Fox News Hourly Update: 3AM ET 12/18/2025 Newscast

Host: Ted Lindner (FOX News)
Date: December 18, 2025

Overview

This hourly update delivers the latest top headlines across politics, crime, national security, sports, entertainment, and public safety. The episode covers President Trump’s televised address on the economy, new developments in a high-profile double homicide case, a shakeup in the FBI, record-setting Powerball news, a crucial NFL matchup, New Year's Eve preparations in Times Square, and an anti-narcotics operation in the Americas.

Key Headlines & Discussion Points

1. President Trump Addresses the Nation on the Economy

Timestamps: 00:02–00:35

• President Trump delivered a televised address highlighting his administration’s focus on economic recovery.
• He claimed that prices for everyday goods are falling and that policy changes will increase Americans' take-home pay.
• Sharp criticism was directed at the prior Biden administration, which he blames for current economic troubles.
• Notable Quote:

  "You will see in your wallets and bank accounts in the new year. After years of record setting, falling incomes, our policies are boosting take home pay at a historic pace."
  — President Trump, reported by Ted Lindner (00:24)

• Despite Trump’s optimism, a new FOX News poll is referenced: only 28% of voters rate the economy as excellent or good. (00:35)

2. Update on Reiner Double Homicide Case

Timestamps: 00:53–01:33

• Nick Reiner, 32, briefly appeared in Los Angeles court on charges of murdering his parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner.
• The couple was found fatally stabbed in their Brentwood home.
• Nick’s arraignment was postponed to January 7 due to medical issues; he remains in custody without bail.
• He faces two counts of murder with special circumstances, including multiple murders and use of a deadly weapon.
• Notable Quote:

  "The Los Angeles county medical examiner finding Rob and Michelle Reiner died of multiple sharp force injuries in their residence."
  — Kristen Goodwin, FOX News (00:58)

3. FBI Shakeup: Deputy Director Dan Bongino to Step Down

Timestamps: 01:33–01:59

• Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced his departure from the FBI, set for next month.
• Noted that his tenure included clashes with the Justice Department over the Jeffrey Epstein files.
• Provides context that the number two job at the FBI typically goes to a career agent with oversight of daily operations.

4. Powerball Reaches Historic Levels

Timestamps: 02:58–03:24

• Wednesday night’s Powerball jackpot reached $1.25 billion, the second biggest of the year.
• Winning numbers are reported: 25, 33, 53, 62, 66 and Powerball.

5. NFL Week 16: Key Matchup Between Rams and Seahawks

Timestamps: 03:24–04:00

• NFC West title and top conference seed at stake as Rams face Seahawks in Seattle on Thursday Night Football.
• With both teams tied at 11–3, the winner will control the path to the number one NFC playoff seed.
• Their last meeting ended in a narrow 21–19 Rams victory; Seattle QB Sam Darnold threw four interceptions.
• Notable Quote:

  “With just three weeks remaining in the regular season, the winner of tonight's contest will be in the driver's seat for the number one seed in the NFC playoffs.”
  — Joe Morgan, FOX News (03:28)

6. Times Square Prepares 2026 New Year’s Eve Display

Timestamps: 04:00–04:47

• New 2026 numerals brought to Times Square for New Year’s Eve, displayed for public viewing until Monday.
• Historical context: First Times Square ball in 1907 was much smaller and simpler than today’s high-tech, crystal-covered version.
• Notable Quote:

  “The 2025 numerals currently sitting atop Times Square are 7ft tall... the current ball has more than 5200 crystals and LED lights, measures 12 and a half feet in diameter and weighs more than 12,000 pounds.”
  — Tonya J. Powers, FOX News (04:20)

7. Southern Command Reports Latest Anti-Narco Operation

Timestamps: 04:47–04:58

• U.S. Southern Command announced a strike on an alleged drug boat; four suspected narco-terrorists killed, no U.S. personnel harmed.
• Announcement made via X (formerly Twitter).

Noteworthy Quotes

• President Trump on the economy:

  "You will see in your wallets and bank accounts in the new year. After years of record setting, falling incomes, our policies are boosting take home pay at a historic pace."
  (00:24)

• Kristen Goodwin on the Reiner murders:

  "The Los Angeles county medical examiner finding Rob and Michelle Reiner died of multiple sharp force injuries in their residence."
  (00:58)

• Joe Morgan on the NFC West showdown:

  “With just three weeks remaining in the regular season, the winner of tonight's contest will be in the driver's seat for the number one seed in the NFC playoffs.”
  (03:28)

• Tonya J. Powers on New Year’s Eve preparations:

  “The 2025 numerals currently sitting atop Times Square are 7ft tall... the current ball has more than 5200 crystals and LED lights, measures 12 and a half feet in diameter and weighs more than 12,000 pounds.”
  (04:20)

Segment Timestamps

• 00:02 – President Trump’s Economic Address
• 00:53 – Reiner Double Homicide Case Update
• 01:33 – FBI Deputy Director Stepping Down
• 02:58 – Powerball Jackpot News
• 03:24 – NFL Rams vs. Seahawks Preview
• 04:00 – Times Square NYE Numerals Exhibit
• 04:47 – Southern Command Anti-Narco Operation

Summary:
This concise yet comprehensive FOX News update spotlights significant developments in U.S. politics, criminal justice, federal law enforcement, entertainment, and public security. The tone is urgent and informative, aligning with the fast-pace of radio headline bulletins. Those who missed the broadcast will find all the essential context and statements in this summary.