Fox News Hourly Update - 5PM ET 12/26/2025 Newscast

Main Theme:
This episode delivers an up-to-the-minute rundown of top national and international news, covering major events including US military action in Nigeria, a violent incident in North Carolina, updates on Ukraine peace talks, a travel weather advisory, controversy over an ICE van incident, and commentary on US tax policy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Strike on ISIS in Nigeria

• President Trump's Announcement:
  President Trump declared that the US conducted a major strike on ISIS terrorists in northwest Nigeria, who have recently escalated attacks targeting both Christians and Muslims.
  • "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." — President Trump (quoted by Host, 00:21)
• Nigerian Government’s Response:
  • Nigerian officials rejected Trump's assertion that violence in Nigeria constitutes genocide exclusively against Christians, emphasizing that Muslims are also victims of ISIS attacks.
  • The military operation was coordinated with Nigerian forces.

2. Police Shootout in Mint Hill, North Carolina

• Incident Details:
  • A child custody exchange turned violent outside a store near Charlotte, resulting in two Mint Hill police officers suffering critical injuries and the shooter being killed.
  • A witness account:
    "They saw two officers go inside that store and then one officer lead the other outside with blood on their hands." — Jared Halpern, FOX News (01:07)
• Location:
  Mint Hill, North Carolina.

3. Stabbing Attacks in Paris Metro Stations

• Event Summary:
  • A man attacked three women at separate metro stations in Paris.
  • Police arrested the suspect and confirmed the attacks were not terror-related.
  • All victims are expected to recover.
• Reporter:
  Carmen Roberts highlights that the motive appears unrelated to terrorism. (01:19)

4. Severe Winter Weather Advisory in the US Northeast

• Warning Issued:
  • NYC Metro is included in an icing warning for the first time in almost 4 years.
  • The warning stretches from NYC through the Poconos, upstate New York, and west to Syracuse.
• Expected Impacts:
  • "Icing that's happening across western into central parts of PA. Some areas may see in excess of a quarter inch. Look out for power outages and unfortunately very treacherous travel conditions." — Ian Oliver, FOX Weather (01:38)

5. US-Ukraine Peace Negotiations

• Upcoming Meeting:
  • President Trump will meet Ukraine’s President Zelensky in Florida, aiming to solidify a peace deal proposal to present to Russia.
  • Progress: Zelensky is optimistic, stating "Ukraine and the US are 90% of the way there," but requests clear assurances from the US regarding military support.
  • On-the-ground: Russian forces are reportedly vulnerable in northeast Ukraine, facing supply disruptions and some surrenders.
• Reporter:
  Madison Scarpino provides analysis. (03:19)

6. ICE Agents Targeted in Maryland

• Incident:
  • On Christmas Eve, an alleged attempt was made to run over ICE agents in Maryland.
  • Deputy ICE Director Madison Sheehan criticized lawmakers for rhetoric that, according to him, encourages violence against officers:
  • "Democrat lawmakers continue to use this dangerous rhetoric. They're pushing this narrative online that if an ICE officer attacks, you should use your vehicle to ram against them. This is dangerous. This is puts our officers in dangerous. This puts the aliens in danger. These aliens that they swear they're here to protect."
    — Madison Sheehan, Deputy ICE Director (03:37)

7. IRS & Tax Refunds; Public Perception of US Economy

• IRS Prediction:
  • The IRS predicts record income tax refunds for the next year.
• Legislative Impact:
  • Rep. David Coust (R-TN) attributes the increased refunds to the recent tax reform bill, highlighting lower rates and the elimination of tax on tips and overtime.
  • "It's all about putting more money in people's pockets that they earned and that they deserve to spend or invest however they want to. It's going to be great for the economy." — Rep. David Coust (04:09)
• Public Sentiment:
  • A recent Fox News survey found 72% of Americans still feel negatively about the economy.
  • Host Carmen Roberts underscores the disconnect between policy changes and popular perception. (04:17)

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• US Action in Nigeria:
  "The United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum..."
  — President Trump, quoted at 00:21

• Witness Account from North Carolina:
  "They saw two officers go inside that store and then one officer lead the other outside with blood on their hands."
  — Jared Halpern, 01:07

• Weather Warning:
  "Some areas may see in excess of a quarter inch. Look out for power outages and unfortunately very treacherous travel conditions."
  — Ian Oliver, 01:48

• ICE Official’s Criticism:
  "Democrat lawmakers continue to use this dangerous rhetoric..."
  — Madison Sheehan, 03:37

• Tax Policy Impact:
  "It's all about putting more money in people's pockets that they earned..."
  — Rep. David Coust, 04:09

Important Timestamps

• 00:02 — Nigeria government responds to Trump’s claims; US military strike against ISIS.
• 00:53 — Mint Hill, NC police shootout during custody exchange.
• 01:19 — Stabbing attacks on Paris Metro.
• 01:32 — Severe icing warning for US Northeast.
• 02:31 — Trump-Zelensky meeting on Ukraine peace efforts.
• 03:19 — ICE incident in Maryland, comments from deputy director.
• 04:06 — IRS tax refund predictions and comments on new tax policy.
• 04:17 — Survey on Americans' views of the economy.

Tone & Style

The coverage is swift, direct, and urgent—matching the tone expected of an hourly newscast. Reporting is fact-driven, but the inclusion of official quotes and political comments introduces a layer of commentary and debate.

This summary provides a comprehensive, time-stamped review of the major news events and discussions from the Fox News 5PM ET newscast on December 26, 2025, helping listeners catch up on key issues, quotes, and policy debates of the day.