Fox News Hourly Update — 11PM ET 12/30/2025 Newscast

Date: December 31, 2025
Host: John Saucier (Fox News Radio)
Notable Contributors: Jarrett Halpern, Colonel Scott, Ainsley Earhart

Episode Overview

This evening's Fox News Hourly Update delivers a concise rundown of major national and international developments as 2025 draws to a close. The newscast covers government action against alleged daycare fraud in Minnesota, key updates on a high-profile migrant prosecution, significant anti-ISIS operations, escalating tensions in Yemen, U.S. policy moves targeting Venezuela, and marks the passing of Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of JFK.

Major News Segments & Key Insights

1. Daycare Fraud Allegations and Federal Response

00:02 – 00:53

• Main Point:
  The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has activated a nationwide audit system for child care payments in response to purported large-scale fraud at Minnesota daycare centers.

• Details:

  • Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill announced on X (formerly Twitter) that payments now require justification, receipts, or photographic evidence before disbursement.
  • The move follows a viral exposé by journalist Nick Shirley showing daycare centers allegedly receiving millions with no children present.
  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the federal reaction, calling it “part of, quote, Trump’s long game,” affirming the state’s ongoing crackdown on fraud.

• Notable Quote:

  “We require a justification, receipt or photo evidence before we make a payment.”
  — John Saucier, summarizing Jim O’Neill's announcement (00:11)

2. Federal Judge Questions Motives in Migrant Prosecution

00:53 – 01:30

• Main Point:
  Vindictive prosecution is under scrutiny in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant, after potential irregularities were unearthed in handling by federal authorities.

• Details:

  • Judge Waverly Crenshaw highlighted evidence suggesting Abrego Garcia’s human smuggling case became a top priority only after mistaken deportation and ordered a hearing into possible prosecutorial bias.
  • The upcoming criminal trial was canceled pending the selective prosecution hearing.
  • ICE currently will not detain Garcia, per court orders.

• Notable Quote:

  “A newly unsealed order... offering new details about the decision-making process of federal prosecutors.”
  — Jarrett Halpern (01:00)

3. ISIS Operations in Syria

01:30 – 02:00

• Main Point:
  The U.S. military reports substantial gains against ISIS in Syria following recent American casualties.

• Details:

  • Nearly 25 ISIS operatives killed or captured in 11 missions over 10 days.
  • The actions followed an ambush that killed two US soldiers and one civilian interpreter.
  • U.S. Central Command emphasized strikes also targeted ISIS weapons and infrastructure.

• Notable Quote:

  “America is listening to FOX News.”
  — John Saucier (02:00)
  (Transition marker)

4. Escalation in Yemen: Saudi Airstrike and UAE Tension

03:01 – 03:49

• Main Point:
  Saudi Arabia bombed the Yemeni port city of Mukalla, heightening divisions with the UAE.

• Details:

  • Saudi strike targeted incoming shipments reportedly intended for separatist forces aligned with UAE.
  • UAE denies arming Saudi foes, admitting only that vehicles were shipped for Emirates operatives.
  • The Southern Transition Council (separatists) condemned the Saudi action as unjustified.

• Notable Quote:

  “The strike deepens the division between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.”
  — Colonel Scott (03:34)

5. U.S. Action Against Venezuela & Ongoing Oil Sanctions

03:49 – 04:35

• Main Point:
  The Trump administration steps up pressure on Venezuela through direct strikes and a reinforced oil blockade.

• Details:

  • Recent operations targeted alleged drug transport hubs and sanctioned oil tankers off Venezuela.
  • New U.S. Treasury sanctions hit 10 individuals and entities linked to both Venezuela and Iran.
  • President Trump, in Florida, signals support for Israeli action against Iran’s missile and nuclear programs.
  • China and Russia criticize U.S. actions, accusing violation of international law.

• Notable Quotes:

  “President Trump is pushing his campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as his administration launched a series of strikes…”
  — John Saucier (03:49)
  “Would he support Israeli strikes against Iran targeting its ballistic missile and nuclear programs?”
  — Ainsley Earhart (04:07)

6. Passing of Tatiana Schlossberg (JFK’s Granddaughter)

04:35 – 04:58

• Main Point:
  Tatiana Schlossberg, environmental journalist and JFK’s granddaughter, has died from leukemia at age 35.

• Notable Quote:

  “Tatiana Schlossberg, environmental journalist and one of the late President John F. Kennedy’s three grandchildren, has died at the age of 35…”
  — John Saucier (04:53)

Additional Noteworthy Moments

• John Saucier’s role as host enhanced the clarity and coherence of fast-paced headline delivery.
• Ainsley Earhart briefly appeared to introduce an unrelated podcast promoting comfort and inspiration through the story of Jesus (05:03), closing the newscast content.

Timestamps Summary

| Segment | Speaker | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|------------------|-------------| | Daycare Fraud & Federal Cuts | John Saucier | 00:02–00:53 | | Migrant Prosecution Concerns | Jarrett Halpern | 00:53–01:30 | | ISIS Operations in Syria | John Saucier | 01:30–02:00 | | Saudi Strike on Yemeni Port | Colonel Scott | 03:01–03:49 | | U.S. Sanctions & Strikes on Venezuela | Saucier/Earhart | 03:49–04:35 | | Death of Tatiana Schlossberg | John Saucier | 04:35–04:58 |

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a brisk, no-nonsense tone typical of an hourly news update, alternating between factual reporting and direct quotations from officials. There’s a clear emphasis on national security, international conflict, and accountability in government spending.

For those who haven’t listened, this summary provides a thorough snapshot of the night’s headlines as presented by Fox News Radio on December 31, 2025.