Fox News Hourly Update — 3PM ET 12/20/2025 Newscast

Host: Roger Stern (and FOX News correspondents)
Date: December 20, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the latest global and domestic news, covering significant U.S. military action against ISIS in Syria, partial release of the Justice Department’s Jeffrey Epstein files, new anti-hate initiatives in Australia following a deadly attack, developments in the Brown University and MIT professor murder case, and an update on the Russian missile strike in Ukraine.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Retaliatory Strikes Against ISIS — Operation Hawkeye Strike

[00:02–01:04]

• The U.S. military carried out precision airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria, following the killing of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and their interpreter.
• Lucas Tomlinson: Operation Hawkeye Strike was named to honor the two fallen soldiers and American interpreter, "killed last week in Syria by a lone ISIS gunman."
• President Trump (addressing supporters in North Carolina):

  “I ordered a massive strike on the terrorists that killed our three great patriots last week. ... It was very successful. It was precision. We hit every site flawlessly and we are restoring peace through strength. We're all over the world.” [00:32]

• The operation launched from Jordan, with support from Jordanian forces. All U.S. aircraft and personnel returned safely.

  “No aircraft were lost, something you can't take for granted.” — Lucas Tomlinson [00:52]

• The Pentagon has not specified the number of ISIS casualties.

2. Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files

[01:04–01:44]

• The Department of Justice released new files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which included photos of high-profile figures.
• Chanley Painter:

  "It includes photos of famous names like Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, as well as heavily redacted documents, including one labeled masseuses with 254 names blacked out." [01:21]

• Legal experts caution that inclusion in the files does not mean implication in a crime.
• The DOJ faces bipartisan criticism for failing to fully meet a release deadline; more documents are expected.

3. Australia Responds to Bondi Beach Attack

[02:16–02:58]

• Following a mass casualty attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, the Australian government is poised to introduce strict measures:
  • New restrictions on hate speech and demonstrations.
  • Plans to outlaw phrases like "globalize the intifada" and ban hate symbols (Hamas, Nazi flags).
  • New gun restrictions, including a large-scale voluntary gun buyback for destruction.
• Steve Harrigan:

  “They're planning a massive voluntary Biden buyback of hundreds of thousands of weapons to then melt them down, get them off the street.” [02:58]

• Notable: Ahmed Al Ahmed, celebrated for his bravery during the attack, receives over $1.5 million as recognition.

4. Brown University and MIT Professor Murders: Break in the Case

[03:13–03:50]

• Investigators have matched guns from the suspect to two shootings: one at Brown University and one involving an MIT professor.
• Brooke Taylor:

  "Credit[ing] a homeless man for posting on Reddit, for really cracking this case wide open after a six day manhunt." [03:13]

• The tip led police to a rental car agency, uncovering the identity of the suspect: Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old former Brown Ph.D. physics student from Portugal.
• The motive remains unknown as the investigation continues.

5. Russian Missile Strike in Ukraine & International Tensions

[03:50–end]

• A Russian missile attack struck the port city of Odessa, killing eight and wounding 27.
• The attack coincides with an impending visit by a Russian envoy to the U.S. to discuss a White House-initiated peace plan for Ukraine.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• President Trump (on the U.S. strike):

  “We are restoring peace through strength. We're all over the world.” [00:39]

• Legal Disclaimer (Epstein Files):

  “Just because [a] person’s in the file doesn’t mean they’re implicated in a crime.” — Chanley Painter [01:36]

• On the Brown/MIT Case Break:

  “Credit[ing] a homeless man for posting on Reddit, for really cracking this case wide open after a six day manhunt.” — Brooke Taylor [03:18]

Segment Timestamps

• U.S. Strikes ISIS (Operation Hawkeye Strike): 00:02–01:04
• Epstein File Release: 01:04–01:44
• Australia Hate Speech and Gun Reforms: 02:16–02:58
• Brown/MIT Murders Suspect Identified: 03:13–03:50
• Russian Missile Strike in Ukraine: 03:50–End

Summary

This episode delivers concise updates on several breaking international stories, focusing on direct statements from officials and correspondents and offering insight into geopolitical and domestic policy shifts. Notable is the breadth of coverage—spanning military, legal, and societal fronts—with memorable moments such as President Trump's strong language on military actions, bipartisan criticism of the DOJ, rapid legislative change in Australia, and an unusual break in a double murder case thanks to citizen involvement.

Listeners leave with a clear sense of fast-moving world events, official perspectives, and the lasting impacts of these stories on global and domestic policy.