FOX News Hourly Update – 9PM ET, December 17, 2025

Episode Overview:
This episode focuses on the latest breaking political and national news, highlighting President Trump’s year-end White House address, Congressional action on health care, significant updates in law enforcement and national security, as well as ongoing investigations and international incidents. Key topics include economic concerns, healthcare reform, high-level law enforcement departures, ongoing criminal cases, and noteworthy global events.

Main Segments & Key Points

President Trump’s Year-End Address

• [00:02–00:37]
  • President Trump prepares to deliver his annual year-end address live from the White House.
  • Economic Concerns:
    • New Fox News poll: 61% of voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy.
    • The speech is expected to focus on affordability for Americans, with the administration emphasizing tax cuts as a solution.
    • Quote:
      • “The administration telling Americans they'll be able to afford more once they have more money in their pocketbooks in the new year thanks to Trump's signature tax cuts like no taxes on tips and overtime.” ([00:23], B)
    • Potential mention of US-brokered peace deals as further achievements.

Healthcare Reform & Congressional Action

• [00:37–01:28]
  • Republican-Backed Bill:
    • House passes the "Lower Premiums for All Americans Act."
    • House Speaker MIKE:
      • “We passed a big and important health care bill that will bring down the cost of health care. The Lower Premiums for All Americans act does exactly what the title suggests. It will reduce premiums for all Americans by on average at least 11% overall. And that's just the beginning.” ([00:43], C)
    • However, the bill does not extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies.
  • Bipartisan Initiatives:
    • A Democrat-sponsored discharge petition to extend the ACA premium subsidies garners support from four Republicans, including Rep. Mike Lawler.
    • Quote:
      • “Clearly there's an issue with affordability across the entirety of the system. But in the short term, we have to have a solution for those that rely on this enhanced premium tax credit so they don't get hurt while we address the larger issue.” ([01:13], D)

Law Enforcement & National Security Developments

• [01:28–01:45]
  • Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino confirms resignation amidst tension over the Jeffrey Epstein files.
  • President Trump offers public support for Bongino.
    • Quote:
      • “Dan did a great job.” ([01:42], E)
  • Bongino is set to leave next month.

Notable Criminal Cases

• [01:45–01:59]
  • Nick Reiner appears in L.A. County Court over the alleged murder of his parents; no plea entered.

Latest Breaking News

• [03:01–03:16]
  • U.S. Military strikes a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean. Four suspected narco-terrorists killed.

Ongoing Investigations

• [03:16–03:48]
  • Brown University Shooting:
    • Manhunt continues for the shooter responsible for killing two and wounding nine.
    • Investigators request public assistance identifying an individual of interest seen in video footage before the incident.
    • Quote:
      • “Investigators are now asking for the public's help to identify a second person seen in a dark navy jacket, green hood and dark pants.” ([03:21], G)
  • Surveillance video shows this person casing the neighborhood hours before the shooting.

International & Military Affairs

• [03:48–04:30]
  • Dignified Transfer at Dover AFB:
    • Remains of three Americans killed in a terrorist ambush in Syria returned to the U.S.
    • President Trump attends the ceremony, his first during his second term.
    • Quote:
      • “President Trump stood at attention saluting as each flag draped case was marched by in a silent, solemn event.” ([04:09], H)

International Crime Updates

• [04:30–04:50]
  • Australia Hanukkah Shooting:
    • Surviving suspect awakens from coma, scheduled for first court appearance.
    • First funeral for the 15 victims held today.
    • Quote:
      • “He is right now in the hospital. He's under heavy security. He's going to make his first court appearance on Monday… The father, of course, was killed by police during that attack.” ([04:35], I)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Economic Concerns:

  • “61% of voters disapprove of Trump’s performance on the economy.” ([00:13], B)

• Healthcare Reform:

  • “Lower Premiums for All Americans act does exactly what the title suggests. It will reduce premiums for all Americans by on average at least 11% overall.” ([00:45], C)
  • “We have to have a solution for those that rely on this enhanced premium tax credit so they don't get hurt while we address the larger issue.” ([01:21], D)

• Law Enforcement Transition:

  • “Dan did a great job.” ([01:42], E)

• Brown University Shooting Investigation:

  • “Investigators are now asking for the public’s help to identify a second person seen in a dark navy jacket, green hood and dark pants.” ([03:21], G)

• Military Homecoming:

  • “President Trump stood at attention saluting as each flag draped case was marched by in a silent, solemn event.” ([04:09], H)

Key Timed Segments

| Timestamp | Topic / Speaker | Summary | |-----------|---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:02 | Jack Callaghan (A) | President to deliver year-end address | | 00:10 | Reporter (B) | Economic poll, affordability, tax cuts | | 00:37 | Aisha Hosny / Speaker MIKE| House passes health care bill | | 01:13 | Rep. Mike Lawler (D) | Need for short-term premium tax credit solutions | | 01:28 | Jack Callaghan (A) | Bongino resigns as Deputy FBI Director | | 01:42 | President Trump (E) | Praises Bongino’s service | | 03:01 | Jack Callaghan (A) | US military action in Caribbean, Brown Univ. update | | 03:16 | CB Cotton (G) | Brown University shooting investigation | | 03:48 | Jared Halpern (H) | Dignified transfer for fallen in Syria; Trump attends | | 04:30 | Steve Harrigan (I) | Hanukkah shooting suspect, first funeral in Australia |

Tone:
Direct, urgent, and factual – typical of fast-paced news updates, with moments of solemnity during tributes to fallen Americans and gravity during major crime updates.

For Listeners:
This episode is packed with major headlines and evolving stories—delivering a concise yet thorough round-up of the day’s biggest events in U.S. politics, national security, and world affairs. The reporting moves briskly, emphasizing actionable updates and direct quotes from key figures.