Fox News Hourly Update – Episode Summary

Date: December 26, 2025
Host: Paul Stevens, FOX News Podcasts
Title: Zelenskyy set to meet Trump in Florida this weekend.

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire update of major international news stories, focusing on upcoming high-level talks between former President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, recent U.S. military actions against ISIS, holiday travel disruptions due to severe winter weather, China's response to a U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, and developments in Syria. Short, informative, and urgent in tone, the episode is structured to bring listeners up to speed on the biggest headlines shaping global affairs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting at Mar-a-Lago ([00:02]–[00:57])

• Significance: President Trump and President Zelenskyy are scheduled to meet in Florida following weeks of diplomatic talks involving American, Ukrainian, and Russian officials.
• Ongoing Negotiations:
  • Steve Witkoff (Trump adviser) and Jared Kushner have facilitated meetings with involved parties.
  • One official comments, “They've made more progress in the last two weeks than they have all year.” ([00:16])
• Major Obstacles: The talks focus on contentious points such as the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia power plant.
• Russian Perspective: A Russian newspaper claims Vladimir Putin might consider land swaps but insists on retaining all of Donbas.
• Ukrainian Stance: Zelenskyy asserts, “Territorial concessions would have to be approved by referendum.”
• U.S. Proposal: Suggests a “demilitarized free economic zone,” conditional on Russian troop withdrawal, to which Zelenskyy is open.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “The main sticking point still appears to be Ukraine's Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia power plant.” — Steve Witkoff ([00:16])

2. U.S. Strike on ISIS in Nigeria ([00:57]–[01:48])

• Announcement: President Trump reports on “numerous perfect strikes” against ISIS targets in northwestern Nigeria, focusing on ISIS units attacking Christian populations.
  • Quote: “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes against ISIS targets in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day.” — Stephanie Bennett ([01:04])
• Context: Nigeria was designated a “country of particular concern” in October due to increasing violence from multiple armed groups.
• Skepticism: Nigerian officials and regional experts challenge claims of a targeted ‘genocide’ against Christians.
  • Quote: “...several regional experts claim there’s actually little evidence of a genocide targeting Christians.” — Paul Stevens ([01:48])
• Related Global Incidents: The U.S. also struck ISIS in Syria following attacks on American troops, and recent terrorism in Australia is linked to ISIS inspiration.

3. Holiday Travel & Weather Impact ([02:31]–[03:22])

• Holiday Traffic: Over 8 million Americans expected to travel by air; weather disruptions anticipated around New Year’s.
  • Details from Dallas/Fort Worth:
    • “According to FlightAware, we have more than 1800 delays, almost 800 cancellations. JFK experiencing the most issues right now.” — Brook Taylor ([02:50])
• Snow Forecast: The Fox Forecast Center predicts 3–8 inches of snow, with some regions likely to see their first major snowfall in years.
  • Stat: “It’s been over 1400 days since New York City last saw more than 6 inches of snow in any 24-hour window.” — Paul Stevens ([03:22])

4. China Retaliates for U.S. Arms Sale to Taiwan ([03:22]–[04:18])

• New Arms Package: The U.S. plans a $10 billion arms deal to Taiwan, heightening U.S.-China tensions.
• Chinese Response: China imposes sanctions on over 20 American defense companies, including Northrop Grumman and Boeing.
  • Quote: "China's foreign ministry says any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for wrongdoing.” — Jared Halpern ([03:36])
• Implications: The arms deal, if approved, would become the largest ever to Taiwan.

5. Bomb Attack in Syria ([04:18]–[04:28])

• Event: A bombing in a Syrian mosque during Friday prayers kills at least six, wounding 21 others.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “They've made more progress in the last two weeks than they have all year.” — Unnamed official to Axios, relayed by Steve Witkoff ([00:16])
• “Territorial concessions would have to be approved by referendum.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy ([00:16])
• “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes against ISIS targets in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day.” — Stephanie Bennett ([01:04])
• “According to FlightAware, we have more than 1800 delays, almost 800 cancellations. JFK experiencing the most issues right now.” — Brook Taylor ([02:50])
• "China's foreign ministry says any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for wrongdoing.” — Jared Halpern ([03:36])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02 — Trump-Zelenskyy meeting preview and context
• 00:16 — Recent diplomatic progress and negotiation sticking points
• 00:57 — Announcement of U.S. strikes on ISIS in Nigeria
• 01:04 — President Trump’s statement on strikes, further context on regional violence
• 01:48 — Skepticism from Nigerian officials/experts
• 02:31 — Holiday travel forecasts and weather impact
• 02:50 — Flight delays/cancellations and snow forecasts by region
• 03:22 — NYC snow statistics, China’s response to U.S. arms sale
• 03:36 — Details on China’s sanctions, implications for U.S.-China relations
• 04:18 — Bombing at a mosque in Syria

This concise, fast-paced episode provides listeners with the latest updates on major global stories, focusing on diplomatic negotiations, international conflicts, and significant impacts on world affairs as 2025 draws to a close.