Fox News Hourly Update: 1PM ET 12/17/2025 Newscast

Date: December 17, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts (Lisa Brady, Chris Foster, Steve Harrigan, others)
Summary Prepared By: Fox News Hourly Update Summarizer

Episode Overview

The December 17, 2025, 1PM ET edition of the Fox News Hourly Update delivers concise coverage of top breaking stories: the arraignment of Nick Reiner; developments in the Brown University mass shooting; former special counsel Jack Smith's testimony on Capitol Hill; aftermath of the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia; an embattled Ohio city councilman facing serious allegations; and major entertainment industry news involving Warner Brothers Discovery and Paramount Skydance. The newscast is tightly packed with updates on national and international stories.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nick Reiner Court Appearance – Double Homicide Case

• [00:03] Lisa Brady reports on Nick Reiner, son of Rob Reiner, making his first court appearance:
  • Details: Nick Reiner, aged 32, appeared in a suicide prevention vest; no cameras permitted as per his defense attorney Alan Jackson's request.
  • Legal Proceedings: Arraignment postponed until January 7, with Reiner waiving his right to a speedy arraignment.
  • Defense Attorney Statement:

    “There are serious issues associated with the case. Things need to be thoroughly but very carefully dealt with and examined and looked at and analyzed. The family deserves due process, not a rush to judgment.”
    — Alan Jackson, Defense Attorney (paraphrased by Lisa Brady) [00:40]

  • Background: Reiner faces first-degree murder charges in the deaths of both his parents; history of addiction; possible death penalty if convicted.

2. Brown University Mass Shooting – Search for Second Suspect

• [01:07] Update on Providence police investigation:
  • Authorities are searching for a second person seen near a primary person of interest.
  • Impact: Two Brown University students killed, nine injured during a final exam review session.

3. Capitol Hill – Jack Smith Testifies Before House Judiciary

• [01:24] Former special counsel Jack Smith, known for his prosecution of then-candidate Trump, testifies:
  • Smith is behind closed doors with the House Judiciary Committee.
  • Defense Attorney Lanny Brewer Statement:

    “Today, testifying before this committee, Jack is showing tremendous courage in light of the remarkable and unprecedented retribution campaign against him by this administration and this White House.”
    — Lanny Brewer, Attorney [01:32]

  • Political Context: Republicans allege the Biden Justice Department was “weaponized.” Legal cases against Trump, related to election interference and classified documents, were dropped after his reelection.

4. Bondi Beach Mass Shooting, Australia

• [02:15] Major update on the aftermath of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach:
  • The surviving suspect faces nearly 60 charges.
  • Steve Harrigan, FOX News, in Sydney:

    “Two killers fired upon civilians at an iconic beach here on a Sunday afternoon. Jews celebrating Hanukkah. For 10 straight minutes, they were able to load and reload multiple rifles and continue firing until they were stopped by police armed with pistols.”
    — Steve Harrigan [02:22]

  • One suspect disarmed by a bystander.
  • Authorities are investigating a trip by the suspects to the southern Philippines, a region known for Islamic radicalism, prior to the attack.
  • The first of 15 funerals was held, including for a rabbi who leaves behind five children.

5. Whitehall, Ohio City Council Controversy

• [03:08] Chris Foster reports on serious allegations against Councilman Gerald Dixon:
  • The council voted 5-1 to expel Dixon but fell short of the required unanimous vote, allowing him to keep his seat.
  • Background: Dixon arrested on felony charges, with at least eight known victims and possibly more, dating back nearly 30 years.
  • Dixon denies accusations and refuses to step down.
  • Police Discovery: Journals allegedly written by Dixon document his struggles with “sexual attraction toward pubescent boys.”

6. Business & Markets – Warner Brothers Takeover Bid

• [03:44] Lisa Brady reports that Warner Brothers Discovery’s board has advised shareholders to reject a takeover offer from Paramount Skydance:
  • The board calls the offer “inferior” and risk-laden, recommending that a potential Netflix deal would be better.
  • Market Update: Stocks are down at midday (Dow 59 points; Nasdaq 39 points drop).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alan Jackson, Defense Attorney (paraphrased):
  “There are serious issues… Things need to be thoroughly but very carefully dealt with and analyzed. The family deserves due process, not a rush to judgment.” [00:40]

• Lanny Brewer, Attorney for Jack Smith:
  “Jack is showing tremendous courage in light of the remarkable and unprecedented retribution campaign against him by this administration and this White House.” [01:32]

• Steve Harrigan, FOX Sydney:
  “Two killers fired upon civilians at an iconic beach here on a Sunday afternoon… For 10 straight minutes, they were able to load and reload multiple rifles and continue firing until they were stopped by police.” [02:22]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Nick Reiner Court Hearing: 00:03–01:07
• Brown University Shooting Investigation: 01:07–01:24
• Jack Smith Capitol Hill Testimony: 01:24–01:40
• Political/Legal Fallout (Trump legal cases): 01:40–02:00
• Bondi Beach Shooting Coverage: 02:15–02:56
• Whitehall, Ohio Councilman Allegations: 03:08–03:44
• Warner Brothers/Paramount Takeover Bid: 03:44–04:08

Tone and Style

• The reporting remains factual, brisk, and serious, consistent with FOX News’ newscast style.
• Sources and correspondents use direct language, emphasizing urgency and due process.

This update offers a snapshot of evolving stories with national and global significance, focusing on criminal justice, political investigations, and major business developments.