Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET Newscast (December 26, 2025)

Main Theme:
This episode provides a concise roundup of national and international news headlines, including developing winter storms in the U.S., updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and related diplomacy, a U.S. strike against ISIS in Nigeria, a tragic shooting case in Florida, a heartfelt tribute to filmmaker Rob Reiner, and a new tradition for New York’s Times Square celebration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Winter Storms Hit the U.S. Northeast and West Coast

• States of emergency have been declared in New Jersey and parts of New York as a major winter storm brings significant snow and ice.
• About 60 million people from Philadelphia to New York are under winter weather alerts.
  • Expected snowfall: Some areas could receive 5 to 8 inches or more. [00:21]
• NYC Mayor Eric Adams assures the public the city is ready:
  • Quote: "Operations are already underway. Plows are ready to clean up every street in every neighborhood as needed. Additionally, our team at the Department of Sanitation has the equipment and the personnel to clear lanes and bike lanes at the same time." (Mayor Eric Adams, [00:28])
• Travel Impact: Over 880 flights have been canceled at New York’s major airports as holiday travelers attempt to return home. [00:45]
• West Coast Impact: The last in a series of storms, powered by an atmospheric river, brings further threat of flooding, mud, and debris flows to Southern California.

2. Russia-Ukraine Crisis: New Diplomatic Moves

• Massive Russian attack reported on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is planning a trip to Mar-a-Lago to meet with former President Donald Trump to work on a peace plan to end Russia's invasion.
  • Zelensky expressed optimism about talks, referencing a productive Christmas Day call with Trump’s special envoy:
    • Quote: "Today we had a very good conversation with President Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. We are truly working 24/7 to bring closer the end of this brutal Russian war against Ukraine and to ensure that all documents and steps are realistic, effective and reliable." (Zelensky, [01:15])
  • However, Trump is reportedly asserting that no agreement is final without his approval. Experts question whether the plan will ultimately succeed.

3. U.S. Strike Against ISIS in Nigeria: Motivations Clarified

• Nigeria's government states the recent U.S. strike against ISIS was to protect both Christians and Muslims, not only Christians as former President Trump claimed.
• Reported collaboration between U.S. and Nigeria in carrying out the strike.
  • Quote: "I think it is a sign of hopefulness that the Nigerian government actually came forward with the intel and worked with the United States on this." (Sen. Marsha Blackburn, [02:58])
• Context: Trump had previously designated Nigeria a country of concern over threats to religious freedom.

4. Crime Update: Teen Shooting Near Orlando

• In Orange County, Florida, a 15-year-old boy admitted to shooting 13-year-old Emini Nicole Jackson, claiming it was accidental. He has been charged with manslaughter.
• No further details on the circumstances, but the story highlights ongoing concerns around youth violence. [03:57]

5. Culture: Martin Scorsese Pays Tribute to Rob Reiner

• Director Martin Scorsese wrote a moving essay in The New York Times honoring the late Rob and Michelle Reiner.
  • Quote: "Rob Reiner was my friend and so was Michelle. From now on I'll have to use the past tense and that fills me with such profound sadness. But there's no other choice." (Martin Scorsese, [03:57])
  • Scorsese praised Reiner's films, particularly “Misery” (described as “a very special film”), and “This is Spinal Tap” (“an immaculate creation”). [E, 03:57]

6. New Times Square Tradition Announced

• For the first time, Times Square will see two ball drops in 2026:
  • Traditional: New Year’s Eve for the start of 2026.
  • New: July 3rd, 2026, to launch the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations. [04:40]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Eric Adams (NYC Mayor): "Plows are ready to clean up every street in every neighborhood as needed." ([00:28])
• Zelensky: "We are truly working 24/7 to bring closer the end of this brutal Russian war against Ukraine..." ([01:15])
• Sen. Marsha Blackburn: "I think it is a sign of hopefulness that the Nigerian government actually came forward with the intel..." ([02:58])
• Martin Scorsese on Rob Reiner: "From now on I'll have to use the past tense and that fills me with such profound sadness." ([03:57])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02–00:45: Northeast & West Coast winter storms; travel impact; NYC's readiness
• 00:45–01:50: Ukraine update; Zelensky-Trump diplomatic efforts
• 02:58–03:28: U.S. strike in Nigeria; political implications
• 03:57: Teen shooting in Florida; Scorsese’s tribute to Rob Reiner
• 04:40: Times Square ball-drop announcement

This summary captures all significant news and cultural updates from this FOX News Hourly Update, providing the headlines, context, and direct speaker insights for listeners who missed the episode.