Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: U.S. Military Strikes ISIS Targets in Nigeria Over Christian Killings

Date: December 26, 2025
Host: Roger Stern (FOX News Podcasts)

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise update on major U.S. and international news. The main theme centers on a recent U.S. military strike against ISIS targets in Nigeria, ordered in response to violence against Christians. Additional segments cover severe winter weather in the U.S., changes in military posture regarding Venezuela, developments in political redistricting battles in Missouri, and a Supreme Court decision about the National Guard in Illinois.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

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

• Main Story Announcement
  • The U.S. Africa Command carried out a strike against ISIS in Nigeria, following direct orders from the President.
  • The action was prompted by attacks on Christians.
  • Announcement made late in the evening via the President’s Truth Social account.
  • Ongoing coverage promised as more information emerges.
  • [00:02]
    Roger Stern:

    "US Africa Command has conducted a strike against ISIS in Nigeria. This comes at the direction of the president of the US who made the announcement tonight on Truth Social..."

2. Extreme Winter Weather Across the U.S.

• Northeast Braces for Storms
  • Major winter storms expected to impact over 15 million people in the Northeast with snow and ice.
  • The New York City area could see between 5-8 inches of snow from Friday into Saturday.
  • [00:27]
    Mike Emanuel:

    "Number of winter storm watches are multiplying...a snow and ice storm...expected to blast through the Northeast, impacting at least 15 million people."

  • [00:53]
    Roger Stern:

    "The New York City area expected to see between 5 to 8 inches of snow throughout tomorrow evening into Saturday."

• SoCal Flooding and Mudslides
  • Heavy rain already causing significant flooding and mudslides in Los Angeles County and adjacent regions.
  • Further storm systems expected to worsen conditions.

3. U.S. Military Focus Shifts on Venezuela

• New Orders Issued
  • U.S. military directed to focus on “quarantine of Venezuelan oil” for at least two months.
  • The Trump administration prefers economic pressure to direct military intervention but keeps military options open.
  • Ongoing maritime military strikes continue in the Caribbean targeting alleged cartel boats.
  • Venezuelan government accuses the U.S. of being the real threat.
  • [01:06]
    Ryan Schmelz:

    "Military forces are being told to focus on a quarantine of Venezuelan oil for the next two months minimum..." "President Trump continued his pressure campaign this week on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro..." "Venezuelan officials have said the US Government is the threat, not Venezuela."

4. Redistricting Battles in Missouri and Other States

• Gerrymandering Controversy
  • Republicans aim to secure nine new GOP seats (five in Texas, one in North Carolina, two in Ohio, and one in Missouri).
  • The ACLU challenges an effort in Missouri, especially around carving up Kansas City; 300,000 signatures could push the redistricting to a voter referendum.
  • The process may be delayed, possibly affecting the candidate filing window.
  • [03:10]
    Jessica Rosenthal:

    "Republicans are banking on nine new GOP leaning seats ahead of midterms... ACLU in Missouri is now challenging the GOP effort to carve up Kansas City... The Republican attorney general says the redrawn districts will remain in effect until the Republican secretary of state validates the signatures."

5. Supreme Court Rejects National Guard Deployment to Illinois

• Legal and Constitutional Dispute
  • President Trump’s attempt to deploy the National Guard to Illinois is blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court, affirming a federal judge’s prior decision.
  • The court cited improper legal groundwork: federal forces had not been used before calling in the National Guard.
  • Chicago’s mayor welcomed the decision, highlighting its national implications.
  • [04:08]
    Unattributed:

    "Trump has relied on a law that lets a president deploy state National Guard troops to... suppress a rebellion, repel an invasion, or if he is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws..." "The court argued because Trump had not first legally deployed regular military…he had no basis to deploy the Guard."

  • [04:44]
    Roger Stern:

    "Chicago's mayor, praising the decision from the Supreme Court, saying the decision just doesn't just protect Chicago, but other cities around the country."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:02] Roger Stern:

  "US Africa Command has conducted a strike against ISIS in Nigeria. This comes at the direction of the president of the US..."

• [01:06] Ryan Schmelz on Venezuela:

  "The Trump administration is more interested in using economic pressure as opposed to military force, though military options rather remain on the table."

• [03:10] Jessica Rosenthal on Redistricting:

  "ACLU in Missouri is now challenging the GOP effort to carve up Kansas City in 300,000 signatures, protesting the change is sufficient to force the issue onto a ballot before voters."

• [04:08] Analysis of National Guard Deployment:

  "The court argued because Trump had not first legally deployed regular military to support law enforcement, he had no basis to deploy the Guard."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:02] – US military strike on ISIS in Nigeria (Main story)
• [00:27] – Latest winter weather warnings for the Northeast
• [01:06] – US military’s new focus on Venezuela
• [03:10] – Redistricting battles in Missouri; implications for congressional seats
• [04:08] – Supreme Court’s ruling on National Guard deployment to Illinois

Tone:
Direct, urgent, and factual, with characteristic FOX News brevity and emphasis on breaking stories.

This summary encompasses the episode’s main news stories and political updates, capturing key moments, quotes, and policy implications for listeners seeking a rapid yet comprehensive update on current U.S. and global affairs.