Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: 5AM ET 12/15/2025 Newscast
Host: Ted Lindner, FOX News Podcasts
Date: December 15, 2025

Overview

This episode delivers a concise update on breaking and developing news stories worldwide, with coverage spanning Hollywood, college campuses, international incidents, economic outlooks, and U.S. holiday sentiments. Listeners receive firsthand reporting and official statements on significant current events—the death of a Hollywood figure, a university shooting, an act of terrorism in Australia, the state of Hanukkah celebrations, and U.S. holiday economics.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Death Investigation at Rob Reiner's Home

• [00:03 – 00:57]
  • Hollywood is mourning as tributes pour in for actor and director Rob Reiner.
  • Incident Details:
    • Two bodies found at Reiner’s Los Angeles home after a medical callout at 3:30pm Sunday.
    • LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton confirmed a death investigation but withheld identities, pending the LA County Coroner.
  • No suspects sought at this phase; the investigation is ongoing:
    • Quote: “At this time, the Los Angeles Police Department is not seeking anyone as a suspect or as a person of interest or in any other manner. And we will not be doing that until we conduct our investigation and we move forward.” — LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton [00:34]
  • Public Response:
    • Official statements released by LA Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, who call it “a tragic loss.”
    • “While police won’t confirm the identities, both LA Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom have released statements honoring Reiner and his wife, calling the situation, quote, a tragic loss.” — Tanya J. Powers [00:45]

2. Brown University Shooting

• [00:57 – 01:45]
  • Mass shooting on Brown University campus leaves 2 dead, 9 injured; occurred during finals inside an engineering building.
  • Police detained and later released a person of interest due to lack of evidence.
    • Over 40 rounds fired; the community is left shaken.
    • All classes and finals postponed.
    • Quote: “Police in Providence, Rhode island, saying they'll release the person of interest detained following that mass shooting at Brown University that occurred on Saturday.” — Marion Rafferty [01:05]
  • Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee extends community condolences.

3. U.S. Gas Prices Decline

• [01:45 – 01:59]
  • AAA reports U.S. national average at $2.91/gallon, down 17 cents from a month ago.

4. Sydney Hanukkah Terror Attack

• [02:59 – 03:46]
  • Attackers identified as Sajid and Navid Akram (father and son) targeted a Jewish Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, Sydney.
    • 15 people killed, including a Holocaust survivor and a 10-year-old girl.
    • The attack is labeled "pure evil," anti-Semitism, and terrorism by Australian PM Anthony Albanese.
      • Quote: “What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of anti Semitism, an act of terrorism on our shores.” — PM Anthony Albanese (reported by Jonathan Savage) [03:29]
    • Albanese promises to further tighten Australia’s already strict gun laws.
    • Sajid Akram killed by police; Navid Akram in hospital.

5. Hanukkah Celebrations in Washington, D.C.

• [03:46 – 04:09]
  • Jewish leaders light the National Menorah with White House participation.
  • Emphasis on unity in challenging times.
    • Quote: “From the president of the United States and the first lady and the vice president of the United States and the second lad. I would like to wish you all a wonderful Hanukkah. Let's celebrate the year. It is a difficult and tough day for what we've lost.” — Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick [03:51]

6. U.S. Holiday Shopping Struggles

• [04:09 – 04:55]
  • Associated Press survey reveals many Americans struggling with rising holiday costs: higher prices affecting food, utilities, and gifts.
  • Consumers are dipping into savings, seeking discounts, and using more credit.
  • Quote: “Almost everything costs more this holiday shopping season, from groceries to electricity to especially the items on your holiday gift list. And you're not alone.” — [Reporter, 04:15]
  • 68% still feel pessimistic about the U.S. economy, despite White House (President Trump) assurances there is no inflation and the economy is strong.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• LAPD Death Investigation

  • “At this time, the Los Angeles Police Department is not seeking anyone as a suspect or as a person of interest or in any other manner.”
    — Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton [00:34]

• Australian PM Albanese on Sydney Attack

  • "What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of anti Semitism, an act of terrorism on our shores."
    — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese [03:29]

• Hanukkah Unity Message

  • “I would like to wish you all a wonderful Hanukkah... It is a difficult and tough day for what we've lost.”
    — Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick [03:51]

Important Timestamps

• Rob Reiner Death Investigation: [00:03 – 00:57]
• Brown University Shooting Update: [00:57 – 01:45]
• Gas Prices Decline: [01:45 – 01:59]
• Sydney Terror Attack: [02:59 – 03:46]
• National Menorah Lighting: [03:46 – 04:09]
• Holiday Shopping/Economy Report: [04:09 – 04:55]

Summary

This Fox News update provides concise yet thorough reporting on urgent stories—from tragedy in Hollywood and violence on a campus to global anti-Semitic terrorism and domestic economic concern. With clear, direct coverage and statements from officials, listeners receive both factual updates and the emotional tone of these challenging times, capped by a brief reflection on unity and resilience during Hanukkah.