Fox News Hourly Update: 1AM ET 12/03/2025 Newscast

Host: Ted Lindner (with reporting and commentary by Jeanine Pirro, Chad Pergram, CB Cotton, Lisa Brady)
Date: December 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire roundup of pressing national and international news stories, focusing on U.S. political developments, ongoing legal cases, heightened military tensions in the Caribbean, and noteworthy local decisions with national implications. The newscast maintains a brisk, fact-driven tone, punctuated by recurring commentary and remarks from Fox News personalities and featured lawmakers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Republican Victory in Tennessee's 7th District

(00:02–00:24)

• Matt Van Epps (Republican) wins a special election, defeating Democrat Afton Bain, drawing national political attention.
• Van Epps credits his victory to the support of President Trump.
  • Notable Quote:
    “President Trump was all in with us and it made the difference in Congress. I’ll be all in with him.”
    — Jeanine Pirro, relaying Van Epps' gratitude (00:17)
• Result: Republicans maintain a narrow 219-213 majority in the House.

2. U.S. Military Action in the Caribbean; Congressional Pushback

(00:24–01:14)

• The Pentagon conducted strikes against an alleged Venezuelan drug boat. Navy Admiral Frank Bradley ordered the operation.
• Bipartisan congressional scrutiny arises over the strikes’ legality and escalation potential.
  • Lawmakers question if U.S. actions in Venezuela constitute an act of war, pressing for clearer justification and congressional authorization.
  • Memorable Exchanges:
    “This is wartime.”
    — Unnamed Republican Lawmaker (00:45)
    “Why not have a declaration of war?”
    — Chad Pergram (00:46)
    “Maybe we’ll get there. This will be an endless war.”
    — Unnamed Republican Lawmaker (00:48)
    “Whatever we do there will be very quick.”
    — Unnamed Republican Lawmaker (00:50)
• Warning: Lawmakers may trigger a War Powers vote if further unauthorized strikes occur.

3. D.C. National Guard Shooting: Afghan National Faces Charges

(01:14–01:49)

• Ramanula Laconwell (Afghan national) pleads not guilty to charges stemming from the shooting of two National Guard troops in D.C.—one soldier has died.
• Charges include first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and two weapons counts.
• Plea was entered remotely from Laconwell’s hospital bed.
• U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro commends the judge's decision to deny bail.
  • Notable Quote:
    “She made it clear that she believed that he crossed the country with a weapon with the intent to commit a crime of violence.”
    — Ted Lindner quoting the judge (01:41)
  • Pirro expresses confidence in the government’s case; next pre-trial date set for January 14.

4. U.S.–Russia Talks on Ukraine, High-Profile NYC Murder Trial

(02:32–03:31)

• Russia-Ukraine War:
  • Putin's adviser expresses cautious optimism after talks with President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff; “a lot of work still remains.”
• Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO:
  • Luigi Mangione is on trial for the murder of Brian Thompson. CB Cotton reports on police testimony recounting Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
    • Key evidence: gun silencer and notebook in Mangione's backpack, contested by the defense as illegally obtained.

5. Miami Land Transfer for Proposed Trump Presidential Library

(03:31–04:25)

• Miami Dade College trustees approve—unanimously—a controversial land gift for a future Trump presidential library.
• The parcel: over two acres of prime, downtown Miami land.
• Legal obstacles: Ongoing lawsuit claims the first vote failed proper notice; a judge has temporarily blocked the transfer.
  • Supporters: Urging focus on the "bigger picture" and academic benefits.
  • Opposition: Some vehemently object, citing proximity to Freedom Tower (a symbol for immigrants).
    • Memorable Quote:
      “If you think you can make this lawsuit go away by holding this meeting, you should have another thing called.”
      — Jeanine Pirro (reading a critic’s remarks, 03:56)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Venezuela strikes:
  “This is wartime…Maybe we’ll get there. This will be an endless war.”
  — Unnamed Republican Lawmaker (00:45–00:48)

• On the Miami presidential library land dispute:
  “A presidential library is an asset to any academic institution.”
  — Unnamed Supporter (04:15)
  “An abomination next to Miami’s Freedom Tower, symbolizing hope for immigrants.”
  — Opponent (04:21)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Tennessee Special Election Results: 00:02–00:24
• Venezuelan Strike Congressional Scrutiny: 00:24–01:14
• DC Guard Shooting & Legal Proceedings: 01:14–01:49
• Russia–US Ukraine Talks & Mangione Trial: 02:32–03:31
• Miami Land Transfer for Trump Library: 03:31–04:25

Tone & Style

The episode maintains Fox News’ signature brisk pacing and straight-to-the-point reporting, with interspersed energetic commentary from anchors and correspondents. Emotional resonance is particularly evident in accounts of political allegiance, legal proceedings, and local controversies with national import.

This summary provides a comprehensive snapshot of the top news stories covered in the 1AM ET FOX News Hourly Update on December 3, 2025, capturing the urgency and breadth of the headlines without commentary on non-content segments.