Fox News Hourly Update — 1AM ET 12/21/2025

Host: Chris DiMaio
Date: December 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major national and international news stories from the early hours of December 21, 2025. Key topics include U.S. retaliatory strikes on ISIS, domestic political controversy over renaming the Kennedy Center, evolving international relations, a mass shooting in South Africa, escalating tensions in Venezuela, new Australian speech laws post-terror attack, and a Powerball lottery update.

Key News Segments & Insights

U.S. Strikes ISIS Targets in Syria

• [00:03-00:47]
  • The U.S. carried out strikes on over 70 ISIS targets in Syria, following an ambush on U.S. service members in Palmyra.
  • President followed through on a pledge of retaliation.
  • Dignified transfer for the fallen: Sgt. Edgar Torres Tovar, Sgt. William Nate Howard, and their interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat took place at Dover Air Force Base.
  • The President of Operation Hawkeye and Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, emphasized the nature of the response:

    “This is not the beginning of a war. It is a declaration of vengeance.”
    — Pete Hegseth [00:40]

  • Jordan participated in the strikes; casualty numbers were not released.

Kennedy Center Name Controversy and Protest

• [00:47-01:31]
  • Protesters gathered outside the Kennedy Center in D.C. to oppose its proposed renaming to include Donald J. Trump alongside John F. Kennedy.
  • Advocacy group "Hands off the Arts" resists perceived government censorship.
  • Democratic Senator Chris Van Holland critiqued the president during the protest:

    “We've got a president who doesn't respect the arts. All he respects is cash from his donors and billionaire buddies. He's in office to enrich himself and his family and the billionaires who were standing behind him when he was sworn in on Inauguration Day.”
    — Sen. Chris Van Holland [01:12]

  • Board of trustees appointed by Trump voted for the name change; Democrats argue only Congress holds that authority.
  • President Trump reportedly felt “honored and surprised.”

U.S.-Russia Peace Talks on Ukraine

• [01:31-01:47]
  • Officials from the U.S. and Russia convened in Florida regarding a peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine war.
  • Russia described talks as “constructive.”

Mass Shooting in South Africa

• [01:47-01:59]
  • Reuters reported over 10 fatalities in a mass shooting in Johannesburg.

Rising Tensions: U.S. Military Pressure on Venezuela

• [02:58-03:40]
  • U.S. Coast Guard and military seized a second oil tanker in international waters.
  • Venezuela’s government claims the vessel was private, labeling U.S. actions as “theft and kidnapping.”
  • This follows a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela, ordered by President Trump.
  • Trump designates Nicolás Maduro's government a foreign terrorist organization and considers strikes on Venezuelan drug operations.

Australia’s Response to Deadly Hanukkah Attack

• [03:50-04:25]
  • Following an attack at Bondi Beach that left 15 dead, Australia plans new restrictions:
    • Banning hate speech and demonstrations legitimizing violence, specifically targeting the phrase “globalize the intifada.”
    • Prohibiting hate symbols and flags, including those of Hamas and the Nazi Party.
    • Gun control measures include a “massive voluntary buyback” of weapons destined for destruction.
  • Report from Steve Harrigan highlighted the government’s urgency in enacting reforms.

Recognition and Lottery News

• [04:25-04:58]
  • Ahmed Al Ahmed hailed as the hero of the Bondi Beach shooting; awarded over $1.5 million.
  • The Powerball jackpot rolled over to $1.6 billion after no winner, with eight $1 million Match 5 winners.

Notable Quotes

• Pete Hegseth on U.S. strikes in Syria:

  “This is not the beginning of a war. It is a declaration of vengeance.” [00:40]

• Sen. Chris Van Holland on Kennedy Center protest:

  “We've got a president who doesn't respect the arts. All he respects is cash from his donors and billionaire buddies.” [01:12]

• Chanley Painter on U.S.-Venezuela conflict escalation:

  “Venezuela's government claims it was a private ship and calls the US Actions theft and kidnapping.” [03:19]

• Steve Harrigan on Australia’s planned laws:

  “Lawmakers here say they're going to outlaw the phrase globalize the intifada, which means for many trying to legitimize violent attacks against Jews.” [03:55]

Segment Timestamps

• U.S. Strikes ISIS Targets: 00:03–00:47
• Kennedy Center Protest & Name Change: 00:47–01:31
• U.S.-Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks: 01:31–01:47
• South Africa Mass Shooting: 01:47–01:59
• Venezuela Oil Tanker Tensions: 02:58–03:40
• Australian Hate Speech & Gun Laws: 03:50–04:25
• Recognition & Powerball Update: 04:25–04:58

Style & Tone

The episode maintains FOX News’ urgent, fact-focused reporting style, with direct quotes from officials and on-the-ground correspondents. The tone is serious and brisk, reflecting the rapid update format.

This summary provides a comprehensive snapshot of key news events covered in the 1AM ET newscast on December 21, 2025, capturing the main issues, pivotal quotes, and the overall tone for listeners who missed the episode.