Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: 9PM ET 12/20/2025 Newscast
Date: December 21, 2025
Host: Roger Stern (FOX News Podcasts)

Episode Overview

This episode covers the U.S. military response to ISIS attacks in Syria, protests over the renaming of the Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington, Australia’s proposed crackdown on hate speech after a deadly attack, the latest developments in a double-murder homicide case at Brown University and MIT, and new U.S. policy moves against Venezuela.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

U.S. Strikes on ISIS in Syria

0:03 – 0:59

• Context: The U.S. launched targeted airstrikes on ISIS targets in Syria, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, following the killing of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and their interpreter.
• Details of the Strike:
  • Over 70 ISIS sites in central and northern Syria were targeted.
  • All U.S. personnel involved returned safely.
  • The exact number of ISIS casualties was not disclosed.
• Presidential Remarks:
  • President Trump addressed the strikes at a rally in North Carolina, emphasizing military strength and precision:

    "I ordered a massive strike on the terrorists that killed our three great patriots last week. Two soldiers, one interpreter, all great people. And it was very successful. It was precision. We hit every site flawlessly and we are restoring peace through strength." — President Trump [00:33]

Kennedy Center Protest over Renaming

0:59 – 1:40

• Event: Protest held outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. by the group "Hands off the Arts," criticizing plans to rename the center the Trump-Kennedy Arts Center.
• Political Reaction:
  • Senator Chris Van Hollen delivered a speech condemning the president and the board’s decision:

    "We've got a president who doesn't respect the arts. All he respects is cash from his donors and billionaire buddies. He's in office to enrich himself and his family and the billionaires who were standing behind him when he was sworn in on Inauguration Day." — Sen. Chris Van Hollen [01:20]

  • The Trump-appointed board voted for the change, but Democrats argue that only Congress has the authority to rename the center.

Australia Crackdown on Hate Speech After Deadly Attack

2:58 – 3:43

• Incident: Following a deadly Hanukkah celebration attack at Bondi Beach, Australia is instituting stricter laws on hate speech and demonstrations.
• Pending Legislation:
  • Outlawing phrases such as "globalize the intifada," cited as inciting violence against Jews.
  • Banning hate symbols, including Hamas and Nazi flags.
  • Implementing stricter gun ownership rules, including a large voluntary buyback to remove firearms from circulation.
• Recognition: Ahmed Al Ahmed, credited as a hero during the shooting, received a $1.5 million award for his actions.

Brown University & MIT Shooting Investigation

3:43 – 4:33

• Case Details:
  • Two murders—one at Brown University and one of an MIT professor—are linked by a ballistic match.
  • The investigation was advanced by an unusual tip: a homeless man posted on Reddit, which tipped police off about a rental car, leading to the suspect.
• Suspect Identified: 48-year-old Claudio Neves Valente, a Portuguese national and former Brown Ph.D. physics student, is under investigation.
• Motivation: The motive for the killings remains undetermined.
• Credit: Police acknowledged the homeless man’s social media post for "really cracking this case wide open." — Brooke Taylor [03:56]

U.S. Pressure Campaign Against Venezuela

4:33 – 4:55

• Development: U.S. forces intercepted a vessel off Venezuela’s coast for the second time in under two weeks.
• Policy: President Trump has instituted a naval blockade as part of efforts to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on U.S. Military Response:

  "We are restoring peace through strength. We're all over the world." [00:33]

• Sen. Chris Van Hollen Criticizing President Trump:

  "All he respects is cash from his donors and billionaire buddies." [01:20]

• Law Enforcement Credit to Citizen Tip:

  "Police crediting a homeless man for posting on Reddit for really cracking this case wide open after a six day manhunt." — Brooke Taylor [03:56]

• Australian Lawmakers on Hate Speech:

  "They're going to outlaw the phrase globalize the intifada... trying to also outlaw hate symbols, flags from parties like Hamas and the Nazi party as well." — Steve Harrigan [03:09]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• U.S. Strikes ISIS in Syria: 00:03 – 00:59
• Kennedy Center Naming Protest: 00:59 – 01:40
• Australia’s Crackdown on Hate Speech: 02:58 – 03:43
• Brown / MIT Shooting Update: 03:43 – 04:33
• U.S. Moves Against Venezuela: 04:33 – 04:55

This snapshot provides a clear overview of the most urgent international, political, and domestic developments for late December 2025, reflecting Fox News' priorities and tone throughout the newscast.