Fox News Hourly Update – 3PM ET, December 26, 2025

Host: Carmen Roberts (FOX News Podcasts)
Episode Theme: A concise rundown of global and national headlines, including US military actions in Nigeria, Ukraine diplomatic developments, the US economy, severe winter weather, record Powerball winnings in Arkansas, and a preview of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

1. Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire update of the latest major news, with on-the-ground reporting, expert commentary, and direct quotes from officials. The episode covers:

• US military airstrikes in Nigeria and the rationale behind them
• Ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine
• Economic growth metrics and positive financial trends for Americans
• A significant winter storm threat for the Northeast
• A historic Powerball jackpot win in Arkansas
• Commemorative plans for the nation’s 250th birthday following the New Year’s Eve ball drop in NYC

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

US Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Nigeria

[00:03 – 01:02]

• Context: In response to escalating violence targeting Christians, President Trump orders US strikes on ISIS in Nigeria. The Nigerian government clarifies that the action aims to protect all citizens.

  • “The airstrikes were to protect everyone, not just Christians.” — Carmen Roberts [00:03]
  • Trump states the strikes targeted “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.” — Madison Scarpino quoting Trump [00:21]
  • US military coordinated with the Nigerian military.

• Background: The move follows a series of attacks on Christians in Nigeria and previous warnings from President Trump urging the Nigerian government to act, including threats to cut off US aid.

Ukraine–US Security Talks

[01:02 – 01:30]

• Update: Ukrainian President Zelensky is set to meet with President Trump in Florida to finalize a 20-point security guarantee plan — reportedly 90% complete — as the US steps up efforts to end the nearly four-year Russia–Ukraine war.
  • “The meeting comes as part of an intensified U. S led effort to end the nearly four year Russia Ukraine war.” — Carmen Roberts [01:02]
• Negotiations remain stalled due to fundamental disagreement between Moscow and Kyiv.

US Economic Growth & Relief at the Pump

[01:30 – 01:51]

• Economy: Q3 growth at 4.3%, cooling inflation, $200 billion in tariff revenue, and December’s lowest gas prices since 2020 point to robust economic recovery.
  • “US economy in the third quarter growing by 4%.3% and November inflation going in lower than expected.” — Darren Botolo [01:30]
  • “Families are also getting relief at the pump, seeing the cheapest December gas prices since 2020.” — Darren Botolo [01:45]
• Despite official optimism, surveys show many Americans still feel uneasy about their finances.

Major Winter Storm Threat in the Northeast

[02:32 – 03:21]

• Forecast: A severe winter storm is set to hit the Northeast, with New York City expecting 4–8 inches of snow and some upstate regions possibly reaching a foot.
  • “Winter storm warning is in place for New York City. For upstate New York… absolute heaviest snowfall.” — Adam Klotz [02:41]
• Dangerous ice conditions predicted for Philadelphia, Baltimore, and much of Pennsylvania, risking power outages.
  • “You could see some power outages as this whole system sweeps on through. …New York City, 4 to 8 inches. …Upstate New York, you’re getting closer to a foot of snowfall.” — Adam Klotz [02:54-03:16]

Powerball Jackpot Won in Arkansas

[03:21 – 04:03]

• Headline: A winning $1.8 billion Powerball ticket was sold in Cabot, Arkansas. The winner had not claimed the prize as of Friday midday.
  • “I encourage whoever the lucky person is to meet with their financial advisor and their attorney before coming to the claims center.” — Sharon Strong, Arkansas Scholarship Lottery director [03:37]
• The jackpot is expected to yield significant state revenue and benefit college scholarship programs.
  • “That’s just a full circle moment on how much a benefit the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery is to our state.” — Sharon Strong [03:50]
  • Over $100 million was raised last fiscal year for scholarships.

Upcoming US 250th Birthday Celebrations

[04:10 – 04:28]

• Event: After the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop in NYC, the ball will be raised again in July, sparkling in red, white, and blue for months of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.
  • “...it will rise again, sparkling in red, white and blue, to kick off months of celebrations for the nation's 250th birthday.” — Carmen Roberts [04:10]
  • Special ball drop planned for July 3rd.

3. Notable Quotes (with Timestamps and Attribution)

• Carmen Roberts:

  • “The airstrikes were to protect everyone, not just Christians.” [00:03]
  • “Ukrainian President Zelensky says he will meet with President Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine.” [01:02]
  • “Fox Businesses Darren Botolo. America's listening to FOX News.” [01:51]
  • “In a completely different picture, someone in Arkansas won the Powerball jackpot of roughly $1.8 billion.” [03:21]
  • “After the New Year's Eve ball drop in New York City, it will rise again, sparkling in red, white and blue, to kick off months of celebrations for the nation's 250th birthday.” [04:10]

• Madison Scarpino:

  • “The president announcing the strike on Christmas night, saying in part, quote, 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.” [00:21]

• Darren Botolo:

  • “The US economy in the third quarter growing by 4%.3% and November inflation going in lower than expected. ...Families are also getting relief at the pump, seeing the cheapest December gas prices since 2020.” [01:30-01:45]

• Adam Klotz:

  • “Winter storm warning is in place for New York City. ...If you're in a spot where it's cold enough, it is going to be a big snowmaker. ...New York City, 4 to 8 inches.” [02:41-03:16]

• Sharon Strong (Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Director):

  • “I encourage whoever the lucky person is to meet with their financial advisor and their attorney before coming to the claims center.” [03:37]
  • “...a full circle moment on how much a benefit the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery is to our state.” [03:50]

4. Segments & Timestamps

| Time | Topic | |----------|-----------------------------------------| | 00:03 | US airstrikes on ISIS in Nigeria | | 01:02 | Ukraine–US security talks (Zelensky/Trump) | | 01:30 | US economic metrics, inflation, gas prices | | 02:32 | Major winter storm in Northeast | | 03:21 | Powerball jackpot in Cabot, Arkansas | | 04:10 | America’s 250th birthday celebrations preview |

5. Memorable Moments

• President Trump’s forceful defense of airstrikes:
  • “...a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum...” — quoted by Madison Scarpino [00:21]
• Official advice for Powerball winner:
  • “Meet with their financial advisor and their attorney before coming to the claims center.” — Sharon Strong [03:37]
• Weather warning of “ice maker” conditions threatening power outages:
  • “You could see some power outages as this whole system sweeps on through.” — Adam Klotz [02:54]
• Bold preview of historic celebrations:
  • “...to kick off months of celebrations for the nation's 250th birthday...” — Carmen Roberts [04:10]

Summary:
This Fox News Hourly Update delivers succinct coverage of high-impact stories: decisive US military action against ISIS in Nigeria, the approach to ending the Ukraine conflict, positive indicators for the US economy and gas prices, a major winter storm bearing down on the Northeast, a life-changing lottery win in Arkansas, and a look ahead to America’s 250th birthday festivities. The episode maintains a brisk, authoritative tone, marked by direct soundbites from officials and immediate reporting from Fox correspondents.