Fox News Hourly Update – 1AM ET 12/22/2025 Newscast

Host: Ted Lindner
Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This fast-paced newscast delivers the latest updates on major U.S. and international events. Key stories include U.S. military actions against sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, political responses and shifts in gas prices, the growing Powerball jackpot, major crimes in Australia and Indonesia, U.S.-Russia-Ukraine diplomatic efforts, new Jeffrey Epstein document releases, and noteworthy political appointments by President Trump.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Actions Against Venezuelan Oil Tankers

(00:02–00:41)

• The U.S. military is pursuing its third oil tanker, after capturing a second one in international waters near Venezuela.
• The intercepted tanker is under U.S. sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag.
• This aligns with President Trump’s announced "total and complete blockade" against sanctioned tankers to pressure Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
• The U.S. accuses Maduro’s government of using oil revenue to fund narco-terrorism.

Molly Lyon: "The action is part of a pressure campaign to force Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power. The US accuses the government of using oil revenue to fund narco terrorism." (00:26)

Political Responses:

• Bipartisan criticism over the tanker seizures and recent boat strikes.
• Senator Lindsey Graham:
  • Supports regime change in Venezuela.
  • Advocates for ousting President Maduro.

2. U.S. Gas Prices Decrease

(00:41–01:20)

• Gas prices have fallen 9 cents in the last two weeks; national average for regular is $2.99 per gallon.
• Reason: Weak demand, as noted by Trilby Lundberg (Lundberg Survey).
  • Supply is up; demand continues to shrink.
  • Further price drops may not halt decreasing demand if other costs remain high.

Trilby Lundberg: "We have 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." (01:01)

• Over the last month: Gas prices are down 17 cents; 13 cents lower than a year ago.

3. Powerball Jackpot Update

(01:20–01:59)

• No jackpot winners for the $1.5 billion Powerball.
  • Next drawing: Monday night at 11pm ET.
  • Winner could choose $1.6 billion annuity or $735.3 million lump sum.

4. Australian and Indonesian Major Crime Stories

(03:02–03:46)

Bondi Beach Massacre (Sydney)

• Australian police say the man accused in the December 14 Bondi Beach massacre, Navid Akram, was motivated by Islamist extremist ideology.
• Akram and his father conducted firearms training and recorded a video justifying the attack.
• Charges: 59 offenses, including 15 murder counts and terrorism.

Indonesian Bus Crash

• At least 16 people killed in a passenger bus crash on Java, Indonesia.

5. U.S.-Russia-Ukraine Diplomacy and Sanctions

(03:02–04:05)

• U.S. and Russian negotiators meet in Miami to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
• Senator Lindsey Graham's warning for President Putin:
  • Predicts Russia will attempt further advances in Ukraine ("take the Donbas by force") unless increased pressure is applied.
  • New sanctions bill has 85 co-sponsors; recommends seizing Russian oil tankers.

Senator Lindsey Graham: "Putin's going to continue to take the Donbas by force until we increase pressure..." (03:46)

6. Jeffrey Epstein Files Released

(04:05–04:38)

• The Justice Department has released new files on Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Critics claim this is far less than what was required by law.
  • Priority: Protecting victims’ identities and sensitive information.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche: "We're going through a very methodical process with hundreds of lawyers looking at every single document and making sure that victims' names...are protected and redacted." (04:25)

• Limited details were released about President Trump's connections to Epstein.
  • Images of Bill Clinton circulate; Chief of Staff Susie Wiles asserts there's no incriminating evidence against Trump.

7. U.S. Diplomatic Appointment

(04:38–04:58)

• President Trump appoints Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland.
• Announcement made on Truth Social.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Molly Lyon (Fox News):
  "The action is part of a pressure campaign to force Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power. The US accuses the government of using oil revenue to fund narco terrorism." (00:26)

• Trilby Lundberg (Lundberg Survey):
  "Maybe this big price cut will stop the shrinking of demand, but that can't be known." (01:07)

• Senator Lindsey Graham:
  "Putin's going to continue to take the Donbas by force until we increase pressure...We keep engaging trying to lure Putin to the peace table and he rebuffs all of our efforts." (03:46)

• Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche:
  "We're going through a very methodical process with hundreds of lawyers looking at every single document and making sure that victims' names...are protected and redacted." (04:25)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• (00:02) – U.S. Military pursues third Venezuelan oil tanker
• (00:41) – Political response; Gas prices decrease
• (01:20) – Powerball jackpot update
• (03:02) – Australian massacre & Indonesian bus crash
• (03:46) – U.S.-Russia-Ukraine sanctions; Sen. Lindsey Graham’s statements
• (04:05) – Epstein files; Victims' protection; Presidents Trump & Clinton
• (04:38) – Trump appoints new envoy to Greenland

Summary

This episode provides a brisk, information-packed snapshot of global events and U.S. policy developments. Energy sanctions, political maneuvering, major crimes, and high-stakes diplomacy dominate the headlines, with colorful commentary from lawmakers and government officials. For listeners wanting a concise yet comprehensive recap of overnight events, this newscast delivers essential points and potent quotes from the halls of power to the frontlines of controversy.