Fox News Hourly Update: 3AM ET 12/19/2025 — Detailed Summary
Main Theme:
This episode provides concise updates on major national news including the resolution of the Brown University shooting case, a tragic plane crash involving a NASCAR legend, developments in the Powerball lottery, a high-profile judicial conviction, public attitudes about AI regulation, and a controversial renaming of the Kennedy Center to honor President Trump.
Key News Segments & Insights
1. Resolution of the Brown University Shooter Case
[00:02–00:42]
- Manhunt Conclusion: The search for the Brown University shooting suspect has ended. Authorities traced the suspect's abandoned car to a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, where the body—identified as 48-year-old Claudio Neves Valenti—was found, the result of a self-inflicted gunshot.
- Multiple Victims: The suspect had also fatally shot MIT Professor Nuno Lurero earlier in the week.
- Quote:
- "It is unimaginable the pain that the parents and families of the deceased are feeling tonight and will feel undoubtedly for quite a while. But I hope that by bringing this person to justice that we can at least give them the beginnings of some measure of closure." – Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Narona [00:22]
2. North Carolina Plane Crash — Loss of Greg Biffle
[00:42–01:42]
- Crash Details: A business jet crashed near Statesville Regional Airport, north of Charlotte, NC, erupting into a large fire and killing all seven on board.
- Victims: Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Christina, and their two children are believed to have been aboard, though the post-crash fire hinders definitive identification.
- Aircraft & Ownership: The plane, a Cessna C550, was operated by a company led by Biffle.
- NASCAR Tribute:
- "Greg [was] a fierce competitor who gave of himself for the betterment of our community," with NASCAR sharing their "deepest condolences to his entire family, friends and all who were touched by his life." – NASCAR Statement [00:56]
- Reporter: Kristin Goodwin [00:56]
3. Powerball Jackpot Grows
[01:42–02:00]
- Latest Numbers: The Powerball jackpot has climbed to $1.5 billion, making it the fifth largest in history.
- No Winner Yet: No ticket matched all numbers drawn Wednesday, so the prize continues to grow.
- Host: Ted Lindner [01:42]
4. Wisconsin Judge Found Guilty of Obstruction
[03:02–03:30]
- Conviction: Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was found guilty of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant avoid federal authorities; acquitted of the associated misdemeanor charge.
- Potential Sentence: Faces up to five years in prison.
- Host: Ted Lindner [03:02]
5. FOX News Poll: Americans & Artificial Intelligence
[03:30–04:09]
- Cautious Approach Favored: 80% of voters want AI developers to proceed carefully, mindful of risks, while 19% support rapid advancement to keep ahead of China.
- Demographic Insights: Caution is highest among women, Democrats, and those under 30; Republicans, men, and older voters are more open to faster development.
- Regulation Preferences: Nearly evenly split between the tech industry, state governments, and Congress; only 11% prefer presidential oversight.
- Usage Trends: 48% use AI monthly, up six points in half a year. Most common uses: research, work-related questions, spelling and grammar.
- Reporter: Jessica Rosenthal [03:30]
6. The Kennedy Center Renamed for President Trump
[04:09–04:55]
- Name Change: The Kennedy Center's board (recently appointed by President Trump) voted unanimously to rename the institution the “Trump Center Kennedy Center.”
- Presidential Remarks:
- "We're saving the building. We saved the building. The building was in such bad shape, both physically, financially, in every other way and now it's very solid, very strong." – President Trump [04:31]
- Trump’s Kennedy Center Involvement: He attended a performance of Les Misérables and was emcee at the annual Kennedy Center Honors at the White House.
- Reporter: Jared Halpern [04:17]
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Attorney General Narona’s empathy for loss:
"It is unimaginable the pain... But I hope that by bringing this person to justice that we can at least give them the beginnings of some measure of closure." [00:22] - NASCAR tribute to Greg Biffle:
"Greg [was] a fierce competitor who gave of himself for the betterment of our community..." [00:56] - President Trump on building’s rebirth:
"We're saving the building... now it's very solid, very strong." [04:31]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Brown University shooting resolution: [00:02–00:42]
- North Carolina plane crash (Greg Biffle): [00:42–01:42]
- Powerball jackpot update: [01:42–02:00]
- Judge obstruction conviction: [03:02–03:30]
- Artificial Intelligence poll results: [03:30–04:09]
- Kennedy Center renaming: [04:09–04:55]
This episode, staying true to FOX News Radio's fast-paced, straightforward delivery, covers significant stories with national consequence, blending hard news with the voices and statements of high-profile figures for immediate audience context.
