Fox News Hourly Update: 3AM ET 12/17/2025 Newscast

Date: December 17, 2025
Host: Ted Lindner (FOX News Podcasts)
Episode Overview:
This episode delivers an update on the top national and international news stories as of early December 17, 2025. Major headlines include details on murder charges in Los Angeles involving Rob Reiner’s son, developments in the Brown University shooting case, expansion of the Trump administration’s travel ban, a mass shooting update from Sydney, and upcoming presidential and Powerball events.

1. Main Theme

The episode’s central focus is breaking news covering a range of high-profile criminal cases, national security updates, and significant events both in the U.S. and abroad. The tone is urgent, factual, and authoritative, reflecting the format of an hourly radio—delivering concise, up-to-date reporting.

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

Los Angeles: Rob Reiner Family Murders (00:03–00:48)

• Charges Announced:
  • LA County District Attorney Nathan Hockman announces that Nick Reiner, son of actor/director Rob Reiner, faces two counts of first-degree murder for the stabbing deaths of his parents.
  • Special Allegations: Multiple murders and the personal use of a dangerous and deadly weapon (a knife).
  • Nick Reiner, age 32, is being held without bail and awaits arraignment pending medical clearance.
  • Quote – Nathan Hockman (00:30):
    “The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.”
  • The decision regarding pursuit of the death penalty is still pending.
  • No further evidence details released; arrest reportedly occurred without incident.

Providence: Brown University Shooting Investigation (00:56–01:44)

• Update on Person of Interest:
  • CB Cotton reports on new video footage of a “person of interest” related to the killings at Brown University.
  • Surveillance suggests the suspect was casing the neighborhood as early as 10:30am the day of the shooting.
  • Description: About 5’8”, stocky build, dark green and black jacket, masked—face not visible.
  • Quote – CB Cotton (01:09):
    “We can't get that clear view of his face. But officials are still hoping that someone will recognize his gait.”
  • The FBI released a video timeline with the earliest confirmed sighting at 2pm Eastern.
• No Connection to MIT Professor’s Death:
  • Authorities note no evidence linking this case to the recent killing of MIT professor Nuno Urreiro in Brookline.
  • No arrests have been made in that case.

Trump White House Address & Powerball (02:58–03:26)

• Presidential Address:
  • President Trump to speak from The White House at 9pm ET.
• Powerball Draw:
  • Next drawing at 11pm ET—jackpot stands at $1.25 billion (second largest this year).

Expanded U.S. Travel Ban (03:26–03:58)

• Details from Jackie Heinrich:
  • The Trump administration is expanding its travel ban from 12 countries to 32, including five new additions and people with Palestinian Authority documents.
  • 15 countries (mostly African nations) now subject to partial restrictions.
  • Justification: Corruption, fraud, unreliable documentation; action follows the shooting of two National Guard soldiers by an Afghan immigrant.
  • Quote – Jackie Heinrich (03:34):
    “The president's proclamation expands the administration's existing 12 country travel ban to five new countries and also to people with documents from the Palestinian Authority.”

White House Hanukkah Event & Sydney Shooting (03:58–04:27)

• Condolences for Sydney Shooting Victims:
  • At the White House Hanukkah party, President Trump offered prayers to those affected by the mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney.
  • Quote – Kristin Goodwin (04:15):
    “Love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia and especially all those affected by the horrific and anti-Semitic terrorist attack.”
• Australian Police Update:
  • 24-year-old man formally charged in connection with the 15-fatality mass shooting.
  • Victim information: One gunman’s father was among those killed.

Catholic Church Leadership Change (04:27–04:58)

• New York Archdiocese:
  • Pope Leo XIV is expected to accept Cardinal Dolan’s resignation, with a successor possibly to be named from Illinois.
  • Dolan resigned upon reaching age 75, having served since 2009.

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nathan Hockman (00:30):
  “The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.”
• CB Cotton (01:09):
  “We can't get that clear view of his face. But officials are still hoping that someone will recognize his gait.”
• Jackie Heinrich (03:34):
  “The president's proclamation expands the administration's existing 12 country travel ban to five new countries and also to people with documents from the Palestinian Authority.”
• Kristin Goodwin (04:15):
  “Love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia and especially all those affected by the horrific and anti-Semitic terrorist attack.”

4. Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:03 — Lead story: Murder charges in Reiner family case (LA)
• 00:56 — Providence: Brown University shooting update
• 01:44 — MIT professor murder; authorities dismiss connection to Brown case
• 02:58 — Upcoming Trump address & Powerball details
• 03:26 — Trump administration’s expanded travel ban
• 03:58 — White House Hanukkah event & Sydney shooting update
• 04:27 — Vatican: Cardinal Dolan resignation & succession

5. Language & Tone

This episode maintains a straightforward, breaking-news style with clear, direct reporting; emphasis is on immediate facts, quotes from officials, and rapid updates on active investigations and major government actions.