Fox News Hourly Update – 1AM ET 12/26/2025

Host: Deborah Valentine, FOX News

Date: December 26, 2025

Main Theme

This newscast delivers a rapid-fire summary of the latest breaking national and international news in politics, foreign policy, weather events, and legal developments in the U.S., reflecting the evolving stories at the end of 2025.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Strike on ISIS in Nigeria

• [00:02] The episode opens with breaking news that the U.S. has launched a military strike on ISIS targets in Nigeria, targeting militants responsible for attacks on Christians.
• [00:10] President Trump, via Truth Social, emphasizes the deadly nature of the strike, directly connecting it to the defense of Christians:
  • Quote (Trump via Madison Scarpino, 00:17):
    “I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay. And tonight there was.”
  • Trump describes the actions as "perfect strikes … as only the United States is capable of doing under my leadership."
  • He concludes with a controversial holiday message:
    Quote: “May God bless our military and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
• [00:48] Madison Scarpino reports further, confirming the message and military context.

2. U.S. Pressure Campaign on Venezuela’s Drug Trafficking

• [00:58] Kevin Cork reports on the continued U.S. campaign against drug trafficking in Venezuela:
  • The Pentagon is moving special operations aircraft, cargo planes, and equipment into the Caribbean to expand interdiction capabilities.
  • Focus is on intercepting drug-smuggling vessels, despite new Venezuelan laws criminalizing such U.S. actions.

3. Severe Weather Across the U.S.

• [01:16] The newscast transitions to weather events:
  • Southern California is facing flooding and mudslides due to heavy rains.
  • The Northeast braces for a major snow and ice storm, with winter storm watches affecting over 15 million people.
    • Quote (Mike Emanuel via Kevin Cork, 01:36):
      “Heavy rain has already caused flooding and mudslides in Los Angeles County and beyond.”
    • Forecasts predict up to 8 inches of snow in New York City and the northeast.

4. Redistricting Battles in Missouri

• [02:58] Jessica Rosenthal covers Missouri’s redistricting conflict:
  • Republicans are pushing for nine new GOP-leaning seats nationally.
  • The ACLU challenges GOP’s attempt to divide Kansas City; 300,000 signatures are submitted to push the issue to a public ballot.
  • Missouri’s Attorney General insists redrawn districts stay in place until validity checks are complete, possibly past filing deadlines.
    • Quote (Jessica Rosenthal, 03:24):
      “They say 300,000 signatures protesting the change is sufficient to force the issue onto a ballot before voters.”

5. Supreme Court Ruling on National Guard Deployment in Illinois

• [03:44] The Supreme Court rejects President Trump’s bid to deploy the National Guard in Illinois:

  • Stems from an October deployment of Texas troops to Chicago to protect federal property amid clashes.
  • Trump cited a law allowing troop deployment in case of rebellion or invasion, but SCOTUS ruled regular military must be used first, which had not happened.

• [04:06] Brooke Taylor notes Trump’s rhetoric:

  • Quote (Brooke Taylor, 04:10):
    “The president called Chicago a mess and said he would solve the crime problem fast, arguing the deployment was necessary in order to crack down on crime and protect residents and federal ICE officers.”

• [04:42] Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomes the SCOTUS decision:

  • Quote (Deborah Valentine quoting Mayor Johnson, 04:46):
    “The decision doesn’t just protect Chicago, but other cities around the country.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on ISIS Nigeria Strike [00:17]:

  “There would be hell to pay. And tonight there was.”

• Trump’s Christmas Message to “dead terrorists” [00:40]:

  “May God bless our military and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”

• On Missouri Redistricting [03:24]:

  “They say 300,000 signatures protesting the change is sufficient to force the issue onto a ballot before voters.” – Jessica Rosenthal

• On SCOTUS Decision About National Guard [04:46]:

  “The decision doesn’t just protect Chicago, but other cities around the country.” – Mayor Brandon Johnson (via Deborah Valentine)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [00:02] – U.S. strike on ISIS in Nigeria
• [00:10] – President Trump’s Truth Social statement
• [00:58] – U.S. military moves vs. Venezuelan drug trafficking
• [01:32] – Severe weather warnings for Southern California and the Northeast
• [02:58] – Missouri redistricting court battle
• [03:44] – SCOTUS rejects Trump's National Guard deployment in Illinois
• [04:42] – Chicago Mayor's response to Supreme Court ruling

Language & Tone

• The reporting is rapid and matter-of-fact, with brief but pointed quotes from politicians and officials. Trump’s statements are direct and combative, especially when referencing terrorism and political adversaries.
• Coverage of weather and legal topics remains straightforward and neutral, typical of newscast updates.

Episode Summary

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers concise but in-depth coverage of major headlines for December 26, 2025. Top stories include the U.S. military’s actions against ISIS in Nigeria, stepped-up operations against Venezuela’s drug trafficking, extreme weather on both U.S. coasts, ongoing legal battles over redistricting in Missouri, and a major Supreme Court decision blocking President Trump’s attempt to deploy the National Guard in Illinois. The blend of national security, political conflict, and weather emergencies provides a snapshot of an eventful holiday week.