Fox News Hourly Update: 11AM ET, 12/28/2025 – Episode Summary
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This episode delivers a concise roundup of significant national and international news as of the late morning on December 28, 2025. Key topics include high-stakes ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia with U.S. involvement, severe winter weather across the Midwest, notable incidents across the U.S. (including a natural gas line rupture and historic waterfront fire), economic and political updates ahead of the 2026 midterms, a health alert at a major airport, and the death of French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Ukraine–Russia Ceasefire Deal Talks
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago, aiming to finalize a ceasefire deal.
- "President Zelenskyy's trip... follows weeks of U.S.-backed talks with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators." [00:12]
- President Trump has proposed a 20-point peace plan.
- "The Ukrainian leader says about 90% of that proposal is ready." [00:12]
- Sticking Points:
- Security guarantees and territorial issues remain unresolved.
- Russia insists Ukraine cede the Donbas region.
- Zelenskyy agrees to a mutual troop withdrawal to create a "demilitarized economic zone" if Russia reciprocates.
- "Zelensky has agreed to withdraw troops from that region if Russia does the same to create a demilitarized economic zone." — Jared Halpern [00:29]
- No full agreement as Russia holds out on the framework.
2. Severe Winter Weather Hits the Midwest
- Fox meteorologist Adam Klotz details an intense winter storm impacting the Midwest.
- "We've got a big winter weather maker here over the next couple of days... Minnesota, Iowa, getting into the Dakotas, even over toward the UP..." — Adam Klotz [00:56]
- Blizzard conditions expected with heavy snow, high winds, and potential for more than a foot of snow—perhaps up to 18 inches near the Great Lakes.
- "That's when you start to see blizzard conditions because the visibility drops pretty drastically." [01:20]
- Travel Delays: Flights likely to be disrupted; residents in affected areas warned to prepare and shelter in place.
- "Anybody flying out of those locations will see at least some sort of delays." — Adam Klotz [01:10]
3. Natural Gas Line Rupture North of Los Angeles
- A major natural gas pipeline ruptured 40 miles north of L.A., closing a freeway for hours.
- Cause: Believed to be a mudslide.
- Resolution: Shelter-in-place orders now lifted, highway reopens to normal traffic.
- "The highway is now back to normal. Thankfully, LA county deputies believe the rupture may have stemmed from a mudslide." [01:42]
4. Portland, Maine Waterfront Fire
- A fire broke out at historic Custom House Wharf, damaging buildings and boats.
- Incident Details:
- Firefighters battled frozen hydrants, using a fireboat.
- Several boats damaged, at least one sank.
- One firefighter suffered minor injuries; cause is under investigation.
- "Flames spreading along the Custom House Wharf, damaging several aging buildings and boats." [02:16]
5. Economic and Political Outlook for 2026 Midterms
- President Trump’s Outlook:
- Predicts the 2026 midterms will be defined by economic issues, especially inflation and pricing.
- Quote: "It'll be about pricing. They gave us high pricing and we're bringing it down. Energy way down. Gasoline is way down." — President Trump, to Politico [02:52]
- Blames high prices on Biden administration, claims improvement under current policies.
- Predicts the 2026 midterms will be defined by economic issues, especially inflation and pricing.
- Current Economic Indicators:
- U.S. economy grew at 4.3% in Q3 2025, driven by consumer spending, exports, and government expenditures.
- Public Sentiment: Despite growth, 72% of registered voters view the economy negatively, per a Fox News poll [03:18].
6. Measles Exposure Warning at Newark Liberty Airport
- NJ Health Officials issue alert for possible measles exposures on December 19 in Terminals B and C.
- Exposed individual does not reside in New Jersey.
- Ongoing efforts to track virus spread.
7. Notable Passing: Brigitte Bardot
- Brigitte Bardot, famed French actress and animal rights advocate, dies at 91.
- "She became a global sensation with the film And God Created Woman, later serving as the model for the French national symbol, Marianne." [03:42]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "President Trump is pushing a 20 point peace plan. The Ukrainian leader says about 90% of that proposal is ready." — Jared Halpern, FOX News [00:16]
- "We've got a big winter weather maker here over the next couple of days... At times this is going to be a blizzard." — Adam Klotz, FOX News Meteorologist [00:56]
- "They gave us high pricing and we're bringing it down. Energy way down. Gasoline is way down." — President Trump via Politico [02:52]
- "A fire ripping through Portland, Maine's historic Old Port waterfront just after Christmas..." [02:16]
- "Brigitte Bardot...has died at 91. She became a global sensation with the film And God Created Woman." [03:42]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Ukraine–Russia Ceasefire Talks: [00:02]–[00:48]
- Winter Storm in the Midwest: [00:48]–[01:30]
- LA Natural Gas Line Rupture: [01:30]–[02:00]
- Portland, ME Waterfront Fire: [02:16]–[02:44]
- 2026 Midterm Focus & Economy: [02:44]–[03:18]
- Measles Exposure at Newark: [03:18]–[03:33]
- Brigitte Bardot Obituary: [03:33]–[03:50]
