Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET 12/22/2025 Newscast
Date: December 22, 2025
Host: Ted Lindner, FOX News Podcasts
Episode Overview:
This episode delivers a concise roundup of overnight and early-morning news updates, focusing on U.S. actions against sanctioned oil tankers, developments in Russia-Ukraine peace talks, the burgeoning Powerball jackpot, record-breaking holiday travel, falling gas prices, and renewed interest from the Trump administration in Greenland. Each segment features reporting from on-the-ground correspondents and notable political reactions.
Main Themes & Key Points
1. U.S. Military Pursuit of Sanctioned Oil Tankers
[00:02–00:42]
- The U.S. Coast Guard is working to intercept a third oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela.
- Tanker is under U.S. sanctions and flying a false flag.
- Action follows President Trump’s announcement of a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers in and out of Venezuela.
- This is part of a U.S. pressure campaign to force Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power, accusing his government of funding narco-terrorism with oil revenue.
- Both Democrats and Republicans are vocal about the risks and international response to these actions.
Notable quote:
- "The US accuses the government of using oil revenue to fund narco terrorism." – Molly Line [00:29]
2. Political Responses and Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
[00:42–01:22]
- Bipartisan criticism of tanker seizures and attacks; Senator Lindsey Graham supports regime change in Venezuela.
- Continued U.S. involvement in Russia-Ukraine peace talks held separately in Miami.
- Progress reported, but major sticking points remain: especially territory and Ukraine’s demand for security guarantees.
- Ukraine reported a surge in Russian aerial attacks (2,500 in the past week) and claimed a strike against a Russian warship.
- Senator Graham urges greater U.S. pressure on Russia, threatening additional sanctions; suggests seizing Russian oil tankers, with 85 cosponsors backing the bill.
Notable quotes:
- "Talks this weekend to end their war have been productive. Both sides met with U.S. officials separately in Miami.” – Marion Rafferty [01:04]
- "Senator Graham also recommending seizing Russian oil tankers.” – Ted Lindner [01:18]
3. Major Powerball Jackpot News
[01:22–02:00]
- Powerball jackpot hits $1.6 billion after no winner in the latest drawing; one of the largest in U.S. history.
- The previous record was $2.04 billion, won in 2022.
4. Record Holiday Travel Season
[02:58–03:39]
- AAA reports over 122 million Americans expected to travel for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
- Most (109 million) anticipated to travel by car, with 8 million flying.
- Florida, Southern California, and Hawaii are the top domestic destinations.
- Average round-trip airfare is up 7% from last year.
Notable quote:
- "Triple A says more than 122 million of us are expected to travel… About 109 million people will travel by car. Another 8 million will board planes for their getaway.” – Tonya J. Powers [03:12]
5. Gas Prices Continue to Drop
[03:39–04:01]
- National average for regular gasoline is now $2.99 per gallon, down 9 cents in two weeks and 17 cents over the last month.
- Reduced demand has driven prices lower, which are now 13 cents less than a year ago.
- Analyst Trilby Lundberg suggests that low price may help stabilize demand but other factors (cost of goods/services) remain high.
Notable quote:
- "We've had more than enough gasoline and now the supply of actual gasoline has grown while our demand is still shrinking. Maybe this big price cut will stop the shrinking of demand, but that can't be known." – Trilby Lundberg [04:01]
6. Renewed U.S. Interest in Greenland
[04:21–04:57]
- President Trump appoints Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland.
- Denmark’s foreign minister reminds the U.S. to respect Denmark’s territorial integrity.
- Trump has previously not ruled out “taking the island nation by force.”
Notable quote:
- "We insist that everyone, including the US must show respect for the territorial integrity of the kingdom of Denmark.” – Lars Løkke Rasmussen (via reporting) [04:38]
Memorable Moments & Additional Information
- Bipartisan movement: The threat of further sanctions on Russia has bipartisan support, underscored by an 85-member cosponsor bill.
- Geopolitical complexities: Renewed U.S. pressure tactics in Venezuela and interest in Greenland underscore escalating diplomatic tensions.
- Community impact: Record holiday travel and falling gas prices point to shifting season trends and economic impacts.
Timestamps for Important Segments
- U.S. Tanker Pursuit & Venezuela Pressure: [00:02–00:42]
- Political Reaction & Russia-Ukraine Talks: [00:42–01:22]
- Powerball Jackpot Update: [01:22–02:00]
- Holiday Travel Statistics: [02:58–03:39]
- Gas Price Update: [03:39–04:01]
- U.S.-Denmark-Greenland Tension: [04:21–04:57]
Summary prepared by: [Podcast Summarizer]
Intended for: Listeners seeking a detailed yet accessible summary of this Fox News Hourly Update episode.