Fox News Hourly Update – 11AM ET, December 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the latest breaking news from the Fox News team, focusing on major political developments, international issues, weather updates affecting holiday travel, health insurance policy, and regional conflict updates. The main themes are U.S. involvement in global affairs, diplomatic negotiations over the conflict in Ukraine, a U.S. military strike in Nigeria, winter weather's impact on travel, and healthcare policy changes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump-Zelensky Summit Set Amid Ukraine-Russia Negotiations

• Announcement of a High-Profile Meeting

  • President Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago this Sunday, following recent negotiations with Ukrainian and Russian officials.
  • (00:02, Paul Stevens): “President Trump is now set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this Sunday at Mar-a-Lago after days of talks among White House, Ukrainian and Russian officials.”

• Recent Diplomatic Progress

  • According to Trump adviser Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, negotiations in the last two weeks have reportedly surpassed all progress from earlier in the year.
  • The main obstacles include the status of Ukraine's Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia power plant.
  • Reports suggest Putin may consider territorial swaps but demands full control of Donbas.

• Ukrainian Stance on Concessions

  • President Zelensky maintains that any territorial concessions would require a national referendum. The U.S. has proposed a demilitarized economic zone, which Zelensky conditionally supports if Russian forces withdraw.
  • (00:35, Jessica Rosenthal): "The main sticking point still appears to be Ukraine's Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia power plant… Zelensky says he'd agree to [the economic zone] if Russian troops pulled out of such an area as well.”

2. U.S. Airstrikes in Nigeria Target ISIS

• Strike Against ISIS Following Attacks

  • President Trump announced a U.S. airstrike in northwest Nigeria on Christmas night, targeting ISIS for attacks against Christians.
  • In a statement on Truth Social, Trump described the action as decisive, promising continued action if attacks persist.
  • (01:11, Peter Doocy quoting Trump): "Tonight, at my direction as commander in chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria who have been targeting and viciously killing primarily innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years and even centuries."

• Context and Controversy

  • The operation follows recent ISIS-related attacks during the holiday season.
  • Some Nigerian officials and regional analysts question the scale of Christian persecution described by Trump.
  • (01:45, Paul Stevens): “The president's claims about Christian persecution have been disputed by both the Nigerian government and some regional analysts.”

3. Post-Holiday Travel Disruptions Due to Major Winter Storm

• Weather and Travel Impacts

  • Millions are traveling after the holidays, but significant disruptions are occurring due to severe weather in the Northeast.
  • Over 1,800 flight delays and nearly 800 cancellations are reported, with JFK being hardest hit.
  • Forecasts predict 3–5 inches of snow in central New Jersey to New York City, with localized totals of 5–8 inches or more.
  • (02:50, Brooke Taylor): "JFK experiencing the most issues right now... it's going to be maybe not a snowy Christmas, but a snowy day after Christmas. According to the Fox Forecast center. The storm is going to peak overnight."

• Weather Trivia

  • It’s been over 1,400 days since New York City last received more than six inches of snow within 24 hours.
  • (03:19, Paul Stevens): "It's been over 1,400 days since New York City last saw more than 6 inches of snow in any 24 hour window.”

4. President Trump Signals Push for Lower Health Insurance Rates

• Upcoming Talks with Insurance Companies

  • Trump may meet with major insurance executives next week, urging them to "cut your rates way down" to avoid future exclusion from federal programs.
  • (03:46, President Trump): “And I want to meet with them and I want to say I want you to cut your rates way down, way, way down. And maybe if they do that, we’ll be able to not cut them out."

• Affordable Care Act Premium Increases

  • Americans enrolled via the ACA are facing premium hikes as subsidies expire at year’s end.
  • Trump wants direct federal funding to individuals for insurance purchases.

5. Mosque Bombing in Homs, Syria

• Continued Regional Instability
  • At least six people killed and 21 wounded in a mosque bombing during Friday prayers.
  • The event comes amid a spike in violence across Syria.
  • (04:12, Paul Stevens): “Authorities say a bombing in a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs during Friday prayers killed at least 6 people and wounded 21 others."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rapid Progress in Ukraine Talks

  • (00:21, Jessica Rosenthal): “They have made more progress in the last two weeks than they have all year.”

• Presidential Directive Against ISIS

  • (01:16, Peter Doocy quoting Trump): “There would be hell to pay. And tonight there was.”

• Travel Disruption Outlook

  • (02:58, Brooke Taylor): “So it is going to be maybe not a snowy Christmas, but a snowy day after Christmas.”

• Trump on Health Insurers

  • (03:46, President Trump): “I want you to cut your rates way down, way, way down.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Ukraine Negotiations & Trump-Zelensky Meeting: 00:02 – 00:56
• U.S. Airstrikes in Nigeria & Christian Persecution Claims: 00:56 – 01:45
• Weather/Travel Delays: 02:32 – 03:19
• Healthcare Policy & Insurer Talks: 03:19 – 04:12
• Syrian Mosque Bombing: 04:12 – 04:29

Summary

This concise, rapidly paced Fox News update covers major developments in U.S. foreign policy, whether it be peace talks or military action, as well as domestic concerns over winter weather and forthcoming healthcare cost debates. The tone blends urgency with factual reporting, foregrounding President Trump’s direct involvement in international negotiations and domestic policy, and spotlighting the global and local challenges facing Americans as the year ends.