Fox News Hourly Update – December 21, 2025

Host: Kathleen Maloney, FOX News
Episode Theme:
A somber recap of international and national events, with a focus on the public memorial for victims of the terrorist attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, updates on global crises, and political tributes following notable recent losses.

Main Story: Bondi Beach Hanukkah Attack Memorial

[00:03–00:56]

Key Points

• Thousands Gather to Mourn:
  A huge turnout at Bondi Beach, Sydney, as the community remembers 15 lives lost to a terrorist attack during Hanukkah.
• Commemorative Acts:
  Attendees bring flowers, burn eucalyptus leaves, comfort each other, and weep.
• Silent Tribute:
  At 6:47 PM—marking the exact moment the attack began—a moment of silence is held.
• Attack Recap:
  The terrorists fired 82 shots, killing 15 and wounding more than 40.
  • Steve Harrigan summarizes: “They brought flowers. They burned eucalyptus leaves. They hugged each other. They cried.” (00:18)
• Community Response:
  Deep impact on Australia's Jewish community, with leaders declaring the attack has “changed things in Australia forever.”
• Government Criticism:
  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s policies come under fire from the community, with many feeling the government was unprepared for rising anti-Semitism.
  • Albanese is “greeted by boos from the crowd. Many in the Jewish community angry at their policies...” (00:34)
• Policy Shifts Promised:
  PM Albanese vows stricter gun control, limiting gun ownership to citizens.
• Investigation Updates:
  One shooter had a legitimate gun license and belonged to a gun club. Police found undetonated explosives and homemade ISIS flags.
  • Kathleen Maloney: “Police recovered undetonated explosives and homemade ISIS flags in the other shooter’s car.” (00:56)

U.S. Pursues Sanctioned Oil Tankers

[01:23–01:50]

Key Points

• U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Action:
  U.S. forces actively chase a tanker suspected of smuggling Venezuelan oil and violating international sanctions.
  • Lucas Tomlinson: “The United States Coast Guard is in active pursuit of a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion. It is flying a false flag under a judicial seizure order.” (01:32)
• Venezuelan Response:
  Authorities in Venezuela label the seizures as “acts of piracy.”

National and Political Remembrances

[03:02–03:29]

Key Points

• President Trump Calls into America Fest:
  Pays tribute to deceased Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
  • President Trump: “I just want to say that nobody did more for me than Charlie and there’s nobody better than Erica and you are the greatest people on earth.” (03:11)
• Vice President J.D. Vance Honors Charlie Kirk:
  Credits Kirk’s leadership in the fight against perceived anti-Christian sentiment.
• Legacy Continues:
  Erica Kirk, widow, now leads the conservative youth group.

International Headlines

South Africa Mass Shooting

[03:46–04:16]

• Incident Recap:
  A group of about a dozen assailants opened fire at a pub near Johannesburg, killing nine and injuring over ten.
• Wider Context:
  The attack is the second mass shooting in three weeks in South Africa, highlighting severe gun violence.
  • Angelo Bavaro: “The attack marks South Africa’s second mass shooting in three weeks, highlighting the country’s ongoing gun violence crisis.” (04:06)

Europe’s Financial Aid to Ukraine

[04:16–05:00]

• EU Agreement:
  Europe will provide $105 billion in loans to Ukraine for military and budget support over two years.
• Urgency:
  Ukraine warns of running out of money by early 2026 without help.
  • Kathleen Maloney: “President Zelensky welcoming Europe’s decision to offer that loan.” (04:53)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Memorial’s Emotional Weight:

  • Steve Harrigan (FOX Sydney):
    “They brought flowers. They burned eucalyptus leaves. They hugged each other. They cried.” (00:18)

• On Gun Violence and Policy:

  • Kathleen Maloney:
    “Prime Minister Albanese saying the government would implement stricter gun control laws like allowing only citizens to own guns.” (00:56)

• On International Tensions:

  • Lucas Tomlinson (FOX News):
    “The United States Coast Guard is in active pursuit of a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion. It is flying a false flag under a judicial seizure order.” (01:32)

• On Tributes to Charlie Kirk:

  • President Donald Trump:
    “Nobody did more for me than Charlie and there’s nobody better than Erica... you are the greatest people on earth.” (03:11)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Bondi Beach Memorial coverage: 00:03–00:56
• Australian government response & investigation details: 00:56–01:23
• U.S. pursues oil tankers & Venezuelan response: 01:23–01:50
• Tributes to Charlie Kirk from Trump and J.D. Vance: 03:02–03:29
• South Africa mass shooting: 03:46–04:16
• EU aid to Ukraine: 04:16–05:00

Tone and Language

The episode retains a factual, rapid-fire news bulletin tone, marked by somber reflection during the memorial coverage and urgency in the reporting of ongoing global crises.

Summary prepared for listeners who missed the episode—covering all the most critical news, responses, and quotes, with attributions and timestamps for easy reference.