Fox News Hourly Update: December 25, 2025 – 9AM ET

Overview

This Christmas Day broadcast delivers the latest updates on global events and U.S. news, with a focus on the Pope’s Christmas mass, developments regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files, extreme weather battering the west coast, an ICE confrontation in Maryland, and a tragic helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Christmas Celebrations and Papal Message

• [00:02] Pope Leo XIV celebrates the first Christmas Day mass at St. Peter’s Basilica since 1994.
• During the mass, the Pope expresses concern for Palestinians in Gaza, lamenting their living conditions.
• He urges Christians to extend kindness:

  "He called for Christians to help the poor and strangers during his Christmas Eve service.” (Paul Stevens, 00:25)

2. Justice Department & Epstein Files

• [00:42] Alexandria Hoffman delivers an update on the ongoing release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein:

  • The Justice Department is working continuously to process over 1 million documents, requiring redaction to comply with legal guidelines.
  • Transparency delays prompt bipartisan concern; public release is expected to take more weeks.

  “The Department vows that it has lawyers working around the clock to review and make the legally required redactions on over 1 million additional documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.” (Alexandria Hoffman, 00:45)

• Political reactions:

  • Senator Chuck Schumer voices frustration via X, using an expletive and accusing former President Trump of a cover-up.
  • Bipartisan senators urge a neutral review of the DOJ’s compliance with disclosure laws.

  “A Christmas Eve news dump of a million more files only proves what we already know. Trump is engaged in a massive cover up.” (Alexandria Hoffman quoting Sen. Schumer, 01:07)

  • No other Epstein associate besides Ghislaine Maxwell has been convicted.
  • Since Dec 19, nearly 40,000 documents have been released; Rep. Thomas Massie alleges DOJ broke the law by missing the deadline.

  “Republican Tennessee Congressman Thomas Massie alleging the Justice Department broke the law for not complying with a deadline.” (Paul Stevens, 01:36)

3. Powerball Jackpot Win

• [01:38] A Christmas Eve Powerball ticket in Arkansas wins the $1.8 billion jackpot.
  • Odds of winning: 1 in 292 million.
  • Jackpot will reset for Saturday.

4. West Coast Weather Crisis

• [02:16] Severe storm impacts millions across the West Coast:

  • Over 40 million under flood alerts in CA, southern NV, and western AZ.
  • Heavy rain (4-8 inches in some areas), flash floods, mudslides, and washed-out roads reported.
  • California enters a state of emergency.

  “More than 40 million people are under flood alerts, including most of California, southern Nevada and western Arizona.” (Chanley Painter, 02:22)

  • Snow levels expected to fall to 5,000 feet in the Sierras.

5. ICE Confrontation in Maryland

• [03:00] An altercation between ICE agents and two illegal immigrants ends in gunfire.

  • Location: Glen Burnie woods, Maryland.
  • The driver, Diego Alexandre Sousa Martins (Portugal), had lived illegally in the U.S. for 17 years; his passenger, Solomon Antonio Soriano Esquivel (El Salvador), also undocumented.
  • Agents attempted to question the men when the driver attempted to run over officers, ramming several ICE vehicles.
  • Officer fired at the van; the driver was injured.

  “The driver slammed into several ICE vehicles and attempted to run over the agents. The driver was injured when the officer fired at the vehicle. The passenger was also injured but wasn’t hit by the gunfire.” (Jeff Abel, 03:18)

6. Mount Kilimanjaro Helicopter Crash

• [03:43] At least five people die in a helicopter crash on Kilimanjaro.
  • Victims: Two foreigners (medical evacuees), a local doctor, a tour guide, and the pilot.
  • Crash site: Between Barafu camp and Kibo summit, over 13,000 ft altitude.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Papal plea on Christmas:

  “He called for Christians to help the poor and strangers during his Christmas Eve service.” — Paul Stevens (00:25)

• On Epstein files delays:

  “A Christmas Eve news dump of a million more files only proves what we already know. Trump is engaged in a massive cover up.” — Alexandria Hoffman quoting Sen. Schumer (01:07)

• Powerball odds:

  “The odds of winning the jackpot when it resets 1 in 292 million.” — Paul Stevens (01:46)

• Flood impact:

  “Some places have already seen 4 to 8 inches of rain causing flash flooding, mudslides and washed out roadways.” — Chanley Painter (02:30)

• ICE confrontation:

  “The driver slammed into several ICE vehicles and attempted to run over the agents. The driver was injured when the officer fired at the vehicle.” — Jeff Abel (03:18)

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:02 | Christmas Mass in Vatican; Pope’s message on Gaza
• 00:42 | Update on DOJ's release of Epstein files
• 01:23 | Legislative & political fallout of the files release
• 01:38 | Christmas Eve Powerball jackpot winner
• 02:16 | West Coast storms and flooding crisis
• 03:00 | ICE agent confrontation and shooting in Maryland
• 03:43 | Fatal helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro

This concise yet comprehensive episode offers listeners a look at breaking Christmas Day events both in the U.S. and globally, focusing on justice, politics, emergencies, and holiday hope.