more than enough gasoline and now the supply of actual gasoline has grown while our demand is still shrinking..."
— Trilby Lumberg (01:03) -
On Russian Sanctions and Ukraine:
“Putin’s going to continue to take the Donbas by force until we increase pressure. So here’s what I think. We’re going to be Lucy with the football if we don’t watch it..."
— Sen. Lindsey Graham (03:00) -
On Epstein File Release:
“We’re going through a very methodical process with hundreds of lawyers looking at every single document and making sure that victims’ names and...information from victims is protected and redacted.”
— Deputy AG Todd Blanch (03:40)
Timeline of Important Segments
- 00:02: U.S. military pursues sanctioned oil tankers (Host & Molly Lime)
- 00:41: Senator Graham and bipartisan commentary on Venezuela
- 00:48-01:22: Gas prices drop, commentary by Trilby Lumberg
- 01:22: Deadly bus crash in Indonesia
- 01:22-02:01: Powerball jackpot rolls over to $1.6 billion
- 02:32: Manhunt after mass shooting in South Africa
- 02:32-03:20: U.S.–Russia diplomatic talks, Senator Graham’s Ukraine stance
- 03:20-03:58: DOJ releases some Epstein files; public criticism over limited scope
- 03:58-04:15: Trump appoints a new envoy to Greenland
Style & Tone
The broadcast features a matter-of-fact, fast-paced delivery typical of radio newscasts, focusing on succinct, headline-driven summaries with brief on-the-ground or expert commentary.