Fox News Hourly Update – 5PM ET 12/20/2025 Newscast

Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Host: Roger Stern, FOX News Podcasts
Date: December 20, 2025
Summary Prepared for: Listeners seeking a comprehensive and engaging recap of the latest breaking news headlines and critical global events as covered by the Fox News 5PM newscast.

Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update focuses on major world and national events, including:

• The Justice Department's partial release of Jeffrey Epstein files
• U.S. military strikes against ISIS in Syria
• Australia's legal crackdown on hate speech following a major terror attack
• Breakthroughs in high-profile murder investigations at Brown University and MIT
• U.S. naval escalation off Venezuela and a new pressure campaign against Maduro

The episode delivers brisk, headline-dense segments with timely input from field correspondents and statements from government officials.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Justice Department Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files

• Segment [00:02–00:37]
  • The Justice Department released partial files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
  • The release includes photos of high-profile figures—Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross—alongside heavily redacted documents:

    “It includes photos of famous names... as well as heavily redacted documents, including one labeled masseuses with 254 names blacked out.”
    — Chanley Painter [00:15]

  • Legal experts stress inclusion in these files does not imply criminal implication.
  • The DOJ faces bipartisan criticism for missing full-release deadlines but promises more documents before year’s end.

2. U.S. Strikes Against ISIS in Syria

• Segment [00:37–01:41]
  • The U.S. military conducted "Operation Hawkeye" in Syria, retaliating for the killing of three U.S. personnel last week.
  • Context: Two soldiers from the Iowa National Guard and an American interpreter died at the hands of what Centcom says was a “lone ISIS gunman.”
  • President Trump addressed the response at a rally:

    “I ordered a massive strike on the terrorists that killed our three great patriots last week.... It was precision. We hit every site flawlessly, and we are restoring peace through strength.”
    — Donald Trump [01:15]

  • Over 70 ISIS targets struck; the Pentagon did not release casualty details, but confirmed the safety of all U.S. personnel involved.

3. Australia Responds to Hanukkah Terror Attack

• Segment [02:16–03:00]
  • Following a Hanukkah celebration attack at Bondi Beach leaving 15 dead, Australia moves to restrict hate speech and demonstrations:

    “Lawmakers here say they're going to outlaw the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’... They're trying to also outlaw hate symbols, flags from parties like Hamas and the Nazi party as well.”
    — Steve Harrigan [02:25]

  • Planned reforms include new gun ownership restrictions and a voluntary buyback program.
  • Ahmad Al Ahmad, celebrated as the “hero of the mass shooting,” received $1.5 million for his bravery.

4. Break in Brown University and MIT Professor Murders

• Segment [03:00–03:49]
  • Guns found with the suspect are confirmed matches to both crime scenes.
  • Unusual twist: a homeless man's tip on Reddit helped crack the case after a six-day hunt.

    “Police crediting a homeless man for posting on Reddit for really cracking this case wide open.”
    — Brooke Taylor [03:13]

  • Suspect identified as Claudio Neves Valente, 48, Portuguese national and former Brown PhD physics student. Motive remains unknown.

5. U.S. Naval Moves Off Venezuela’s Coast

• Segment [03:49–04:12]
  • For the second time in less than two weeks, U.S. forces interdict a vessel near Venezuela.
  • President Trump announces a new "pressure campaign" aimed at ousting President Nicolas Maduro, including a naval blockade:

    “Pressure campaign to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which includes a naval blockade.”
    — Roger Stern [04:00]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Caution from Legal Experts on Epstein Files:
  “Just because a person's in the file doesn’t mean they’re implicated in a crime.”
  — Chanley Painter [00:28]

• Trump’s Confidence in Military Precision:
  "It was precision. We hit every site flawlessly and we are restoring peace through strength."
  — Donald Trump [01:20]

• Police Praise Online Community Help:
  “Police crediting a homeless man for posting on Reddit for really cracking this case wide open after a six-day manhunt.”
  — Brooke Taylor [03:13]

• Australia’s Zero-Tolerance Stance:
  “We are going to see likely some new restrictions both on hate speech and on demonstrations here in Australia...”
  — Steve Harrigan [02:25]

Timeline of Important Segments

| Time | Segment/Topic | |----------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 00:02 | Epstein files release – Chanley Painter | | 00:37 | DOJ faces bipartisan backlash – Roger Stern | | 01:00 | U.S. Syria strikes coverage – Lucas Tomlinson | | 01:15 | Trump’s remarks on Syria strikes | | 01:35 | Aftermath and impact of strikes | | 02:16 | Australia’s crackdown after Bondi Beach attack | | 03:00 | Update on mass shooting hero and Brown/MIT murders | | 03:13 | Reddit tip cracks high-profile murder case | | 03:49 | U.S. naval action near Venezuela – Roger Stern |

Conclusion

This episode delivers up-to-the-minute coverage of rapidly evolving global and national crises. With a mix of breaking headlines, on-the-ground reporting, and exclusive statements, the Fox News Hourly Update provides essential context for headline events shaping the world—from shadowy investigations and counterterror efforts to sweeping legal reforms and international power plays.