Fox News Hourly Update: 3AM ET 12/12/2025 - Episode Summary

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This edition provides a brisk rundown of the latest significant news events in politics, sports, technology, global issues, and the economy, focusing on legal proceedings, presidential actions, and key controversies of the day.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Court Proceedings: Charlie Kirk's Assassination Case

• First In-Person Court Appearance: The man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk appeared in person in court for the first time on Thursday. (00:03)
• Secrecy & Media Coverage: Judge Tony Graff addressed concerns about the transparency of the proceedings, balancing public and press interests with courtroom decorum.
  • Defense objected to cameras showing the accused in shackles; the judge agreed this violated decorum but did not ban cameras, just ordered them to be repositioned. (00:17)
  • Ongoing debate about releasing transcripts from a closed October hearing. Led to a two-hour closed session. (00:42)
  • Decision on camera presence during the trial postponed to February.
• Notable Quote:
  • Chinley Painter (reporter): “There were complaints from Tyler Robinson's defense team about cameras showing him in shackles and the judge did rule that was a violation of decorum rules.” (00:24)

2. National Policy: Trump’s New Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence

• Executive Action: President Trump signed a “common sense” executive order to centralize federal AI regulation, preempting state-level rules. (00:53)
• Security Concerns:
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Besant voiced worries about national security and foreign (Chinese) AI threats:
    • Notable Quote: “There's no use in having a golden dome if China's AI can get around it.” (01:09)
• Congressional Reaction: Both Democrats and Republicans criticize the federal preemption. The administration clarifies state rules on child safety won’t be blocked. (01:21)

3. International News: Japan Earthquake

• Event: A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck northeast Japan. (01:28)
• Aftermath: No immediate reports of damage or injuries. Tsunami advisory lifted quickly. (01:34)

4. Market Update: Stock Market Record Closes

• Dow & S&P 500: Both closed at record highs; Dow up 646 points, S&P 500 breaks 6900 for the first time. (01:42)
• Nasdaq: Dropped by 60 points, deviating from the positive trend of the other major indices. (01:50)

5. Sports Scandal: Sharon Moore Fired and Arrested

• Firing & Arrest: Former University of Michigan head coach Sharon Moore fired and arrested over an affair with an employee, which escalated to accusations of stalking and a violent confrontation. (03:01)
• Incident Details: Moore reportedly showed up at the woman’s house with a knife after losing his job. (03:08)
  • Notable Quote from Sports Analyst: “Police say this guy had a meltdown. He grabbed the knife, got in the car and showed up at that woman's house. So she called 911.” (03:09)
• Personal Fallout: Moore was described as stressed, erratic, and “suicidal after he lost his coaching job.” (03:30)

6. Health Policy: Obamacare Subsidies at Risk

• Legislative Failure: Congressional stalemate means Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire, sparking a blame game between parties. (04:05)
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blames GOP: “Tens of millions of people will see their premiums double or triple or more next year. Republicans now own America's health care crisis.” (04:18)
  • The White House Press Secretary, Caroline Levitt, counters, defending administration drug-pricing policies. (04:26)
• Deadline: Congress will recess for Christmas before subsidies expire, leaving millions in limbo. (04:38)

7. Legal News: Letitia James Not Indicted

• Outcome: A second grand jury declines to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on mortgage fraud charges. (04:48)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “There's no use in having a golden dome if China's AI can get around it.”
  — Treasury Secretary Scott Besant (01:09)
• “Republicans now own America's health care crisis.”
  — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (04:18)
• “He was acting like pretty strange, though. He'd berated his assistants recently and was really on edge before they just axed him.”
  — Sports Analyst on Sharon Moore (03:36)
• “There were complaints from Tyler Robinson's defense team about cameras showing him in shackles and the judge did rule that was a violation of decorum rules.”
  — Chinley Painter (00:24)

Segment Timestamps

• 00:03 — Charlie Kirk assassination suspect court appearance
• 00:17 — Court secrecy, media questions, and camera rules
• 00:53 — Trump's AI executive order, Congress response
• 01:09 — Treasury Secretary Besant on AI security concerns
• 01:28 — Japan earthquake news
• 01:42 — Market updates: Dow and S&P records
• 03:01 — Sharon Moore sports scandal
• 03:08 — Police report details on Moore
• 04:05 — Obamacare subsidy legislative standoff
• 04:48 — Letitia James grand jury decision

Tone & Style

• The language is brisk, headline-driven, and factual, in keeping with a radio news bulletin.
• Direct quotations highlight partisan commentary and dramatic points, especially in sports and political coverage.

This summary offers a comprehensive walkthrough of the episode for anyone who missed the live broadcast, encapsulating the essential developments and tone of Fox News’s top stories at 3AM ET on December 12, 2025.