Fox News Hourly Update — 9AM ET, December 13, 2025

Host: Paul Stevens
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Date: December 13, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced rundown of major national and global news headlines. Key themes include a federal court standoff over the California National Guard, U.S. military operations in Venezuela, political maneuvering for the next Federal Reserve chair, high-profile criminal charges against a former football coach, a major fraud scandal in Minnesota, and an ongoing labor dispute at the TSA.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. California National Guard Legal Battle

[00:02]

• Summary:
  The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals mandates the California National Guard must vacate Los Angeles by Monday, while partially staying another order in this ongoing legal dispute between the Trump administration and Governor Gavin Newsom over authority.
• Additional Detail:
  The stay pauses the return of federally activated troops to state control, reflecting deep legal and political tensions over National Guard deployments.

2. US Military Operations in Venezuela — ‘Operation Southern Spear’

[00:30] – [01:09]

• Summary:
  The United States has ramped up its military presence off Venezuela, targeting alleged drug boats. Operation Southern Spear has destroyed 23 vessels, with at least 87 fatalities reported.

• Notable Quote:

  “We knocked out 96% of the drugs coming in by water and nobody can figure out who the 4%. I wouldn't want to be the 4% either. But 96% of the drugs coming in by water, every one of those boats you see get shot down, you just saved 25,000 American lives.”
  — President Trump, [00:49]

• Insight:
  President Trump emphasizes the life-saving aspect of these military actions and signals readiness to expand operations onto Venezuelan territory.

3. Federal Reserve Chair Search

[01:19] – [01:39]

• Summary:
  President Trump tells the Wall Street Journal he’s close to naming a new Federal Reserve chair, with two finalists in consideration. He also publicly asserts his belief that he should influence rate decisions, though only as a recommendation.

• Notable Quote:

  “Well, you know, I've made a lot of money. I've been very success. And I think my role should be at least that of recommending. They don't have to follow what I say.”
  — President Trump, [01:30]

• Anchoring Detail:
  Trump continues to criticize Jerome Powell for not lowering interest rates more aggressively; Powell’s term expires early next year.

4. Criminal Charges Against Ex-Michigan Coach Sharon Moore

[02:16] – [02:59]

• Summary:
  Sharon Moore, former University of Michigan head football coach, was arraigned (virtually) for charges of home invasion, criminal stalking, and breaking and entering. The case stems from accusations of an improper relationship and a violent confrontation.
• Key Details:
  • Prosecutors allege Moore broke into the apartment of a former mistress and threatened self-harm with kitchen utensils.
  • Defense asserts Moore is not a threat; he pleads not guilty and is released on a $25,000 bond pending a January court appearance.

5. Minnesota Fraud Scandal & State Response

[03:12] – [03:46]

• Summary:
  Minnesota Governor Tim Walz launches a new fraud prevention program after revelations of a massive fraud ring siphoning around $1 billion meant for public services (child care, COVID-19 relief, autism care) toward luxury goods.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Governor Walz openly criticizes President Trump, who commented on Minnesota as a “hub of money laundering activity.”
• Context:
  The scandal spans several state departments and nonprofits, drawing DOJ scrutiny.

6. TSA Collective Bargaining Dispute

[03:46] – End

• Summary:
  The TSA renews its effort to end collective bargaining rights for airport security screeners. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) vows to fight what it calls an illegal move, citing a federal judge’s prior injunction against Secretary Kristi Noem’s similar attempt.
• Key Point:
  Labor tensions between the TSA and airport security workforce escalate, set against the backdrop of recent judicial interventions.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump (re: Venezuela):

  “Every one of those boats you see get shot down, you just saved 25,000 American lives.” [00:54]

• President Trump (on the Fed):

  “I think my role should be at least that of recommending. They don’t have to follow what I say.” [01:30]

Timestamps for Segments

• California National Guard order: [00:02]
• Venezuela military actions & Trump explanation: [00:30] – [01:09]
• Federal Reserve search & Trump’s comments: [01:19] – [01:39]
• Sharon Moore arraignment & case details: [02:16] – [02:59]
• Minnesota fraud investigation & response: [03:12] – [03:46]
• TSA labor dispute escalation: [03:46] – [End]

Tone

The episode is brisk and direct, in classic Fox News style, balancing official statements, pointed commentary, and reportage. President Trump's remarks are characteristically self-confident and unsparing; coverage of the Minnesota and TSA stories is concise and fact-driven, highlighting conflict and accountability.

Useful For:

• Anyone seeking a rapid, clear update on top U.S. news as of December 13, 2025.
• Listeners interested in federal-state power struggles, U.S. foreign/military policy, leadership changes, major criminal cases, fraud accountability, and labor issues in government agencies.