Fox News Hourly Update – 1AM ET, December 20, 2025

Host: Chris DiMaio | Contributors: Jennifer Griffin, Mark Meredith, Kristin Goodwin, Michael Graham
Date: December 20, 2025
Episode Theme: A round-up of the latest overnight national and international news, including U.S. military retaliation in Syria, Democratic National Committee controversy, updates on violent incidents, and an NTSB investigation into a high-profile plane crash.

Main Theme

This episode covers significant breaking news stories as of early December 20, 2025, highlighting U.S. military action in Syria, internal Democratic Party struggles, a violent shooting spree in New England, a deadly plane crash involving a NASCAR figure, and broader economic updates. The podcast maintains a tone of urgency and gravitas, reflecting the gravity of the ongoing news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Retaliatory Strikes on ISIS in Syria

• Segment: [00:03]–[01:01]

• Details:

  • The U.S. Pentagon conducted over 70 strikes on ISIS targets across Syria in direct response to the ambush and deaths of three Americans.
  • Operation Name: Hawkeye Strike, referencing Iowa (“The Hawkeye State”).
  • Targets included ISIS infrastructure and weapons depots.
  • The dignified transfer for the fallen—Sgt. William Nate Howard, Sgt. Edgar Torres Tovar, and their interpreter Ayed Mansour Saqat—took place at Dover AFB, attended by President Trump.

• Notable Quote:

  • Pete Hegseth (Pentagon Chief, via tweet, read by Jennifer Griffin at [00:28]):

    "This is not the beginning of a war. It is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America under President Trump's leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people."

2. Democratic National Committee Suppresses Election Autopsy

• Segment: [01:01]–[01:47]

• Details:

  • The DNC decided to withhold the internal autopsy report analyzing the surprising outcomes of the 2024 elections.
  • Controversy emerges as some Democrats criticize the lack of transparency, while DNC chair Ken Martin argues it would distract from upcoming midterms.
  • The unusual 2024 cycle is noted—incumbent president dropped out mid-summer; the vice president won the nomination without any primary wins.

• Notable Quote:

  • DNC Chair Ken Martin (via Mark Meredith at [01:26]):

    "Here's our north star. Does this help us win? If the answer is no, it's a distraction from our core mission."

  • RNC Reaction:
    • Kirsten Pell (RNC Press Secretary, paraphrased by Mark Meredith at [01:47]):
      The report’s suppression is "more evidence that the DNC is collapsing."

3. New England Shootings and Investigation

• Segment: [02:58]–[03:48]

• Details:

  • Claudio Neves Valente, alleged perpetrator in two deadly shooting events, was found dead by suicide inside a New Hampshire storage facility.
  • He is linked to:
    • Killing two students and wounding nine at Brown University.
    • Killing MIT Professor Nuno Loriero.
  • No known connection between Valente and the Brown University victims; shared history in Portugal with the MIT victim.

• Notable Quote:

  • Kristin Goodwin ([03:13]):

    "An autopsy report released Friday suggests Claudio Neves Valente shot and killed himself Tuesday, two days before officials found his body inside of a storage facility in New Hampshire."

4. NTSB Investigates Deadly Plane Crash Involving NASCAR Figure

• Segment: [03:48]–[04:29]

• Details:

  • The NTSB dispatches an investigative team to North Carolina after a crash kills former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family.
  • Poor weather at the time: drizzle turning to heavy rain.
  • Michael Graham from the NTSB outlines the ongoing evidence-gathering process.

• Notable Quote:

  • Michael Graham (NTSB, at [04:06]):

    "We are here on scene to gather perishable evidence which our team methodically and systematically reviews throughout the course of the investigation to determine the probable cause."

5. Energy Policy and Economic Optimism

• Segment: [04:29]–[04:57]

• Details:

  • The administration believes falling energy costs will help address Americans' affordability concerns.
  • Reference to “drill, baby, drill” energy policies under President Trump, promising to “unleash American energy.”
  • Stock markets close the week on a high note.

• Notable Quote:

  • Doug Burgum (Interior Secretary, on FOX Business, reported at [04:29]):

    "Well, President Trump has been bringing relief with the policies of this last year... we're going to unleash American energy."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Military Operation Vengeance:

  • "This is not the beginning of a war. It is a declaration of vengeance." (Pete Hegseth via Jennifer Griffin, [00:28])

• DNC Strategy:

  • "Here's our north star. Does this help us win? If the answer is no, it's a distraction from our core mission." (Ken Martin, [01:26])

• Investigator on Scene:

  • "We are here on scene to gather perishable evidence..." (Michael Graham, [04:06])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S. Syria Retaliation/Operation Hawkeye Strike: [00:03]–[01:01]
• DNC Election Autopsy Report Controversy: [01:01]–[01:47]
• New England Shooting Updates: [02:58]–[03:48]
• NTSB Plane Crash Investigation: [03:48]–[04:29]
• Energy Policy & Market Update: [04:29]–[04:57]

For listeners seeking the most crucial news developments overnight, this episode delivers concise and impactful coverage across security, politics, crime, and economic stories.