Fox News Hourly Update — 7AM ET, December 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This fast-paced news update, hosted by Dave Anthony, delivers the morning’s top headlines, focusing on the resolution of the Brown University manhunt, a significant change to medical marijuana’s federal status, the impending release of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files, Wall Street updates, a thrilling NFL recap, and a high-profile boxing match.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brown University Manhunt Ends in Suspect’s Death

• [00:02] Dave Anthony (Host): Announces that the manhunt following the Brown University shooting has concluded; the gunman was found dead.
• [00:13] Brian Yenis (Reporter): Explains that an anonymous tipster played a pivotal role by:
  • Calling the police tip line just hours before the incident with sighting details.
  • Posting a vehicle description on Reddit (gray Nissan, Florida plates).
  • Being identified as “John,” a homeless man and former Brown University student—previously unknown to police but seen near the shooter in surveillance footage.
  • Quote: “That anonymous tipster happens to also be the same man police released images of...” (00:34)
• [00:51] Dave Anthony: Updates that the suspect was tracked to a storage facility in Salem, NH, where he died by suicide.
• [00:59] Unidentified Reporter: Names the shooter as Claudio Neves Valente from Portugal.
  • Connection: Attended university in Lisbon with MIT professor Nuno Lauriero (allegedly murdered by Valente after the Brown shooting).
  • Quote: “Neves Valente is accused of murdering Lauriero in Brookline, Massachusetts, after committing the Brown University shooting.” (01:10)

2. Immigration Discussion & Policy Reaction

• [01:17] Dave Anthony: Mentions that Valente came to the US in 2017 via the diversity visa lottery.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has put the program on hold following the incident.
  • Context: Touches on how high-profile crimes by immigrants shape immigration policy debate.

3. Medical Marijuana Reclassification Executive Order

• [01:33] Jared Halpern (White House Correspondent): Shares that President Trump has signed an executive order to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule 3 drug.
  • The order does NOT legalize or decriminalize recreational marijuana.
  • Will ease regulations, broadening opportunities for medical research.
  • Quote: “President Trump says his executive order won’t legalize or decriminalize marijuana for recreational purposes. But reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule 3 substance will relax regulations that restricted medical research.” (01:33)
• [01:47] Unidentified Analyst: Stresses growing recognition of legitimate medical uses.
  • Quote: “The facts compel the federal government to recognize that marijuana can be legitimate in terms of medical applications when carefully administered in some cases.” (01:51)

4. Epstein Files Deadline

• [02:16] Dave Anthony: Reports the DOJ deadline for releasing Jeffrey Epstein investigation files, per a nearly unanimous Congressional mandate, is today.
• [02:31] Grinal Scott (Reporter):
  • Six years after Epstein’s jailhouse suicide, files to be released per Epstein Files Transparency Act (signed by President Trump).
  • U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi can withhold files that endanger ongoing investigations or trials.
  • Ghislaine Maxwell seeks to vacate her conviction, potentially affecting which documents are released.
  • Quote: “US Attorney General Pam Bondi is in charge of the release, but she has some discretion about which files can be made public.” (02:44)

5. Wall Street and Economic Brief

• [03:13] Dave Anthony:
  • Markets are mixed; Nasdaq’s up after a recent surge (+313).
  • Dow slightly up; quick financial context provided.

6. NFL Highlight: Seahawks vs. Rams

• [03:13]–[03:45] Sports Segment:
  • Notable Game: Seahawks defeat Rams in overtime (38-37).
  • Implications: Seahawks control their playoff destiny for the NFC’s top seed.
  • Key Play: 16-point deficit overcome, two-point conversion secured win.
  • Quote: “Seattle now controls its path to the one seed in the NFC playoffs thanks to an overtime thriller…” (03:32)
  • “Seattle was down 16 points in the fourth quarter, but a special teams touchdown by Rashid Shahid kicked off an improbable Seahawks rally.” (03:51)

7. Boxing Preview

• [04:03] Dave Anthony:
  • Promotes an upcoming bout: Jake Paul vs. former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Brian Yenis: “That anonymous tipster happens to also be the same man police released images of... John, a homeless man and former Brown University student.” (00:34)
• Unidentified Reporter: “Neves Valente is accused of murdering Lauriero in Brookline, Massachusetts, after committing the Brown University shooting.” (01:10)
• Jared Halpern: “President Trump says his executive order won’t legalize or decriminalize marijuana for recreational purposes. But reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule 3 substance will relax regulations that restricted medical research.” (01:33)
• Unidentified Analyst: “The facts compel the federal government to recognize that marijuana can be legitimate in terms of medical applications...” (01:51)
• Grinal Scott: “US Attorney General Pam Bondi is in charge of the release, but she has some discretion about which files can be made public.” (02:44)
• Unidentified Sports Commentator: “Seattle now controls its path to the one seed in the NFC playoffs thanks to an overtime thriller…” (03:32)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:02] — Brown University shooting suspect found dead
• [00:59] — Shooter identified and European connection revealed
• [01:33] — Medical marijuana reclassification announcement
• [02:16] — Epstein files DOJ deadline and legal context
• [03:13] — Wall Street update
• [03:32]–[03:51] — Seahawks vs. Rams NFL recap
• [04:03] — Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua boxing preview

Summary Tone & Style

The episode maintains a brisk, urgent tone, as is standard for hourly news updates, focusing on facts and new developments with brief analysis and minimal commentary. Reporters provide clear, concise explanations, while notable analyst quotes add brief insight and context.

This Fox News Hourly Update swiftly summarizes breaking news and major stories of December 19, 2025, giving listeners an efficient yet thorough look at national headlines, criminal investigations, evolving federal policies, sports highlights, and more.