Fox News Hourly Update – 3PM ET 12/22/2025 Newscast

Host: Paul Stevens, FOX News Podcasts
Date: December 22, 2025

Overview

This newscast delivers a rapid-fire update on major national and international events, including US-Venezuela tensions over an Iranian-linked oil tanker, a shakeup of US ambassadors, Congressional friction over the Epstein files, a tragic update relating to a Parkland shooting survivor, President Trump’s political endorsements, and a health announcement from music legend Barry Manilow.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Military Targeting Iranian-linked Oil Tanker near Venezuela

• [00:03–00:44]
  • The US military is reportedly preparing to seize an Iranian-linked oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. The vessel is suspected to be part of Venezuela’s “dark fleet,” involved in sanctions evasion.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X:

    “The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco terrorism in the region. We will find you and we will stop you. Thank you to our brave men and women of the US Coast Guard and Department of War.”

  • President Maduro of Venezuela calls this a “campaign of aggression” by the US.

2. Recall of US Ambassadors and Diplomats

• [00:44–01:19]
  • The Trump Administration is calling back 29 ambassadors and embassy leaders to Washington.
  • A State Department official states that this is a “standard process,” emphasizing the president’s right to have envoys that advance an America First agenda.
  • [Jessica Rosenthal reporting]

3. Congressional Pressure on Attorney General Pam Bondi over Epstein Files

• [01:19–01:49]
  • Representatives Thomas Massie (R) and Ro Khanna (D) are drafting legislation to find Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt of Congress due to the handling and redactions of the Epstein files.
  • The lawmakers insist their motive is not punishment but ensuring transparency for victims.
  • [Ryan Schmells reporting]

4. Cyber Attack on France's Postal Service

• [01:49–02:00]
  • France’s national postal service and its banking arm are hit by a suspected cyberattack. Officials say customer data appears to be unaffected at this time.
  • [Brief headline coverage]

5. Tragic Death of Parkland Shooting Survivor Donovan Joshua Lee Mateer

• [02:30–03:04]
  • Donovan Joshua Lee Mateer, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has died by suicide at age 26.
  • His family shared that he struggled with mental illness following the trauma he experienced in 2018.
  • Quote:

    “Soon after the mass shooting at school, he began withdrawing socially and became entrapped in mental illnesses for which he sought treatment through the years.”

  • [Eben Brown reporting from Miami]

6. Trump Endorses Bruce Blakeman for New York Governor

• [03:04–03:23]
  • President Trump publicly endorses Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in the New York governor’s race following Rep. Elise Stefanik’s exit.
  • Bruce Blakeman on FOX News:

    “President Trump has done more for America in the last 11 months than any president in my memory has done in their full term. He’s tireless. He’s got an incredible work ethic and he gets things done.” (03:12–03:23)

7. Barry Manilow’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis

• [03:36–04:16]
  • Pop legend Barry Manilow, age 82, announces on Instagram a lung cancer diagnosis discovered serendipitously after bronchitis complications.
  • He will undergo surgery, is not expected to require chemotherapy or radiation, and plans to resume performances soon.
  • Barry Manilow (via statement):

    “No chemo, no radiation, just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”

  • January concerts will be rescheduled, but plans to return to Las Vegas by Valentine’s weekend.

8. Wall Street Market Update

• [04:16]
  • The Dow Jones is up by over 200 points with about an hour left in the trading day.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem:

  “The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco terrorism in the region. We will find you and we will stop you.” (00:11)

• Bruce Blakeman (regarding Trump’s performance):

  “He’s tireless. He’s got an incredible work ethic and he gets things done.” (03:12)

• Barry Manilow (statement on Instagram):

  “No chemo, no radiation, just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.” (03:36)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• US-Venezuela Oil Tanker: 00:03–00:44
• Diplomatic Recall: 00:44–01:19
• Congress v. Pam Bondi/Epstein Files: 01:19–01:49
• France Cyberattack: 01:49–02:00
• Parkland Survivor Obituary: 02:30–03:04
• Trump Endorsement/Blakeman: 03:04–03:23
• Barry Manilow Health Announcement: 03:36–04:16
• Market Update: 04:16

Conclusion

This episode delivers succinct, hard news headlines filled with high geopolitical tension, significant domestic political shifts, and human interest stories with national resonance. Notable for its direct and unvarnished reporting style, the cast offers listeners the essentials to stay informed on significant developments, with soundbites from officials and affected individuals elevating the human and political stakes behind the headlines.