Fox News Hourly Update — 7AM ET, December 14, 2025

Host: Paul Stevens (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: December 14, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update delivers breaking news from across the United States and the world, highlighting a mass shooting at Brown University, a deadly attack in Sydney, tensions involving the US military in Syria, flood emergencies in Washington state, and ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The newscast features on-the-ground reporting and official statements, providing listeners with a concise, fast-paced look at the top headlines of the morning.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mass Shooting at Brown University

[00:03 – 00:37]

• Incident Report:
  • Reporter Paul Stevens breaks the news of a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
  • Police have a person of interest in custody in connection with the attack.
• Details from the Scene (Chanley Painter):
  • Surveillance video released of a suspect dressed in all black.
  • Two students killed, nine others critically injured.
  • The campus and surrounding area remain under shelter-in-place orders.
  • "Police releasing the first video of the man they say shot multiple people at Brown University." – Chanley Painter [00:17]
• Status:
  • Conflicting information about whether the person in the video is the one in custody.

2. Hanukkah Mass Shooting in Sydney, Australia

[00:37 – 01:21]

• Incident Details:
  • A shooting during a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach leaves at least 12 dead, several injured.
• Law Enforcement Update:
  • One suspected shooter dead, another critically wounded, two police officers injured.
• Official Condemnation:
  • Israeli President Isaac Herzog denounces the attack as "a vile act of terrorism against Jews, marking the first night of Hanukkah." [00:37]
• US Reaction:
  • President Trump signals plans for retaliation after three Americans, including two US service members, are killed in Syria.

3. US Soldiers Killed in Syria

[01:21 – 01:57]

• Incident Description:
  • Attack believed to be carried out by a former Syrian government-affiliated individual who later joined ISIS.
  • The attacker fired on US soldiers guarding a meeting; casualties include members of the Iowa National Guard.
• Political Context (Lucas Tomlinson):
  • Previous Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow.
  • Current President Al Shara, once tied to Al Qaeda, has a history with a $10 million bounty but is now in conversations with the US.
  • "He had been a low level member of the Syrian forces. He shot at the American soldiers who were guarding the perimeter of the meeting." – Lucas Tomlinson [01:29]
• Implication:
  • Ongoing instability in Syria; shifting allegiances and high-level intrigue with new Syrian leadership.

4. US to Target Drug Cartels by Land

[02:59 – 03:41]

• President Trump's Announcement:
  • After successfully targeting drug boats at sea, the administration will begin strikes against drug cartels on land.
  • "Now we're starting by land, and by land is a lot easier, and that's going to start happening." – President Trump (quotation relayed by reporters) [03:19]
  • No specific timeline provided for the operation's commencement.
• Venezuelan Oil Tanker Seizure:
  • US seized a tanker for shipping sanctioned oil, marking continued pressure on Venezuela.

5. Washington State Flood Emergency

[03:41 – 04:31]

• Natural Disaster Update (Christina Coleman):
  • Historic rainfall leads to severe flooding; ten rivers reach flood stage.
  • Residents begin to return home and assess damage as water gradually recedes.
  • "I was in this exact same spot yesterday and the water would have been over my head. It was higher than me. But residents there returning to their homes, some of them, and clearing out the mess." – Christina Coleman [03:47]
  • Mudslide risk remains, thousands evacuated, and rescue operations ongoing.

6. Diplomatic Push for Ukraine Peace

[04:31 – 04:55]

• International Talks in Berlin:
  • US delegation, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrive for meetings.
  • Focus: Political agreement for peace in Ukraine.
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky signals optimism but acknowledges significant hurdles.
  • "The focus is on a political agreement for peace, though major obstacles remain." [04:46]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "Police releasing the first video of the man they say shot multiple people at Brown University."
  – Chanley Painter [00:17]

• "It was higher than me. But residents there returning to their homes... trying to see what has been damaged or destroyed. They have a lot to go through."
  – Christina Coleman [03:47]

• "Now we're starting by land, and by land is a lot easier, and that's going to start happening."
  – President Trump (as reported) [03:19]

• "He had been a low level member of the Syrian forces. He shot at the American soldiers who were guarding the perimeter of the meeting."
  – Lucas Tomlinson [01:29]

• "[The attack] a vile act of terrorism against Jews, marking the first night of Hanukkah."
  – Israeli President Isaac Herzog (as reported) [00:37]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:03: Breaking news: Brown University shooting
• 00:37: Hanukkah mass shooting in Sydney
• 01:21: US soldiers killed in Syria
• 02:59: US targeting drug cartels by land
• 03:41: Washington state flood update
• 04:31: US, Ukraine, and EU peace talks in Berlin

Tone and Language

The episode maintains a fast-paced, urgent, and factual tone characteristic of major breaking news updates, with reporters emphasizing the gravity of the situations and urgency in official responses. On-the-scene descriptions convey the impact on affected communities, while direct attributions and quotations underscore the seriousness of ongoing international events.

This summary covers the essential news, commentary, and reporting in this Fox News Hourly Update, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the episode’s significant developments.