Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: 7AM ET 12/22/2025 Newscast
Host: Dave Anthony
Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This edition of the Fox News Hourly Update delivers a fast-paced roundup of major global and US news stories, including developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, US oil sanctions in Venezuela, political updates on President Trump's latest moves, aftermath from terror and mass shooting incidents, weather events in California, and pivotal results from the NFL’s Sunday games.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Russian General Assassination & Ukraine Tensions

• Breaking News: Lieutenant General Fanel Sarvorov was killed in Moscow by an explosive device under his car ([00:03]).
  • Russian investigators suspect Ukrainian involvement.
  • Sarvorov was the third senior Russian officer killed in just over a year, underscoring continued security instability.
  • Quote:
    • “Did Ukraine do it? That is what Russia is investigating after a general was blown up in Moscow this morning.” (Dave Anthony, 00:03)
    • “Sarvorov was head of the operational training in the Russian Armed Forces General staff. He’s the third senior officer to be killed in just over a year.” (Jonathan Savage, 00:12)

2. Peace Talks in Miami: US Mediation

• Miami hosted separate talks for Russian and Ukrainian officials with American mediators, aiming for a US-brokered peace plan ([00:32]).
  • Highlights ongoing American attempts to broker peace in the region amid escalating violence.

3. US Oil Blockade & Sanctioned Tankers off Venezuela

• The US, under President Trump, continues a blockade around Venezuela and has seized multiple oil tankers ([00:32], [00:55]).
• Seizure Details:
  • The third tanker is on the US sanctions list for allegedly flying a false flag.
  • Prior seizures were coordinated by the US Coast Guard and Department of War.
  • Quote:
    • “A U.S. official says this third oil tanker is on the U.S. sanctions list, adding it's flying a false flag. It is under a judicial seizure order.” (Madeleine Rivera, 00:55)

4. Political Shakeups in US:

President Trump’s Moves

• Trump publicly endorses Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (R) as a special envoy to Greenland, seeking US control over the territory ([01:16]).
  • Memorable Declaration:
    • “He’s written Greenland is essential to our national security.” (Dave Anthony, 01:16)

2028 Presidential Endorsements

• Erica Kirk, widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, formally endorsed Vice President J.D. Vance for the 2028 presidential race during the America Fest gathering in Phoenix ([01:16]).
• Vice President Vance, while not mentioning the endorsement, reaffirms the vigor of MAGA and America First politics.
  • Quote:
    • “People of every faith come to our banner because they know that the America first movement will make their lives better.” (Matt Finn recounting Vance, 01:16)

5. Global Violence & Terror

South Africa Mass Shooting

• Ongoing manhunt after a mass shooting at a pub near Johannesburg; nine killed, at least ten wounded ([02:02]).

Australia, Bondi Beach Terror Attack

• New court documents: shooters underwent undisclosed firearms training, used IEDs (which didn’t detonate), and released a video pledging allegiance to ISIS and making antisemitic statements ([02:32]).
• Attack targeted Jewish gathering during Hanukkah; 15 killed, over 40 injured.
• Father (attacker) was killed by police; son critically injured and now awaiting trial ([03:11]).
  • Quote:
    • “A video of the shooter standing in front of an image of the ISIS flag was also released. It shows the terror suspects making anti Semitic statements and justifications for their actions.” (Marianne Rafferty, 02:32)

6. US Weather Update: Flooding in California

• Northern California faces deadly flooding; evacuations and rescues underway ([03:11]).
  • One fatality confirmed in Redding.

7. Wall Street & NFL Highlights

• Market: Stock futures rising modestly as the week opens ([03:11]).
• NFL: Key games impact playoff races:
  • Patriots defeat Ravens 28–24, harming Baltimore's divisional hopes ([03:11]).
  • Jaguars halt Broncos’ 11-game win streak.
  • Texans notch their 7th consecutive win.
  • Carolina overtakes Tampa Bay in the NFC South.
  • Wins for Bills and Chargers improve playoff outlooks.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Did Ukraine do it? That is what Russia is investigating after a general was blown up in Moscow this morning.”
  — Dave Anthony, [00:03]

• “Sarvorov was head of the operational training in the Russian Armed Forces General staff. He’s the third senior officer to be killed in just over a year.”
  — Jonathan Savage, [00:12]

• “A U.S. official says this third oil tanker is on the U.S. sanctions list, adding it's flying a false flag. It is under a judicial seizure order.”
  — Madeleine Rivera, [00:55]

• “He’s written Greenland is essential to our national security.”
  — Dave Anthony, [01:16]

• “People of every faith come to our banner because they know that the America first movement will make their lives better.”
  — Matt Finn quoting Vance, [01:16]

• “A video of the shooter standing in front of an image of the ISIS flag was also released. It shows the terror suspects making anti Semitic statements and justifications for their actions.”
  — Marianne Rafferty, [02:32]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Russia General Assassination & Ukraine Accusations: [00:03] – [00:32]
• US Mediation in Ukraine War: [00:32]
• US Oil Sanctions/Seizures off Venezuela: [00:32] – [01:16]
• Trump’s Greenland Ambassador Endorsement: [01:16]
• 2028 Presidential Race, America Fest: [01:16]
• South Africa Mass Shooting: [02:02]
• Australia Hanukkah Terror Attack: [02:32] – [03:11]
• Flooding in Northern California: [03:11]
• Wall Street & NFL Recap: [03:11]

This episode offers a comprehensive roundup of both international crises and high-stakes US political and cultural events, packaged in Fox News’s brisk, news-focused style.