Fox News Hourly Update — 3PM ET, December 25, 2025

Overview:
This Christmas Day newscast, anchored by Paul Stevens, delivers top global headlines including holiday messages from religious and royal leaders, US diplomatic moves regarding Venezuela, severe weather in California, acts of heroism in Australia, and new data on declining murder rates across the United States.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Christmas Messages from World Leaders

Pope Leo XIV’s First Christmas Address (00:02–00:27)

• Pope Leo XIV, during his inaugural Christmas Eve and Day Masses in Rome, called for peace, especially addressing the Ukraine conflict and living conditions in Gaza for Palestinians.
• Notable Quote (Pope Leo XIV, 00:14):

  “May the clamor of weapons cease and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue.”

• The pontiff’s remarks expressed global solidarity and a direct call for diplomatic action.

King Charles III’s Christmas Speech (00:27–01:06)

• King Charles III delivered his annual Christmas Day message from Westminster Abbey, focusing on themes of unity, peace, and shared human values among all faiths.
• Notable Quote (King Charles III, 00:42):

  “As I meet people of different faiths, I find it enormously encouraging to hear how much we have in common: a shared longing for peace and a deep respect for all life. If we can find time in our journey through life to think on these virtues, we could all make the future more hopeful.”

• Context: King's message comes two weeks after good news on his cancer treatment.

2. U.S. Response to Venezuelan Crisis (01:06–01:55)

• The U.S. is intensifying pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, focusing on an oil quarantine for at least two months, prioritizing economic measures over military action.
• Military options remain “on the table,” as ongoing U.S. operations include strikes on alleged cartel boats.
• Notable points:
  • Maduro is urged by President Trump to leave office.
  • Venezuelan officials claim that the U.S., not Venezuela, poses the real threat.
• Quote (Ryan Schmell, Washington, 01:17):

  “The Trump administration is more interested in using economic pressure as opposed to military force, though military options remain on the table.”

3. California Storms Cause Damage and Fatalities (02:27–03:06)

• California faces another storm on Christmas, following heavy rainfall in prior days.
• At least three storm-related deaths are reported, including a San Diego man killed by a falling tree.
• Emergency rescues occurred around Los Angeles, with flash flooding and heavy rainfall:
  • Totals ranged: over 2.5 inches in downtown LA, 5+ inches in San Fernando Valley, and more than 12 inches at San Gabriel Dam.
• Quote (Jessica Rosenthal, 02:33):

  “Fire crews affected several rescues in and around Los Angeles, including a man who was trapped in an RV in Sunland. He had to be lifted out of a creek by helicopter.”

4. Sydney Hanukkah Attack and Acts of Bravery (03:06–03:52)

• Following a Hanukkah jihadist attack at Bondi Beach killing 15 (including a child and two rabbis), Australian PM Anthony Albanese plans to award medals for bravery.
• Both first responders and civilians, such as Ahmed Al Ahmed (who wrestled a rifle from a gunman despite being wounded), are being recognized.
• Albanese faces criticism amid rising anti-Semitic sentiment and for recognizing a Palestinian state post–October 7 attacks.
• Quote (Eben Brown, 03:15):

  “Ahmed Al Ahmed, was seen on video wrestling away a rifle from one gunman, only to be shot and wounded himself.”

5. U.S. Murder Rate Sees Historic Drop (03:52–04:24)

• The U.S. murder rate plummeted by nearly 20% in 2025, the steepest annual drop on record.
• Statistics: ~5,900 murders (Jan–Oct 2025) versus ~7,300 (Jan–Oct 2024).
• Drop attributed to the reversal of the pandemic-era spike in violence.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Pope Leo XIV (00:14):
  “May the clamor of weapons cease and may the parties involved with the support and commitment of the international community find courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue.”

• King Charles III (00:42):
  “As I meet people of different faiths, I find it enormously encouraging to hear how much we have in common, a shared longing for peace and a deep respect for all life…”

• Jessica Rosenthal (02:33):
  “Fire crews affected several rescues in and around Los Angeles, including a man who was trapped in an RV in Sunland. He had to be lifted out of a creek by helicopter.”

• Eben Brown (03:15):
  “Ahmed Al Ahmed, was seen on video wrestling away a rifle from one gunman, only to be shot and wounded himself.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Pope Leo XIV’s Address & King Charles III — 00:02–01:06
• US Action on Venezuelan Oil — 01:06–01:55
• California Storm Updates — 02:27–03:06
• Australia Hanukkah Attack & Bravery Awards — 03:06–03:52
• US Murder Rate Decline — 03:52–04:24

Tone:
The reporting tone is urgent and factual, in line with Fox News Radio’s concise and direct hourly updates.

Summary Utility:
This summary encapsulates the global significance of Christmas 2025’s news—from spiritual appeals and humanitarian crises to dramatic statistics and stories of unusual heroism—for listeners who want a clear rundown of the day's events minus commercial breaks and promotionals.