Fox News Hourly Update – 1AM ET 12/25/2025 Newscast
Date: December 25, 2025
Host: Debra Valentine, Fox News Team
Episode Overview
This edition of the Fox News Hourly Update provides a Christmas Eve snapshot of global headlines, focusing on Pope Leo XIV’s first Christmas Mass, political updates in Honduras, a special message to US troops from President Trump, record-breaking holiday travel amid severe weather, emergency conditions in California due to storms, and a Powerball jackpot win. The tone is brisk and concise, in keeping with hourly newscasts.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Christmas Mass
[00:03–00:46]
- Historic Moment: Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, leads his inaugural Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican, mere months after the passing of Pope Francis.
- Message to the Faithful: The Pope emphasizes compassion for the poor, the marginalized, and immigrants—recurring themes in his early papacy.
- 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, as recounted by Tom Rigotti [00:27]
- “In the face of the suffering of the poor, God sends one who is defenseless to be the strength to rise again.”
- Notable Point: Attention is given to the Pope’s roots and his focus on social justice.
Honduras Presidential Election Results
[00:46–01:25]
- Outcome: Nasri Asfura, a conservative candidate backed by President Donald Trump, officially wins the Honduran presidential election after a prolonged vote count.
- Significance: This win is framed as a rejection of the previous leftist administration.
- US Reaction: Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarks on prospects for closer cooperation.
- Regional Trend: Asfura’s victory comes soon after Chile elected a right-wing challenger.
- Quote:
- “Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the Trump administration looks forward to working with Asfura to advance prosperity and security in our hemisphere.”
— Jared Halpern [01:05]
- “Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the Trump administration looks forward to working with Asfura to advance prosperity and security in our hemisphere.”
President Trump’s Christmas Message to Troops
[01:25–01:47]
- Event: President Donald Trump places calls to US military members from Mar-a-Lago, emphasizing a unique “warrior dividend” benefit.
- Details:
- “Last week was 1775. And I said, you know, if you had $1, it's 1776. And everyone said, well, we never thought of it, but that one dollar is pretty cool.”
— Will William Lajeunesse quoting Trump [01:36]
- “Last week was 1775. And I said, you know, if you had $1, it's 1776. And everyone said, well, we never thought of it, but that one dollar is pretty cool.”
- Impact: 1.5 million service members are eligible. Funding comes from the “one big beautiful bill.”
Holiday Travel Chaos as Severe Weather Hits
[02:59–03:47]
- Travel Record: An estimated 122 million Americans are traveling this holiday season, mostly by car, but also by train and plane.
- Weather Disruptions:
- West Coast: Nearly 40 million under flood watch due to storms.
- East Coast: 30 million facing winter weather alerts in Northeast and New England.
- Air Travel: Over 3,200 delays and 130 flight cancellations, with December 28th forecast as the busiest day.
- Quote:
- “The holiday joy is in the air here, but some major storms from coast to coast causing delays and cancellations.”
— Brooke Teller [03:12]
- “The holiday joy is in the air here, but some major storms from coast to coast causing delays and cancellations.”
Southern California Storm Emergency
[03:47–04:36]
- Conditions: State of emergency declared in several California counties—heavy rain, flooding, and evacuation orders in place.
- Impacts:
- San Bernardino County faces fast-moving floodwaters and mandatory evacuations.
- Ventura County reports 8 inches of rain; major risks of mudslides and possible tornadoes.
- Road closures, power outages, and shopping disruptions evident.
- Historic Comparison: L.A. hasn’t received such heavy Christmas rainfall since 1971.
- Quote:
- “Water rushing down the San Gabriel Mountains. Elsewhere, you have closed roads, flooded streets, downed power lines and trees. Last minute shoppers fighting the wind and the rain.”
— Will William Lajeunesse [04:14]
- “Water rushing down the San Gabriel Mountains. Elsewhere, you have closed roads, flooded streets, downed power lines and trees. Last minute shoppers fighting the wind and the rain.”
Powerball Jackpot Winner
[04:36–04:57]
- Headline: A single ticket wins the $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot on Christmas Eve.
- Winning Numbers: 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 (Powerball: 19)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the Pope’s Message:
“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 (Tom Rigotti relaying, [00:27]) - On the Warrior Dividend:
“That one dollar is pretty cool.” — President Trump (via Will William Lajeunesse, [01:43]) - Holiday Travel Chaos:
“The holiday joy is in the air here, but some major storms from coast to coast causing delays and cancellations.” — Brooke Teller [03:12] - California Floods:
“Water rushing down the San Gabriel Mountains. Elsewhere, you have closed roads, flooded streets, downed power lines and trees.” — Will William Lajeunesse [04:14]
Key Timestamps
- 00:03 – Pope Leo XIV’s first Christmas Eve Mass
- 00:46 – Honduras presidential election result; U.S. reaction
- 01:25 – President Trump’s Christmas call to US troops
- 02:59 – Record holiday travel and nationwide severe weather
- 03:47 – California storm emergency and flooding updates
- 04:36 – Powerball jackpot winner announcement
Summary
This Fox News Hourly Update delivers a holiday blend of major world events—emphasizing the first American pope’s Christmas message, a notable Latin American election, U.S. military appreciation, severe travel-disrupting weather, and a record lottery win—capturing the urgency and spirit of Christmas Eve 2025. The tone remains factual and brisk, with select quotes offering insight into the emotions and perspectives shaping the news.