Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET, 12/19/2025 Newscast

Host: Lisa LaCera (FOX News)
Date: December 20, 2025

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update provides major headlines from December 19, 2025, focusing on U.S. military retaliation against ISIS in Syria, newly released documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case, prescription drug pricing reforms, a Florida double homicide, a controversial Maryland redistricting process, and an overturned conviction in the murder of Jam Master Jay.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Retaliates Against ISIS in Syria

• Context: The U.S. conducted retaliatory strikes in Syria responding to the deaths of two Iowa National Guard members and a U.S. civilian interpreter on December 13, blamed on ISIS.
• Quotes & Insights:
  • Secretary of War Pete Haggs emphasizes retaliation, not escalation:
    "This is not the beginning of a war. It's a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump's leadership, will never hesitate and never lend to defend our people." — Pete Haggs (quoted by John Celcier, [00:11])
  • President Trump announced via Truth Social that the Syrian government supports the operation.
• Timestamps: [00:02] to [00:40]

2. Justice Department Releases Epstein Case Documents

• Release Highlights: Hundreds of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation were made public.
• Notable Content:
  • Multiple photos feature former President Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger; context is scarce due to redactions.
    "There are multiple photos of former President Bill Clinton... Another one is labeled Saint Trop Clinton Morocco nude... faces are blacked out... to protect any potential victims." — John Celcier, [00:53]
  • Clinton spokesperson asserts the investigation is not focused on Clinton.
• Timestamps: [00:40] to [01:16]

3. New Hampshire Shooting Suspect Found Dead

• Situation: Claudio Neves Valente, suspect in the Brown University-related shootings, was found deceased two days post-mortem in New Hampshire.
• Timestamps: [01:16] (brief mention)

4. Drug Pricing Reform—'Most Favored Nation' Program

• Update: More pharmaceutical companies are joining a Trump administration initiative to lower US prescription prices, matching those in other developed countries.
• Officials say:
  • "This represents the greatest victory for patient affordability in the history of American healthcare, by far." — Lisa LaCera quoting Trump administration stance, [01:16]
• Timestamps: [01:16] to [02:02]

5. Florida Double Homicide—Ex-Husband Murders

• Case Details:
  • Susan Avalon is accused of murdering both of her ex-husbands in separate incidents.
  • A complex custody dispute and child support debt were involved.
  • Notable moment: When police told Avalon they wanted to talk about her ex, she replied:
    "Which one?" — Lillian Wu, [02:39]
  • Trick used: She allegedly stole a Panera Bread order to lure her second ex-husband.
  • Authorities found the first ex-husband dead after a welfare check prompted by her comment.
• Timestamps: [02:31] to [03:21]

6. Maryland Moves Toward Redrawing Congressional Maps

• Process:
  • Governor Wes Moore's advisory commission voted 3-2 to propose new maps in a non-public, virtual meeting.
  • Criticism emerges over lack of transparency and the sense that the outcome is “predetermined.”
  • National context: Follows former President Trump’s calls for Republican-led states to redraw maps ahead of the midterms.
• Notable quote:
  • "Critics...aren't happy with the closed door meeting, saying the outcome was predetermined and lacked transparency." — Tanya J. Powers, [03:24]
• Timestamps: [03:21] to [04:05]

7. Overturned Conviction in Jam Master Jay Murder Case

• News:
  • Judge in New York nullifies the conviction of Carl Jordan Jr., one of the two convicted in the murder of Jam Master Jay.
  • Notable twist: Despite an eyewitness claiming Jordan pulled the trigger on his own godfather, the conviction is set aside after nearly two years.
• Timestamps: [04:05] to [04:30]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "This is not the beginning of a war. It's a declaration of vengeance." — Pete Haggs ([00:11])
• "There are multiple photos of former President Bill Clinton... faces are blacked out... to protect any potential victims." — John Celcier ([00:53])
• "Which one?" — Susan Avalon, suspect in double homicide (reported by Lillian Wu, [02:39])
• "Critics...aren't happy with the closed door meeting, saying the outcome was predetermined and lacked transparency." — Tanya J. Powers ([03:24])

Timeline of Major Segments

• [00:02 – 00:40]: U.S. retaliatory strikes in Syria after deadly ISIS attack
• [00:40 – 01:16]: DOJ releases Epstein files; Clinton, Jagger images noted
• [01:16 – 02:02]: Prescription drug pricing reform update
• [02:31 – 03:21]: Florida double-ex-husband homicide case
• [03:21 – 04:05]: Maryland congressional redistricting controversy
• [04:05 – 04:30]: Overturned conviction in Jam Master Jay’s murder

Summary

This update is rapid-fire, concise, and focused on significant national headlines, mixing breaking security developments, controversial legal proceedings, political maneuvering, and high-profile criminal cases. The reporting style is direct, neutral, and to-the-point, fitting for an hourly news summary audience.