Fox News Hourly Update — 5AM ET, December 18, 2025

Host: Ted Lindner
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Date: December 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major national news, politics, crime, entertainment, and sports for the morning of December 18, 2025. Highlights include President Trump’s address on the economy, a high-profile murder case in Los Angeles, the status of the Powerball lottery, NFL week 16 kickoff, preparations for New Year’s Eve in Times Square, and a leadership change at the FBI.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s National Address and Economic Update (00:02–00:40)

• Context: President Trump delivered a televised address almost a year into his second term, focusing on economic recovery and pocketbook issues.
• Main Points:
  • Asserted progress in lowering the cost of groceries and goods.
  • Emphasized efforts to increase Americans' take-home pay.
  • Attributed previous financial difficulties to the Biden administration.
  • Fox News polling revealed only 28% rate the current economy as "excellent" or "good," indicating public skepticism.
• Quotes:
  • “[High prices are] coming down and through his efforts, families will have more money to spend.” (Grinnell Scott, 00:20)
  • "You will see in your wallets and bank accounts in the new year." (Ted Lindner, paraphrasing Trump, 00:29)
  • "Our policies are boosting take home pay at a historic pace." (President Trump, via clip, 00:36–00:38)

2. Los Angeles Murder Case: Nick Reiner Arraignment (00:57–01:39)

• Context: Updates on Nick Reiner, accused of killing his parents in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
• Details:
  • Victims: Rob and Michelle Reiner, found fatally stabbed.
  • Suspect: Nick Reiner, appeared briefly in court; arraignment postponed to January 7.
  • Held without bail, charged with two counts of murder (special circumstance allegations).
  • Medical examiner determined deaths as caused by “multiple sharp force injuries.”
• Quotes:
  • “Officials say the couple were found fatally stabbed in their Brentwood home over the weekend.” (Kristin Goodwin, 01:13)
  • “…charged with two counts of murder with special circumstance, allegations of multiple murders and using a deadly weapon.” (Kristin Goodwin, 01:30)

3. Powerball Jackpot Update (01:39–02:00)

• No winner for the $1.25 billion jackpot; numbers drawn were 25, 33, 53, 62, 66 with Powerball 17.
• Next jackpot rises to $1.5 billion for Saturday’s draw.

4. NFL Week 16 Kickoff: Rams vs. Seahawks (03:09–03:48)

• Context: Preview of Thursday Night Football game, key for NFC seedings.
• Details:
  • Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks in Seattle (both teams at 11-3).
  • Winner poised for top NFC playoff seed with three weeks left in the regular season.
• Memorable Moment:
  • “The two teams met for the first time in November with the Rams eking out a 21-19 victory in Los Angeles thanks to four interceptions by Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold.” (Joe Morgan, 03:34)

5. Times Square New Year’s Eve Preparations (03:48–04:34)

• Context: Installing the “2026” numerals in Times Square in preparation for New Year’s celebrations.
• Historical tidbits:
  • Exhibit of upcoming year’s numbers for public viewing.
  • Current Times Square ball: over 12,000 pounds, LED-lit, 12.5 feet diameter.
  • The first ball in 1907: 700 pounds, 125-watt bulbs.
• Quotes:
  • “The numbers that will make 2026 official will be on display in Times Square through Monday on the ground where people can get an up close look at them.” (Tonya J. Powers, 03:56)

6. FBI Leadership Change (04:34–04:57)

• Context: Deputy Director Dan Bongino resigning as FBI’s number two.
• Details:
  • Tenure marked by clashes over Justice Department handling of Jeffrey Epstein files.
  • This role traditionally oversees daily bureau operations.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump, on the economic outlook:
  “You will see in your wallets and bank accounts in the new year.” (00:29)

• Grinnell Scott, on falling incomes:
  “After years of record setting falling incomes ... our policies are boosting take home pay at a historic pace.” (00:33–00:38)

• Kristin Goodwin, on LA murder case:
  “The couple’s son Nick, their accused killer, the 32 year old briefly appearing in court Wednesday morning as his lawyer Alan Jackson was granted a postponement of his arraignment which is set for January 7th.” (01:20)

• Joe Morgan, on NFL stakes:
  “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.” (03:25)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• President Trump’s Address & Economy: 00:02–00:40
• Nick Reiner LA Murder Case Update: 00:57–01:39
• Powerball Jackpot Report: 01:39–02:00
• NFL Preview – Rams v. Seahawks: 03:09–03:48
• New Year’s Preparations in NYC: 03:48–04:34
• FBI Deputy Director Bongino Resigns: 04:34–04:57

Summary

The December 18, 2025 morning newscast centers on President Trump’s efforts to revitalize the economy, ongoing concerns about public and voter economic confidence, a tragic and high-profile crime story in LA, record lottery jackpots, the pivotal NFL matchup for playoff positioning, New Year’s Eve traditions in New York, and changes at the top of the FBI.

The update delivers succinct, fact-focused reporting, punctuated with brief but impactful direct quotes, and sets the tone for the day’s national news conversation.