FOX News Hourly Update – 11PM ET, December 24, 2025

Host: Debra Valentine
Date: December 25, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise recap of major global and national news stories, focusing on diplomatic developments in Ukraine, significant changes at the Vatican, U.S. military holiday bonuses, harsh winter weather impacting travel, and a quick update on the stock market. The reporting is fast-paced and covers both international and domestic issues, mirroring the Fox News Radio style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ukraine War: Potential Breakthrough for Peace

• [00:03–00:51]
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky has made a counterproposal in response to a U.S. peace plan that requires Ukraine to cede territory to Russia.
  • Zelensky offers to withdraw troops from eastern Ukraine if Russia does the same, proposing that the region become a demilitarized zone.
  • Talks between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia took place over the weekend, with major sticking points remaining—especially over territorial control.
  • Russia's formal response is pending. Optimism exists within the Trump administration regarding a ceasefire within the next 90 days.
  • Notable quote:
    “When asked about a timeline for the potential end of war, Ambassador Whitaker says it could happen in the next 90 days.” (News Reporter, [00:43])

2. Vatican: First American Pope Leads Christmas Eve Mass

• [01:02–01:31]
  • Pope Leo XIV celebrates his first Christmas Eve Mass after succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away in the spring.
  • The Pope delivers a message focused on compassion and hope, emphasizing the suffering of the poor and the strength in defenselessness.
  • Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, has prioritized care for immigrants and marginalized communities in his early papacy.
  • Notable quote:
    “In the face of the suffering of the poor, God sends one who is defenseless to be the strength to rise again.” (Pope Leo XIV, paraphrased by Tom, [01:18])

3. U.S. Military Bonuses: “Warrior Dividends”

• [01:31–01:51]
  • President Trump calls military members from Mar-a-Lago, reassuring them of a $1,776 tax-free “warrior dividend” as a holiday bonus.
  • The bonus distribution is nearly complete, intended to arrive before Christmas.
  • Notable quote:
    “It’s tax free and we’ve distributed just about all of it in time for Christmas and you’ve earned it. Nobody else is going to do that for you. That I can tell you.” (President Trump, [01:40])

4. Holiday Travel Disruptions Amid Major Storms

• [02:59–04:35]
  • A record 122 million Americans are traveling during the Christmas season, primarily by car, with some using trains and planes.
  • Severe weather affects both coasts:
    • West Coast: 40 million people under flood watch; southern California faces heavy rains and winds, prompting mandatory evacuations in San Bernardino County.
    • East Coast: Winter storm alerts for 30 million across the Northeast and New England.
    • Over 3,200 flight delays and 130 cancellations (per FlightAware); busiest travel day expected December 28.
  • Memorable details:
    • Ventura County recorded 8 inches of rain.
    • Last time Los Angeles had over 2 inches of rain on Christmas: 1971.
  • Notable quote:
    “Some fast moving water ripping through San Bernardino County. Mandatory evacuations there... Ventura county has seen 8 inches in the foothills. Water rushing down the San Gabriel Mountains. Elsewhere, you have closed roads, flooded streets and downed power lines and trees.” (William Lajeunesse, [04:03])

5. Financial Market Snapshot

• [04:35–04:56]
  • Shortened trading day due to the holiday.
  • Stocks finished in the green on Christmas Eve:
    • Dow: +289 points
    • NASDAQ: +51 points
    • S&P 500: +22 points

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Ambassador Whitaker on Ukraine War:
  “It could happen in the next 90 days.” ([00:43])
• Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas Message:
  “In the face of the suffering of the poor, God sends one who is defenseless to be the strength to rise again.” ([01:18])
• President Trump on Military Bonus:
  “Nobody else is going to do that for you. That I can tell you.” ([01:46])
• William Lajeunesse on California Flooding:
  “Some fast moving water ripping through San Bernardino County. Mandatory evacuations there...” ([04:03])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Ukraine Peace Proposal: [00:03–00:51]
• Vatican, First American Pope: [01:02–01:31]
• Trump’s Military Bonus Call: [01:31–01:51]
• Holiday Travel & Storms: [02:59–04:35]
• Financial Markets: [04:35–04:56]

This summary omits advertisements and focuses solely on the essential news content of the Fox News Hourly Update at 11PM ET, December 24, 2025.