Fox News Hourly Update: 1AM ET 12/29/2025

Host: Debra Valentine
Date: December 29, 2025

Episode Overview

This broadcast provides concise updates on the top breaking news stories overnight. The main themes span international diplomacy — focusing on progress toward peace in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East — plus domestic incidents, a high-profile fraud investigation in Minnesota, severe winter weather, and the passing of a French film icon.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Russia-Ukraine Peace Negotiations (00:03–00:38)

• President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: The two leaders met at Mar-a-Lago with optimism towards a ceasefire and a formal peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
• Zelensky's Emphasis on Mutual Desire for Peace:
  • "We have two willing parties. We have two willing countries. They want to see it end. Look, the people of Ukraine want it to end and the people of Russia want it to end. And the two leaders want to end." — President Volodymyr Zelensky (00:16)
• Key Stumbling Block: Security guarantees are cited as a major issue yet to be resolved.
  • "That security guarantees is a key milestone." — President Zelensky (00:28)
• Next Steps: More talks with European leaders are planned, even as Russian airstrikes continue.

Notable Quote

• President Zelensky: "We have two willing parties...the people of Ukraine want it to end and the people of Russia want it to end." (00:16)

2. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Tensions and Internal Israeli Security (00:38–01:30)

• Upcoming Meeting: President Trump to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago.
• Stalled Gaza Ceasefire: The next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire/hostage plan remains uncertain, with disagreements over:
  • The nature of any international stability force in Gaza.
  • Expansion of West Bank settlements.
• Israel's Shift Towards Defense Self-Sufficiency: Netanyahu announced plans for a domestic weapons industry to reduce reliance "on all players, including friends."
• Context: This announcement follows increased international criticism of Israel's handling of the Gaza war.

Notable Quote

• Jared Halpern: “[Netanyahu] has also announced plans for Israel to develop a domestic weapons manufacturing industry, he says to reduce dependence on all players, including friends.” (01:12)

3. Deadly Helicopter Collision in New Jersey (01:30–01:50)

• Incident: Two helicopters flying closely together collided near Hamilton, New Jersey (35 miles outside Philadelphia).
• Casualties: One pilot killed, the other critically injured. FAA and NTSB are investigating.

Notable Quote

• Mike Emanuel: “The choppers were reportedly flying closely together. Only the pilots were aboard. The FAA and NTSB are investigating.” (01:36)

4. Minnesota Childcare Fraud Investigation (02:58–03:42)

• Allegations: Widespread fraud in daycare centers falsely claiming millions in taxpayer support.
• Viral Video Evidence: Independent journalist Nick Shirley uncovered facilities without visible children, some with misspelled signs (“Leering center”).
• Federal Action: The Small Business Administration has frozen over $5 million in annual support to implicated centers.

Notable Quote

• Connor Hanson: “A new video that's gone viral...visiting daycare centers in the state that are receiving millions apparently in tax dollars. With no signs of children there.” (03:08)

5. Winter Weather Disruptions Across the Midwest and Northeast (04:02–04:37)

• Meteorological Update: Another snowstorm is moving across the Midwest, prompting blizzard warnings in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
• Expected Impacts: Heavy snow, strong winds, low visibility, blizzard conditions, significant travel delays both by road and air.

Notable Quote

• Adam Klotz: “Blizzard warnings, heavy snow, strong winds. That’s going to lower visibility, make driving really tough, going to slow down plane travel as well...” (04:02)

6. Death of Brigitte Bardot (04:37–04:57)

• Obituary: Famed French actress Brigitte Bardot, iconic for “And God Created Woman,” has died at 91.

Notable Quote

• Brigitte Bardot (archival): “I have to live as if every day were my last one. Something powerful in me that makes me behave foolishly.” (04:52)

Notable Quotes

• President Zelensky (on peace deal):
  "We have two willing parties. We have two willing countries. They want to see it end. Look, the people of Ukraine want it to end and the people of Russia want it to end. And the two leaders want to end." (00:16)

• Jared Halpern (on Israel's new defense measures):
  “[Netanyahu] has also announced plans for Israel to develop a domestic weapons manufacturing industry, he says to reduce dependence on all players, including friends.” (01:12)

• Adam Klotz (on weather):
  “Blizzard warnings, heavy snow, strong winds. That’s going to lower visibility, make driving really tough, going to slow down plane travel as well...” (04:02)

• Brigitte Bardot (archival audio):
  “I have to live as if every day were my last one. Something powerful in me that makes me behave foolishly.” (04:52)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:03 — Ukraine-Russia Peace Negotiations: Trump, Zelensky meeting
• 00:38 — Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, Netanyahu's Defense Policy
• 01:30 — Mid-air Helicopter Collision in New Jersey
• 02:58 — Minnesota Daycare Fraud Scandal
• 04:02 — Midwest/Northeast Blizzard Weather Update
• 04:37 — Brigitte Bardot Obituary

The episode provided urgent updates, expert analysis, and voices of key players on global and national news, maintaining the crisp, informative style typical of FOX News Radio newscasts.