Fox News Hourly Update – 1PM ET 12/18/2025 Newscast

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: December 18, 2025
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced roundup of the top national news stories, political headlines, economic updates, and major events from the past hour, with contributions from multiple Fox News correspondents.

Main Theme and Purpose

This newscast delivers a succinct and wide-ranging update of critical developments in US politics, economic indicators, health policy changes, major accidents, high-profile legal outcomes, and religious appointments. The tone mixes urgent political commentary, straightforward reporting, and concise analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Presidential Politics & Public Perception

• President Trump's Recent Speech
  • The episode opens with analysis and critiques of President Trump’s recent address to the nation.
    • Commentary on Trump’s claims about his accomplishments and the disconnect with public sentiment.
    • Satirical takes from anchors highlight skepticism.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • “The president last night tried to convince Americans the sky is green, that trees can walk.”
      — Fox News Anchor [00:06]
    • “Donald Trump gave a speech about how supposedly great his first year has been. So of course, his speech was short.”
      — Fox News Anchor [00:17]
    • “Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says what Americans are feeling is not what the president is saying.”
      — Lisa Brady [00:12]
    • "But President Trump says he's fixing what Democrats broke."
      — Lisa Brady [00:24]

2. Economic Update: Inflation

• November Inflation Figures
  • A surprisingly positive update: inflation climbed less than forecasted.
    • Numbers: CPI up 2.7% year-over-year; Core CPI up 2.6% (both lower than expected).
    • Impact: Potential economic relief for consumers in the new year; analysts had expected numbers to top 3%.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “The prices you pay for things rose at a smaller pace in November.”
      — Jenny Kosola [00:34]
    • “Economists were predicting both numbers would top 3%.”
      — Jenny Kosola [00:34]

3. Transgender Health Policy Shift

• Major Federal Action
  • US Health Secretary moves to block hospitals & doctors from conducting transgender surgeries on minors.
  • Declaration: Procedures for minors with gender dysphoria labeled unsafe.
  • Proposed Rule: Hospitals must halt such procedures to participate in Medicare/Medicaid.
  • Opinions:
    • Supporters: Argue treatments are medically and mentally necessary.
    • Opponents: Frame it as anti-scientific and an infringement on parental rights.
  • Notable Quotes & Voices:
    • “Sex rejecting procedures are not a safe treatment for children with gender dysphoria.”
      — Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Health Secretary [01:00]
    • “This is not medicine. It is malpractice. We're done with junk science.”
      — Jessica Rosenthal [01:09]
    • Detransitioner Chloe Cole’s testimony:
      • “They affirmed my childish misgivings about my developing body, my belief that I wasn't just a tomboy.”
        — Chloe Cole & Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. [01:29]
    • “Supporters of transgender treatment argue it's necessary both medically and for mental health. Some parents argue limits...interfere with parental rights.”
      — Lisa Brady [01:40]
  • Additional: The FDA is warning against marketing chest binding devices to children.

4. Breaking News: North Carolina Jet Crash

• Incident: Fatal crash of a business jet in Statesville, NC (north of Charlotte).
• Details: No numbers yet on casualties; plane burst into flames; FAA/NTSB investigate.
• Context: Airport supports major corporations and NASCAR teams.
• Notable Quote:
  • “A county sheriff in North Carolina just confirming there are fatalities after the crash of a business jet...No word yet, though, on how many people were killed.”
    — Lisa Brady [02:31]

5. Florida Execution Update

• Case: Frank Athen Walls, convicted murderer from the 1980s, set for execution.
• Background: Overturned verdict, reconviction, multiple victims.
• Statistics: 19th execution in Florida for the year.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Frank Athen Walls was convicted in 1988 for shooting and killing an Air Force airman and his girlfriend...Walls would later confess to three more killings.”
    — News Reporter [03:03]

6. Religious Leadership: New York Archdiocese

• Change: Pope Leo appoints Bishop Ronald Hicks (from Chicago) as next Archbishop of New York.
• Significance: First major US move for this Pope; signals his intended direction for the Church.
• Outgoing: Replaces Cardinal Timothy Dolan, influential conservative.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “With great humility, I accept this appointment. I ask for your prayers. I ask for your support as we take these next steps together.”
    — Bishop Ronald Hicks [03:46]

7. Legal News: Atlantic City Mayor Acquitted

• Update: Mayor Marty Smalls Sr. found not guilty of endangerment and abuse charges involving his daughter.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Mayor Marty Smalls Sr. Just found not guilty.”
    — Lisa Brady [04:13]

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Satirical Critique of Trump Speech
  • [00:06] - [00:17] Fox News Anchor provides tongue-in-cheek remarks on the President’s messaging.
• Economic Bright Spot: Inflation Lower Than Expected
  • [00:34] Jenny Kosola details unexpectedly mild inflation figures.
• Transgender Policy Announcement and Detransitioner Statement
  • [01:00] - [01:40] Extended coverage with voices from all sides, including Kennedy and affected individual, Chloe Cole.
• Breaking News: Deadly Jet Crash
  • [02:31] Lisa Brady reports on the aviation tragedy.
• Religion: New York Gets a New Archbishop
  • [03:37] - [03:59] Tanya J. Powers and Jessica Rosenthal report on Pope’s appointment and Hicks’ remarks.
• Legal Verdict: Atlantic City Mayor Acquitted
  • [04:13] Lisa Brady brings the breaking verdict.

Overall Tone

• Direct, brisk, occasionally sardonic or humorous (especially in political coverage), but transitions into sober, respectful tones for tragedy, health, and legal updates.

This summary provides a comprehensive view for those who missed the newscast, capturing both the factual details and the energy of the conversation.