FOX News Hourly Update: 9AM ET, December 21, 2025

Episode Overview:
This newscast delivers concise breaking news and updates from around the globe, including a moving vigil in Sydney after a mass shooting, high political energy at Turning Point USA’s America Fest, escalating violence in South Africa, U.S. military action in the Middle East and Venezuela, and highlights about the winter solstice.

1. Vigil for Bondi Beach Mass Shooting in Sydney

[00:02–00:57]

• Thousands attend vigil:
  In Sydney, Australia, thousands gathered at Bondi Beach one week after a mass shooting claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah event.
• Somber and tense moments:
  • The vigil started with a moment of silence at the site and time of the attack.
  • Leaders from the Jewish community and politicians addressed the crowd.
  • The introduction of the Australian Prime Minister was met with boos and accusations from the crowd regarding inadequate action against anti-Semitism.
    • Notable quote:
      "Blood on your hands," shouted by at least one attendee. (00:24)
• Powerful survivor testimony:
  A young survivor moved the audience by recalling her actions to help children during the attack.
  • Memorable moment:
    "A young injured survivor took the stage to explain why she jumped into action to help save young children from gunfire." (00:39)
• Symbol of peace:
  The event, lasting over two hours, was a demonstration of unity and resilience.
• Attackers’ background:
  • The suspects, a father and son, pledged allegiance to ISIS; the father was killed, the son critically injured.

2. Turning Point USA’s America Fest Political Rally

[01:15–01:52]

• Major conservative gathering:
  America Fest in Phoenix concludes, with high-profile conservative figures set to speak.
  • Speakers include:
    Erica Kirk, Donald Trump Jr., Vice President J.D. Vance, Speaker Mike Johnson, and border czar Tom Homan.
• Turnout and political message:
  • 31,000 registered attendees; a third are students (up 50% from last year).
  • Erica Kirk vows support for President Trump’s congressional control and hints at backing J.D. Vance for a potential 2028 presidential run.
    • Notable quote:
      "Turning Point will work to ensure President Trump has control of Congress for his entire term and then will put its political machine behind JD Vance should he decide to run in 2028." – Erica Kirk (01:31)

3. Mass Shooting at South African Pub

[02:04–02:47]

• Tragic attack:
  Nine people killed, at least 10 wounded when gunmen opened fire in a pub near Johannesburg.
• Attack details:
  • Perpetrated by multiple suspects who arrived in vehicles, fired into the crowded tavern, and continued shooting while fleeing.
  • Marks the country’s second mass shooting in three weeks.
• Broader impact:
  Ongoing concerns with gun violence in South Africa.

4. U.S. Military Actions: Venezuela and Syria

[02:47–03:30]

• Maritime seizures:
  U.S. Coast Guard seized a second oil tanker off Venezuela—second such action since December 10.
• Strike against ISIS:
  U.S. and allied forces destroyed 70 ISIS targets in Syria, following the deaths of two American troops and an interpreter.
  • Operation details:
    • Aircraft involved: F-15E Strike Eagles, A-10 Warthogs, Apache helicopters, and Himars rocket systems.
    • Mission included over 100 satellite-guided bombs and missile strikes.
  • Notable quote:
    “The secretary of war called (the strike) vengeance after the killing of three Americans in Syria last week.” – Lucas Tomlinson (02:58)
  • Jordanian forces also participated.

5. Winter Solstice: Longest Night in the Northern Hemisphere

[03:37–04:04]

• Seasonal milestone:
  December 21 marks the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Notable explanation:
    “Solstice in Latin essentially means sun standing still before the process reverses and days start getting longer.” – Chris Foster (03:54)
  • Sunlight ranges from 10.5 hours in Miami to none at the Arctic Circle.
• Southern Hemisphere:
  Celebrates the first day of summer and its longest day.

6. Travel Update: Gas Prices

[04:04–end]

• Busy travel weekend:
  National average gas price is $2.86/gallon, according to AAA.

Quotes At-a-Glance

• “Blood on your hands,” – Shouted by a member of the vigil crowd to the Australian Prime Minister (00:24)
• “A young injured survivor took the stage to explain why she jumped into action to help save young children from gunfire.” (00:39)
• “Turning Point will work to ensure President Trump has control of Congress for his entire term and then will put its political machine behind JD Vance should he decide to run in 2028.” – Erica Kirk (01:31)
• “The secretary of war called (the strike) vengeance after the killing of three Americans in Syria last week.” – Lucas Tomlinson (02:58)
• “Solstice in Latin essentially means sun standing still before the process reverses and days start getting longer.” – Chris Foster (03:54)

For listeners:
This concise overview captures the major developments and memorable moments from the 9AM Fox News Hourly Update for December 21, 2025—offering a snapshot of pressing global events, domestic politics, and notable seasonal milestones.