Fox News Hourly Update – 11PM ET 12/19/2025

Date: December 20, 2025
Host: Lisa Licera | FOX News Podcasts

Episode Theme

A fast-paced newscast delivering major national and international headlines, political updates, breaking legal and business news, and developments in pop culture and economics as of December 19, 2025.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Retaliatory US Military Strikes on ISIS in Syria

• Context:
  • The US military responded forcefully after two American soldiers and a translator were killed in Syria.
• Details:
  • Operation: “Operation Hawkeye Strike I” coordinated by US Central Command.
  • Dozens of ISIS targets hit, including infrastructure and weapons storage sites, across multiple locations in Syria.
• Pentagon Statement:
  • Pete Hegseth, Pentagon Chief, emphasized the operation is not a war escalation but a calculated reprisal.
    • Memorable Quote:
      • “This is not the beginning of a war. It is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America under President Trump's leadership will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people.”
        (Pete Hegseth, 00:36)
• Political Standpoint:
  • President Trump announced via Truth Social that Syria’s government “fully supports the operation.”
    (Lisa Licera, 00:48)

2. Update: Brown and MIT Shooting Suspect Identified

• Breaking Developments:
  • Claudio Neves Valente, suspect in the recent Ivy League shootings, was found dead.
  • Coroner’s Report: Deceased for two days prior to discovery. (Lisa Licera, 00:48)
• How Police Cracked the Case:
  • A tip about the suspect’s car on Reddit was a key breakthrough.
    • Told by: Fox’s Jennifer Griffin
    • Notable Insight:
      • The tipster, a former Brown grad and homeless man, had an “odd encounter” with the shooter and remembered the car details.
        (Jennifer Griffin, 01:07)

3. Political Event: President Trump’s Drug Price Deal

• Rally Highlight:
  • President Trump held a campaign-style rally in Rocky Mountain, NC, focusing on his administration’s efforts to lower drug prices. (Lisa Licera, 01:21)
• Policy Details:
  • Announced that 14 of the 17 largest drug companies have agreed to his price reduction plan.
    • Trump’s Direct Quote:
      • “For years, Americans have been paying the highest drug prices anywhere in the world by far, 10 times more, sometimes 15 times more, while other countries pay drastically less for the exact same drug made in the exact same plant in the exact same country.”
        (Brooke Taylor quoting Trump, 01:30)
• Next Steps:
  • President heads to Florida for the holidays after the rally.

4. Congressional Gridlock on Healthcare Subsidies

• Status:
  • Congress adjourned for the holidays without renewing Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies, affecting over 20 million Americans.
    (Lisa Licera, 02:31)
• House Action:
  • Republicans passed a healthcare bill intending to lower costs but did not renew subsidies.
  • Four Republicans crossed over, joining Democrats on a discharge petition for subsidy extension, but Speaker Johnson withheld it from the vote. (Jessica Rosenthal, 02:39)
• Senate Prospects:
  • Majority Leader John Thune signaled bipartisan support might be possible if Democrats agree to “major health care reforms.”
• Impact:
  • If not addressed, millions may face higher health insurance premiums next year.
    (Lisa Licera, 03:19)

5. Sony Buys Majority Stake in Peanuts Franchise

• Business News:
  • Sony acquired an additional stake in “Peanuts” (Snoopy, Charlie Brown, etc.), increasing its ownership to 80% (Jenny Coselda, 03:30)
  • 20% remains with the Schulz family.
  • Sale is valued at over $1 billion; previous Canadian owner Wildbrain retains other properties (Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake).
• Background:
  • Sony has represented Peanuts in Japan since 2010.

6. US Home Sales Trends

• Economy Update:
  • November saw a slight increase (0.5%) in existing home sales, yet totals are still 1% lower than the previous year. (Lisa Licera, 04:08)
  • Annualized rate: 4.13 million units, per the National Association of Realtors.

Notable Quotes & Standout Moments

• Pentagon’s Strong Message Against ISIS:

  • “This is not the beginning of a war. It is a declaration of vengeance.”
    (Pete Hegseth, 00:36)

• President Trump on US Drug Prices:

  • “Americans have been paying the highest drug prices anywhere in the world by far, 10 times more, sometimes 15 times more…”
    (Brooke Taylor quoting Trump, 01:30)

• On Social Media Sleuthing:

  • “Police say a Reddit tipster cracked open the case by posting the suspect's car description.”
    (Jennifer Griffin, 01:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• US Strikes on ISIS in Syria: 00:03–00:48
• Brown/MIT Shooting Update: 00:48–01:21
• Trump’s Drug Price Deal/Rally: 01:21–01:47
• Congress Leaves Without ACA Subsidy Extension: 02:31–03:19
• Sony Acquires Peanuts: 03:30–04:08
• US Housing Market Update: 04:08–04:28