Fox News Hourly Update – 11PM ET, December 28, 2025

Main Theme:
This episode provides a concise roundup of major national and international headlines, with a focus on progress toward peace in Ukraine, a helicopter accident in New Jersey, a major fraud investigation in Minnesota, U.S. economic trends, severe winter weather forecasts, and the passing of French film icon Brigitte Bardot.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Progress Toward Peace in Ukraine

• [00:03–00:41]
  • US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at Mar-a-Lago.
  • Both leaders reported significant progress in negotiations to end the Ukraine war with Russia.
  • President Trump was optimistic:

    "You can say 95%, but I don't like to say percentages. I just think we're doing very well. We're very, we could be very close." (Donald Trump, [00:19])

  • Zelensky noted ongoing talks regarding security guarantees from the US and Europe, as well as future benefits for Ukraine.
  • Discussions also involved a "prosperity plan" for Ukraine and sequencing next steps.
  • Talks are expected to continue into January, including potential negotiations with Russia on territorial disputes and the framework for ending hostilities.

2. Midair Helicopter Collision in New Jersey

• [00:54–01:17]
  • Two helicopters collided near Hamilton Airport, southern New Jersey, around noon.
  • One pilot died and another was critically injured.
  • The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation into the crash.

3. Minnesota Fraud Scheme Under Scrutiny

• [01:17–01:52]
  • Federal officials allege a multi-billion dollar fraud involving daycare centers in Minnesota.
  • Independent journalist Nick Shirley documented suspicious centers: some misspelled their own names and displayed signs of inactivity (e.g., no children present, blacked-out windows).
  • A viral video has amplified scrutiny; local authorities stress accountability.
  • Governor Tim Walz issued a strong warning:

    "Anybody involved will go to prison." (Debra Valentine citing Tim Walz, [01:52])

4. Economic Outlook & 2026 Midterms

• [02:32–03:15]
  • President Trump claims progress reducing inflation and energy prices, contrasting his administration’s actions with Biden’s.
  • Trump to Politico:

    “I think it’s going to be about the success of our country. It’ll be about pricing. They gave us high pricing and we’re bringing it down. Energy’s way down. Gasoline is way down.” (Reported by Madeleine Rivera, [02:42])

  • White House is encouraged by positive economic indicators: 4.3% economic growth in Q3 (driven by consumer spending, exports, and government spending).
  • Despite growth, Fox News Poll reports 72% of registered voters have a negative view of the economy.

5. Severe Winter Weather Affects Holiday Travel

• [03:15–04:06]
  • Another winter storm is impacting the Midwest and Northeast, with particular trouble in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
  • Meteorologist Adam Klotz forecasts blizzard warnings, heavy snow (up to one foot in places), strong winds, travel disruptions, and limited visibility.
  • The storm’s leading edge will bring rain; heavy snow and dangerous conditions expected as it moves east.

  • “Blizzard warnings, heavy snow, strong winds. That’s going to lower visibility, make driving really tough.” (Adam Klotz, [03:31])

6. Death of Brigitte Bardot

• [04:06–04:25]
  • French film star Brigitte Bardot passed away at 91, remembered for her role in And God Created Woman (1956).
  • Tribute segment aired with a notable Bardot quote:

    “I have to live as if every day were my last one. There’s something powerful in me that makes me behave foolishly.” (Brigitte Bardot, [04:17])

Notable Quotes

• President Donald Trump (on Ukraine):

  "You can say 95%, but I don't like to say percentages. I just think we're doing very well. We're very, we could be very close." ([00:19])

• President Trump (on economy):

  "They gave us high pricing and we're bringing it down. Energy's way down. Gasoline is way down." (paraphrased by Madeleine Rivera, [02:42])

• Governor Tim Walz (on Minnesota fraud):

  "Anybody involved will go to prison." (as cited by Debra Valentine, [01:52])

• Adam Klotz (on blizzard warnings):

  “Blizzard warnings, heavy snow, strong winds. That’s going to lower visibility, make driving really tough.” ([03:31])

• Brigitte Bardot (tribute):

  “I have to live as if every day were my last one. There’s something powerful in me that makes me behave foolishly.” ([04:17])

Timestamps for Segments

• Ukraine peace talks: [00:03–00:41]
• NJ helicopter collision: [00:54–01:17]
• Minnesota fraud probe: [01:17–01:52]
• Economy and midterm focus: [02:32–03:15]
• Winter weather update: [03:31–04:06]
• Brigitte Bardot’s death: [04:06–04:25]

Overall Tone & Delivery

The episode maintains Fox News’s brisk, fact-forward news delivery, with correspondents providing concise summaries, authoritative attributions, and intermittent direct sourcing of quoted figures. The language is measured, direct, and consistent with the network’s urgent update style.