Fox News Hourly Update – 1PM ET, December 23, 2025

Host: Paul Stevens
Contributors: Jared Halpern, Tanya J. Powers, William Laje Ness, Ainsley Earhart, Matt Finn

Episode Overview

This episode delivers concise updates on breaking political and global stories, offering a fast-paced summary of the day's top issues. Main topics include U.S. economic growth reports, the latest release of Jeffrey Epstein files, escalating tensions in Venezuela, a health announcement by former Senator Ben Sasse, a crackdown on undocumented truck drivers, a major Russian attack on Ukraine, holiday travel expectations, and Medicaid payment errors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Economy & President Trump’s Tariffs

• Surprising GDP Growth:
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose 4.3% between July and September, exceeding analyst expectations.
  • President Trump attributes this surge to his tariff policies and good governance.
    • Quote:
      • "The Trump economic golden age is full steam ahead. You haven't seen anything yet." — Jared Halpern reporting Trump’s view (00:19)
• Public Unease:
  • Despite growth, consumer confidence dropped by 3.8 points, reaching its lowest level since April.
  • Analysts point to ongoing uncertainty tied to tariffs as a source of anxiety among Americans.

2. Jeffrey Epstein Files Released

• New Batch of 11,000+ Files:
  • Justice Department releases a significant volume of materials: photos, court records, FBI & DOJ documents, videos, emails.
  • Follows previous releases, including grand jury transcripts over the weekend.
    • Quote:
      • "More than 11,000 files are in the latest batch..." — Tanya J. Powers (00:51)

3. U.S.–Venezuela Tensions

• Military Action:
  • U.S. strikes another alleged drug boat from Venezuela.
  • President Trump withholds ultimate goals but issues a strong warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
    • Quote:
      • "He could do whatever he wants. It's all right. Whatever he wants to do, if he wants to do something. If he plays tough, it'll be the last time he's ever able to play tough." — Paul Stevens quoting President Trump (01:21)
• International Response:
  • Russia affirms support for Maduro.
  • China condemns U.S. for seizing Venezuelan oil tankers.

4. Former Senator Ben Sasse Cancer Diagnosis

• Personal Announcement:
  • Ben Sasse (age 53) reveals advanced pancreatic cancer diagnosis, shared via social media.
    • Quote:
      • "The 53 year old Sasse making that announcement on social media, saying he learned of the disease and that diagnosis just last week." — Paul Stevens (01:37)

5. Crackdown on Undocumented Migrant Truckers

• Federal Enforcement Efforts:
  • ICE, Border Patrol, and Homeland Security are targeting checkpoints and shipping ports.
  • The administration claims California illegally issued thousands of commercial driver's licenses (CDL) to undocumented migrants; 17,000 have been revoked.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatens to withhold federal highway funds.
    • Quote:
      • "This administration is sending out ICE, Border Patrol, Homeland Security to checkpoints and shipping ports looking for illegal immigrants issued CDLs..." — William Laje Ness (02:38)

6. Russia’s Major Attack on Ukraine

• Scale of Assault:
  • Over 650 drones and three dozen missiles launched in a night-long offensive.
  • Civilian toll: at least three fatalities, including a four-year-old child.
    • Quote:
      • "Russia fired more than 650 drones three dozen missiles attacking Ukraine in a major offensive..." — Paul Stevens (03:14)

7. Holiday Travel Season Set to Break Records

• Travel Statistics:
  • TSA expects 44 million air passengers between Dec 19 and Jan 4.
  • U.S. airlines: about 3 million fliers per day.
  • Road travel to hit 109 million Americans, up 2% from last year.
  • Lower gas prices (below $3/gallon, first time in four years) are likely a factor.
    • Quote:
      • "Projected 109 million Americans will hit the road for the end of the year. That's an increase of 2% last year. And maybe it's because of gas price lower for the first time in four years." — Ainsley Earhart (03:36)

8. Medicaid Pays Over $200 Million Improperly

• Government Watchdog Report:
  • Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General finds over $200 million paid to providers for care of deceased individuals between 2021–2022.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “The Trump economic golden age is full steam ahead. You haven't seen anything yet.”
  — Jared Halpern (00:19)
• "More than 11,000 files are in the latest batch, which include photos… emails and more."
  — Tanya J. Powers (00:51)
• "If he plays tough, it'll be the last time he's ever able to play tough."
  — Paul Stevens quoting President Trump (01:21)
• “...already, the state's revoked about 17,000 CDLs. More are under review after Duffy threatened to withhold millions in highway funds.”
  — William Laje Ness (02:54)
• “The national average [gas price] dropped below $3 a gallon this month, according to AAA.”
  — Ainsley Earhart (03:48)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Economic Update & Trump’s Comments: 00:03 – 00:44
• Epstein Files Release: 00:44 – 01:07
• Venezuela Tensions/Military & International Response: 01:07 – 01:37
• Ben Sasse Cancer Diagnosis: 01:37 – 02:00
• ICE Crackdown on Truckers: 02:31 – 03:14
• Russian Offensive in Ukraine & Holiday Travel: 03:14 – 04:07
• Medicaid Payment Errors: 04:07 – 04:28

Episode Tone & Style

The report is brisk, fact-focused, and direct, matching FOX News Radio’s style of rapid-fire headline delivery with succinct commentary and up-to-the-minute updates. The tone is urgent but neutral, prioritizing information density and major national/international developments.