Fox News Hourly Update: US Military Strikes on Nigeria

Date: December 26, 2025
Host: Paul Stevens, FOX News Podcasts
Episode Theme:
This episode delivers the latest headlines, focusing on the U.S. military strikes in northwest Nigeria targeting ISIS, the ongoing peace efforts in Ukraine, a tragic UPS plane crash update, looming winter weather in New York, President Trump's push on healthcare costs, and tensions in Syria.

Main Theme

The central theme of this news update is the United States' involvement in recent military actions and international affairs, with a primary focus on U.S. airstrikes against ISIS in Nigeria following church attacks, coupled with updates on Russia-Ukraine negotiations and notable national news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Strikes in Nigeria

[00:02-00:52]

• Paul Stevens: Announces that the U.S. has conducted airstrikes in northwest Nigeria on Christmas night, specifically targeting ISIS, after recent killings of Christians allegedly carried out by the group.

• President Trump’s Statement (via Truth Social):

  • Directs attention to a "powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum" who have been "viciously killing primarily innocent Christians" at unprecedented levels.
  • Emphasizes his warning to terrorists that there would be consequences for continued violence.
  • Quote:

    "I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay. And tonight there was."
    — President Trump as relayed by Peter Doocy [00:32]

• Context: The attacks follow a series of ISIS-linked incidents globally during the holiday season.

• Contested Claims:

  • Paul Stevens highlights that Trump’s narrative of "Christian persecution" is disputed by both the Nigerian government and regional analysts.
  • Quote:

    "The president's claims about Christian persecution have been disputed by both the Nigerian government and some regional analysts."
    — Paul Stevens [00:52]

2. Ukraine Peace Efforts

[01:07-01:41]

• Ryan Schmelz: Reports ongoing work during Christmas to broker peace in Ukraine.
  • Key Participants:
    • President Trump's special envoy Steve Wykoff
    • Jared Kushner (Trump's son-in-law and unofficial adviser)
    • Ukrainian President Zelensky and his officials
  • Peace Discussions:
    • Zelensky calls the talks "very good," sharing optimism over substantive ideas for a shared peace outcome.
    • Quote:

      "There are good ideas that can work toward a shared outcome and the lasting peace."
      — President Zelensky, as relayed by Ryan Schmelz [01:21]

  • Stalemate:
    • Despite prioritization and high-level talks, no agreement has yet been reached.

3. UPS Plane Crash Update

[01:41-01:57]

• Paul Stevens:
  • Confirms the 15th fatality from the November 4 UPS plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • Accident Details:
    • The aircraft's left engine and pylon separated from the wing during takeoff, causing the crash.

4. Weather Advisory: Northeast Winter Storm

[02:27-03:12]

• Jane Menard (FOX Weather):
  • New York City faces a winter storm warning:
    • 5–8 inches of snow expected Friday night to Saturday morning
    • Ice storm warnings for western Pennsylvania
    • Widespread travel disruptions forecasted
  • Travel Advisory:
    • "If you can get an early jump, I would do it by tonight."
      — Jane Menard [02:48]
    • Urges listeners to prepare to stay put as travel may be severely impacted.

5. President Trump’s Push on Health Insurance Costs

[03:12-03:41]

• Paul Stevens & Jared Halpern:

  • President Trump is pressing major health insurers to lower premiums due to expiring subsidies which will raise costs for Affordable Care Act buyers.

• Presidential Quote:

  "I want to meet with them and I want to say I want you to cut your rates way down, way, way down. And maybe if they do that, we'll be able to not cut them out. We'll be able to continue to deal with them."
  — President Trump [03:31]

• Policy Goals:

  • Trump supports federal funding going directly to individuals to purchase their own insurance.

6. Syria Mosque Bombing

[03:57-04:23]

• Paul Stevens:
  • Reports a bombing at a mosque in Homs, Syria, resulting in at least 6 deaths and 21 injuries during Friday prayers.
  • Context:
    • Growing sectarian, ethnic, and political tensions countrywide, despite a decrease in large-scale fighting.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• President Trump (as read by Peter Doocy, [00:32]):

  "I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay. And tonight there was."

• Paul Stevens ([00:52]):

  "The president's claims about Christian persecution have been disputed by both the Nigerian government and some regional analysts."

• Ukrainian President Zelensky (relayed by Ryan Schmelz, [01:21]):

  "There are good ideas that can work toward a shared outcome and the lasting peace."

• Jane Menard ([02:48]):

  "If you can get an early jump, I would do it by tonight."

• President Trump ([03:31]):

  "I want you to cut your rates way down, way, way down."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• U.S. Nigeria Military Strike & Response: [00:02–00:52]
• Ukraine Peace Talks: [01:07–01:41]
• UPS Plane Crash Fatality Update: [01:41–01:57]
• Northeast Winter Storm Warning: [02:27–03:12]
• Health Insurance Costs Meeting: [03:12–03:41]
• Syria Homs Mosque Bombing: [03:57–04:23]

Summary Takeaway

This episode provides an up-to-the-minute roundup of key world events, with a focus on U.S. military action in Nigeria as a response to violence against Christians by ISIS—though the narrative is contested in international circles. Peace efforts in Ukraine remain ongoing but unresolved. Domestic news rounds out the hour with headlines on severe weather, airline tragedy aftermath, a major push on healthcare prices, and fresh violence in Syria, reflecting ongoing global volatility and policy challenges.

For more news updates, tune in to Fox News Radio Hourly Update.