Fox News Hourly Update: 9PM ET Newscast – December 30, 2025

Overview

This edition of the Fox News Hourly Update, hosted by John Saucier, delivers rapid-fire coverage of breaking national and international news headlines. The main focuses include alleged daycare fraud in Minnesota, a high-profile legal case concerning a Salvadoran migrant, major U.S. military operations against ISIS, ongoing tensions in the Arabian Peninsula, President Trump's actions in Venezuela, and the passing of a notable member of the Kennedy family.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Alleged Daycare Fraud in Minnesota

• Deputy Secretary of Health & Human Services Jim O’Neill announced new restrictions on child care payments nationwide in response to alleged fraudulent activities in Minnesota's daycare centers.
  • “We require a justification receipt or photo evidence before we make a payment.” (Jim O'Neill, 00:13)
• The measure follows a viral video from independent journalist Nick Shirley, alleging millions in payments to centers with no children in attendance.
• Minnesota Governor Tim Walz responded, stating the state had already undertaken substantial anti-fraud efforts and framing the federal cut as part of “Trump’s long game.”
• Federal funding to Minnesota’s child care system is now paused pending review.

Legal Case: Vindictive Prosecution of Salvadoran Migrant

• Judge Waverly Crenshaw is reconsidering the prosecution of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran human smuggling defendant.
• Evidence indicates the case only became a department priority after an erroneous deportation order.
  • “District Judge Waverly Crenshaw has canceled the upcoming trial and instead ordered a hearing next month on whether the prosecution is vindictive and selective.” (Jared Halpern, 00:53)
• ICE states it will not detain Abrego Garcia again while the judge’s ban stands.

U.S. Military Operations in Syria

• U.S. Central Command reports the elimination/capture of nearly 25 ISIS operatives after an ambush killed two U.S. troops and one civilian interpreter.
  • 11 missions executed in 10 days followed initial strikes on ISIS weapons sites and infrastructure. (01:30)

Saudi Arabia–UAE Tensions Over Yemen

• Saudi Arabia bombed the Yemeni port of Mukalla following alleged deliveries of UAE weapons to separatists.
  • Saudi views the delivery as a direct threat; UAE denies supplying weapons (only vehicles were sent).
  • “The strike deepens the division between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, geographic neighbors in the Arabian Peninsula.” (Grinhal Scott, 03:12)
• Southern Transitional Council (Yemeni separatists) decry the Saudi action as unjustified.

U.S.–Venezuela–Iran: Sanctions & Military Action

• U.S. Treasury announces new sanctions on 10 individuals/entities linked to Venezuela and Iran.
• President Trump recently ordered a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers in and out of Venezuela and approved strikes targeting alleged drug smuggling operations off Latin America’s coast.
  • “If [Iran] will continue with the missiles, yes. The nuclear fast.” (President Trump, 04:07)
  • U.S. forces also struck a Venezuelan dock used for alleged drug transport.
• International Response: China and Russia accuse the U.S. of violating international law after the U.S. seized multiple oil tankers.

Obituary: Tatiana Schlossberg

• Tatiana Schlossberg, environmental journalist and granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, has died at age 35 after battling leukemia.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jim O’Neill (HHS Deputy Secretary):
  • “We require a justification receipt or photo evidence before we make a payment.” (00:13)
• Jared Halpern (Fox Correspondent):
  • “District Judge Waverly Crenshaw has canceled the upcoming trial and instead ordered a hearing next month on whether the prosecution is vindictive and selective.” (00:53)
• President Trump: (on Israeli strikes)
  • “If [Iran] will continue with the missiles, yes. The nuclear fast.” (04:07)
• Grinhal Scott (Fox Correspondent):
  • “The strike deepens the division between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, geographic neighbors in the Arabian Peninsula.” (03:12)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Daycare Fraud & Federal Funding Actions – 00:03–00:24
• Judge Questions Migrant Prosecution – 00:53–01:30
• U.S. Military Strikes on ISIS in Syria – 01:30–02:00
• Saudi Strikes on Yemen/UAE Tensions – 03:02–03:50
• Trump’s Campaign Against Maduro & Iran – 03:50–04:37
• Tatiana Schlossberg’s Passing – 04:37–05:00

Summary

This Fox News Hourly Update covers a range of pressing national and international news with an emphasis on escalating U.S. enforcement actions (both domestic and abroad), diplomatic tensions, ongoing legal controversies, and a notable obituary. The reporting is urgent, policy-focused, and features direct statements from both officials and news correspondents, offering listeners concise but comprehensive insights into evolving global issues.