Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET 12/20/2025 Newscast

Date: December 20, 2025
Host: Chris DiMeo
Duration: ~4:50
Overview:
This episode provides the latest updates on key national and international news stories, focusing on intensifying U.S. military action against ISIS, President Trump's ongoing efforts surrounding the economy and drug pricing, significant incidents in Taiwan and New Jersey, new findings in a high-profile crime investigation at Brown University, and developments on energy policy and economic indicators.

1. U.S. Airstrikes on ISIS in Syria

Key Points:

• The U.S. Pentagon has ramped up airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, hitting over 70 targets in retaliation for the ambush and killing of three Americans.
• The operation is named "Operation Hawkeye Strike," a nod to Iowa’s state nickname.
• Targets included ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage sites.
• Sgt. William Nate Howard, Sgt. Edgar Torres Tovar, and their interpreter, Ayad Mansour Sakat, who were killed in the ambush, were honored with a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base, attended by President Trump.

Notable Quote:

• [00:14] Pete Hegseth:

  "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. President Trump’s Economic Initiatives

Key Points:

• President Trump held a rally in North Carolina to highlight his administration's economic efforts, particularly lowering the cost of living.
• The President announced a deal to lower Medicaid drug prices, introducing “most favored nation” drug pricing plans.
• Pharmaceutical companies have agreed, meaning Americans will pay the lowest prices available globally for certain drugs.
• Rally signs read, "bigger paychecks and lower prices."
• Despite administration claims, Democrats argue that Trump’s tariffs have raised prices and recent polls suggest Americans disapprove of his handling of the economy.

Notable Quotes:

• [01:11] Jennifer Griffin:

  "Trump says some of the largest pharmaceut have agreed to dramatically lower drug prices for Americans. He says whatever the lowest price is worldwide, if it's what Germany pays or the UK Pays, that's what Americans are going to pay."

• [01:42] Chris DiMeo:

  "Democrats argue the president's tariffs have raised prices and recent polls suggest most Americans disapprove of his handling of the economy."

3. International News: Attack in Taiwan

Key Points:

• A knife and smoke grenade attack in Taiwan leaves three dead.

4. Train Crash in New Jersey

Key Points:

• Two trains collided in Montclair, New Jersey, leading to a minor derailment and seventeen reported injuries (non-life-threatening), with five taken by ambulance.
• Investigations are ongoing; initial video footage shows significant trackside damage.

Notable Quote:

• [02:36] Arte Geraldino:

  "New Jersey Transit says two trains made contact, but in plain English that means one train hit another and that led to a minor derailment."

5. Brown University Shooting Investigation

Key Points:

• Authorities are tracking the motive of Claudio Neves Valente, the suspect in a shooting spree that resulted in multiple deaths, including an MIT professor and two others at Brown University.
• Valente died by suicide before being found in a New Hampshire storage facility.
• A homeless man called "John" provided a crucial tip leading to Valente's identification.
• Evidence tying Valente to both incidents includes ballistic and DNA matches.

Notable Quote:

• [03:23] Chanley Painter:

  "The FBI and ATF say ballistic and DNA evidence all tie the now dead suspect to the mass shooting at Brown University and to the murder of an MIT professor."

6. White House Energy Policy & U.S. Economy

Key Points:

• The Trump Administration is counting on lower energy costs to alleviate inflation and affordability concerns.
• "Drill baby, drill" policies are emphasized as a means to unleash American energy independence.
• The stock market closed in positive territory on Friday.

Notable Quote:

• [04:05] Doug Burgum:

  "Well, President Trump has been bringing relief with the policies of this last year. Of course, he talked often about drill baby, drill, but that was really his way of signaling, hey, we're going to, we're going to unleash American energy."

7. Additional News Briefs

• Taiwan Attack: Three people killed in a knife and smoke grenade attack (01:42).
• Stock Update: Markets finished positively for the day (04:18).

Memorable Moment:

• The acknowledgment of the fallen Americans at Dover Air Force Base represented a solemn point, reinforcing the gravity of the military action and setting the tone for the episode’s first story (00:14-01:00).

Segment Timestamps:

• 00:03 – Military strikes on ISIS and dignified transfer at Dover
• 01:00 – President Trump rallies and drug price announcement
• 01:42 – Reactions to Trump economic policies and Taiwan attack
• 02:31 – New Jersey train crash update
• 03:16 – Brown University shooting investigation
• 04:05 – White House energy policy and market update

Summary: This newscast delivers concise but impactful coverage of U.S. military action overseas, the domestic economic agenda, and breaking news developments both at home and abroad. Key moments include the declaration of intensified action against ISIS, the rollout of global drug price benchmarking for Medicaid recipients, updates on violent crimes, and progress in public safety and regulatory investigations. The tone stays direct, urgent, and informative throughout, consistent with FOX News Radio’s approach to hourly updates.