Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET 12/19/2025 Newscast

Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Ted Lindner (FOX News Podcasts)

Episode Overview

This concise newscast provides updates on major national stories, including the conclusion of a high-profile manhunt, a tragic plane crash involving a NASCAR family, a historic Powerball jackpot, a judicial verdict in Wisconsin, public opinion on AI development, and the emotional impact of Turning Point USA’s America Fest after the assassination of its founder.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. Conclusion of the Brown University Shooter Manhunt (00:03)

• Authorities ended the search for the suspect involved in the Brown University shooting.

• The suspect, Claudio Neves Valente (48), was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot in a Salem, New Hampshire storage unit.

• The shooter was also implicated in the killing of MIT Professor Nuno Lourero.

  Notable 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. Plane Crash Claims Lives, Including Retired NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle (00:42)

• A business jet crash near Statesville Regional Airport, NC, killed seven people.

• Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Christina, and their two children were believed to be on board, though a post-crash fire hampered occupant identification.

• The plane was operated by Biffle’s company.

• The NASCAR community mourned Greg Biffle’s loss.

  Memorable Moment:

  "NASCAR says it is devastated by the tragic loss, calling Greg a fierce competitor who gave of himself for the betterment of our community..."
  — Kristin Goodwin, Fox News [00:58]

3. Powerball Jackpot Grows to Historic Size (01:43)

• No winner in the Wednesday drawing; Saturday’s jackpot now estimated at $1.5 billion, the fifth largest in Powerball history.

4. Wisconsin Judge Convicted of Obstruction (02:58)

• Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan found guilty of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant evade federal authorities.
• She was acquitted on the lesser, concealment count, but faces up to five years in prison.

5. Voters Call for Caution in AI Development (03:31)

• New Fox News poll: 80% of voters want AI developers to proceed cautiously and address risks, versus 19% who favor pressing ahead to outpace China.

• Desire for a cautious approach is most common among women, Democrats, and young people; men and Republicans favor faster development.

• Regulation responsibility is split between tech industry, state governments, and Congress; only 11% support presidential control.

• 48% report monthly AI usage, up six points in six months. Top uses include research, work inquiries, and writing assistance.

  Notable Quote:

  "80% of those surveyed said they want developers of AI to be careful and address the risks, with 19% saying they want to move fast on it to stay ahead of China."
  — Jessica Rosenthal, Fox News [03:31]

6. Turning Point USA's America Fest After Charlie Kirk’s Assassination (04:11)

• First America Fest since founder Charlie Kirk's assassination in Phoenix.

• Attendees, including Dominic Cevello, state they were moved to attend because of Kirk’s death.

• Erica Kirk, Charlie’s widow, delivered an emotional opening speech:

  Notable Quotes:

  "I just had to come out here because of what happened."
  — Dominic Cevello, attendee [04:29]
  "My husband, he deeply mattered on a multitude of levels. So much so that it proved even more once he was... assassinated."
  — Erica Kirk [04:43]

• Erica described the event as her husband's "Super Bowl."

• The America Fest conference will run until Sunday.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Brown University shooter manhunt ends: 00:03 – 00:42
• Plane crash and NASCAR community reaction: 00:42 – 01:43
• Powerball jackpot update: 01:43 – 01:59
• Wisconsin judge verdict: 02:58 – 03:31
• AI development poll and analysis: 03:31 – 04:11
• America Fest after Charlie Kirk’s assassination: 04:11 – 04:57

Additional Notable Quotes & Moments

• [00:58] "Officials explaining... the post crash fire prevents them from releasing a definitive list of the occupants at this time." (Kristin Goodwin)
• [04:55] "Kirk calling America Fest or AM Fest, her late husband's super bowl..." (Nicole Crushing)

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a brisk, factual reporting style, characteristic of FOX News Radio’s hourly updates. Emotional content, particularly regarding violence and loss, is handled with sensitivity, while public opinion is reported with impartial clarity.

This summary captures the main news events and emotional moments of the 5AM ET FOX News Hourly Update, 12/19/2025, providing a comprehensive understanding for those who missed the episode.