Fox News Hourly Update — 5AM ET, December 14, 2025

Host: Chris DiMaio
Episode Theme:
A concise early-morning update covering major overnight news stories, from a Brown University campus shooting and international developments, to sports and weather emergencies.

1. Brown University Shooting (00:03–00:57)

Key Points:

• Shooting occurred last night at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
• Casualties: 2 people dead, 9 injured.
• Immediate Communication:
  — Student: “We texted me and my friend's group chat and then we were sent an email and a text by the school, the university itself. And we also heard just police sirens.” (A, 00:03)
  — “All around, but I didn't hear any gunshots.” (B, 00:22)
• Suspect & Investigation:
  — Police are searching for the suspect, described as dressed entirely in black, last seen leaving through campus and nearby streets.
  — “Manhunt continues… authorities are pointing to video of this individual clad entirely in black… leaving the building shortly after the shooting, walking down Hope and Waterman streets… on a busy afternoon in Providence.” (C, 00:26)
• Law Enforcement Response:
  — “Hundreds of officers are scouring the campus and nearby neighborhoods in the search for the suspect.” (A, 00:57)

Notable Quote:

• “Manhunt continues… authorities are pointing to video of this individual clad entirely in black.” – Molly Line (C, 00:26)

2. U.S. Retaliation Threat Following Attack in Syria (00:57–01:45)

Key Points:

• President Trump plans response after three Americans, including two service members, were killed in Syria.
• Attack Details:
  — Initial suspicions pointed to Syrian government connection; later, attacker identified as affiliated with ISIS.
  — The shooter was a low-level member of Syrian forces, fired on Iowa National Guard soldiers during joint meeting perimeter duty.
• Syrian Political Context:
  — Reference to regime change: Bashar al Assad fled to Moscow; new President al-Shara previously had a $10M Al Qaeda-related bounty.
  — “But he is somebody that President Trump wants to work with.” (D, 01:45)

Notable Quote:

• “At some point it became known that he was affiliated with ISIS… The American soldiers that were killed and injured were from the Iowa National Guard.” – Fox’s Lucas Donaldson (D, 01:09)

3. Israeli Operation in Gaza (01:45–02:02)

Key Points:

• Israel: Announced they have killed a senior Hamas commander, described as a "key architect" of the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the current war.

Memorable Moment:

• Quick, grave update with regional and global implications.

4. 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner (02:32–03:19)

Key Points:

• Winner: Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), first Hoosier to win the Heisman Trophy.
• Background:
  — Mendoza transferred from Cal to Indiana, led nation with a program record 33 touchdown passes. — Led the Hoosiers to the top seed in college football playoffs.
• Voting:
  — Mendoza received 643 first place votes; Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia finished second with 189. — Mendoza will next try to win Indiana’s first national title; possible number one NFL draft pick.
• “Now he's Indiana's first Heisman winner ever, getting 643 first place votes, while Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who finished second, got 189.” (B, 02:34)

Notable Quote:

• “Now he's Indiana's first Heisman winner ever, getting 643 first place votes.” – Greg Thompson (B, 02:34)

5. Washington State Flooding Emergency (03:19–04:08)

Key Points:

• Current Situation:
  — Flood waters are starting to recede, but damage is extensive. — “I was in this exact same spot yesterday and the water would have been over my head.”
• Impact:
  — Residents return to assess damage, clear out debris. — An “atmospheric river” dumped up to a foot or more of rain, swelling rivers and forcing thousands to evacuate. — Major risk of mudslides remains, with ten rivers at major flood stage.
• “A powerful atmospheric river dumped at least a foot or more of rain in this area… prompted multiple swift water rescues and forced thousands to evacuate.” (F, 03:22)

Notable Quote:

• “I was in this exact same spot yesterday and the water would have been over my head. It was higher than me.” – Christina Coleman (F, 03:22)

6. Other Headlines (04:08–04:28)

Key Points:

• Australia Beach Shooting:
  — Mass shooting reported at an Australian beach, several shot, 2 suspects in custody.
• Powerball Update:
  — No winner in massive $1 billion Powerball jackpot, next drawing will be $1.1 billion.

Notable Quotes

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:03 | Brown U. Student | “We texted me and my friend's group chat and then we were sent an email…” | | 00:26 | Molly Line (Fox) | "Manhunt continues… authorities are pointing to video of this individual clad entirely in black...” | | 01:09 | Lucas Donaldson (Fox) | “At some point it became known he was affiliated with ISIS…” | | 02:34 | Greg Thompson (Fox) | “Now he's Indiana's first Heisman winner ever, getting 643 first place votes…” | | 03:22 | Christina Coleman (Fox) | “I was in this exact same spot yesterday and the water would have been over my head.” |

Timeline / Timestamps

• 00:03: Brown Univ. shooting report and reactions
• 00:26: Manhunt and campus lockdown details
• 00:57: U.S. soldiers killed in Syria, Trump promises retaliation
• 01:45: Israeli strike on Hamas commander in Gaza
• 02:32: Heisman Trophy winner announced (Fernando Mendoza, Indiana)
• 03:19: Washington state flooding emergency coverage
• 04:08: Australia beach shooting, Powerball jackpot update

Tone and Language

The episode maintains a brisk, factual news tone—swiftly moving through major events with short, direct commentary, characteristic of overnight newscasts. Speaker language is clear, urgent where appropriate (e.g., crisis reports), with direct quotations from reporters and affected individuals providing immediacy and authenticity.

This summary provides a clear, topic-by-topic guide to the major stories presented in the 5AM Fox News update, capturing both content and the concise, urgent style of the newscast.