Fox News Hourly Update – 3PM ET Newscast (December 30, 2025)

Episode Overview

This hourly news segment, anchored by Kevin Uretzky, covers key stories including rising US-Venezuela tensions, a terrorism arrest in Texas, a hazardous train derailment in Kentucky, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's criticism of Donald Trump, New York City’s New Year’s Eve safety plans, and a notable Kennedy Center concert cancellation. The episode provides fast-paced, headline-driven reporting with updates from multiple correspondents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Rising Tensions Between US and Venezuela

• Escalation in Military Actions:

  • The US Southern Command has intensified strikes on alleged drug boats in the eastern Pacific, with at least 30 strikes since early September (00:13).
  • The US recently conducted its first known land strike inside Venezuela at a facility “where ships come from.” The president, while confirming the action, did not specify whether it was military or CIA-led (00:13–00:49).
  • Over 100 reported deaths since the start of these operations (00:49).

  Notable Quote:

  • “[The President] did not say whether the strike was conducted by the military or the CIA.” – Madeleine Rivera (00:45)

Texas Man Arrested for Terrorism Support

• Details of Arrest:

  • Federal authorities arrested John Michael Garza Jr., accused of providing money and bomb parts to undercover agents posing as ISIS operatives (01:05).
  • Garza, 21, began communication with an undercover NYPD officer in October after being flagged for ISIS engagement on social media (01:05–01:39).
  • He sent ISIS propaganda and bomb-making instructions during a two-month sting.
  • Garza now faces international terrorism charges.

  Notable Quote:

  • “Garza sent ISIS media releases to the undercover agent including videos of suicide bombings and instructional bomb making videos.” – Brooke Taylor (01:24)

Kentucky Train Derailment and Chemical Leak

• Incident Summary:
  • A CSX train carrying flammable chemicals derailed and caught fire in southern Kentucky (01:39).
  • Authorities issued, then lifted, a shelter-in-place order. No injuries reported.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Criticism of Trump

• Break from Former Ally:

  • Outgoing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene accused Donald Trump of disloyalty and “sexualization of women in the MAGA movement,” in a New York Times interview (02:16-03:04).
  • The White House responded, criticizing Greene for “quitting on her constituents.”

  Notable Quotes:

  • “Loyalty to President Trump is a one way street and it ends like that whenever it suits him.” – Marjorie Taylor Greene (02:23)
  • “We don't have time for petty bitterness.” – White House statement via Ryan Schmelz (02:46)

New Year’s Eve Safety in New York City

• Preparations and Security:

  • Mayor Eric Adams, from Times Square, reassured the public about robust police presence and safety measures for New Year’s Eve celebrations (03:13–03:25).
  • NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed no credible threats, emphasizing readiness of intelligence units (03:25–03:37).
  • Mayor Adams mused about celebrating with “a single malt Scotch and a cigar” as his term ends (03:41–03:49).

  Notable Moment:

  • “It is our job to make sure they’re able to do that. And—and a level of safety that...” – Mayor Eric Adams (03:19)
  • “I’m looking forward to a single malt Scotch and a cigar in New York City.” – Mayor Eric Adams (03:47)

Kennedy Center’s New Year’s Eve Concert Canceled

• Event Cancellation:
  • The Cooker's Jazz Band New Year’s Eve concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled without explanation (03:55).
  • Some band members confirmed the cancellation was final.
  • The Kennedy Center is reportedly being rebranded to include President Trump’s name.

Important Timestamps

• 00:13 – Madeleine Rivera reports on US-Venezuela operations
• 01:05 – Brooke Taylor covers Texas ISIS support arrest
• 01:39 – Kentucky train derailment update
• 02:23 – Ryan Schmelz details Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Trump criticism
• 03:13 – Times Square security preparations (Gernall Scott)
• 03:47 – Mayor Adams on his personal New Year plans
• 03:55 – Kennedy Center New Year’s Eve concert cancellation

Memorable Quotes

• On US Strike in Venezuela:
  “The president did not say whether the strike was conducted by the military or the CIA.” – Madeleine Rivera (00:45)
• On ISIS Sting Operation:
  “Garza sent ISIS media releases to the undercover agent including videos of suicide bombings and instructional bomb making videos.” – Brooke Taylor (01:24)
• On Trump Loyalty:
  “Loyalty to President Trump is a one way street and it ends like that whenever it suits him.” – Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (02:23)
• On New Year’s Eve Safety:
  “It is our job to make sure they’re able to do that. And—and a level of safety that...” – Mayor Eric Adams (03:19) “I’m looking forward to a single malt Scotch and a cigar in New York City.” – Mayor Eric Adams (03:47)
• On Kennedy Center:
  “The center’s rebranding to include President Trump’s name on the center.” – Anchor Kevin Uretzky (03:57)

Tone and Style

The segment maintains FOX News’ brisk, matter-of-fact delivery, focusing on developments with concise updates from correspondents, punctuated by pointed remarks and direct quotes from prominent figures. Reporting is urgent and direct, featuring clear attributions and on-the-ground details.