Fox News Hourly Update – 1AM ET 12/31/2025 Newscast

Host: Sue Guzman, FOX News Podcasts
Date: December 31, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise roundup of late-breaking national and international news stories, focused on government action against fraud, a critical missing persons case, a significant state senate election result, developments in a deportation case attracting attention to Trump administration policy, a tragic train crash in Peru, and heightened security measures for New Year’s Eve celebrations in the US.

Key News Highlights and Discussion Points

1. Minnesota Daycare Fraud Crackdown

• (00:04–00:57)
  • The Trump administration, responding to mounting allegations, initiates a crackdown on suspected daycare fraud in Minnesota.
  • Actions Taken:
    • Payment freeze: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) suspends all child care payments to Minnesota.
    • "Defend the Spend" protocol: States requesting child care funds must now provide extensive justification—receipts or photo evidence before payments are made.
      • Matt Finn: “Care funds, we require a justification, receipt…” (00:35)
      • David Spunt: “…or photo evidence before we make a payment.” (00:38)
    • Minnesota’s governor, Tim Walz, is required to audit all daycare centers and report on inspections, attendance, and licensing.
    • Governor Walz defends his response, saying an audit due next month will yield more clarity.
  • Quote:
    “HHS is also demanding Minnesota Governor Tim Walz audit daycare centers for data, including inspections, attendance and licensing.” – Grinal Scott (00:40)

2. Discovery in Texas Missing Teen Case

• (00:57–01:35)
  • The search for Camilla Mendoza Olmos, a 19-year-old from San Antonio, ends with the discovery of a body believed to be hers.
  • Key Details:
    • Body found near Olmos’ home, alongside a missing firearm.
    • Initial findings suggest suicide, but the Medical Examiner will confirm.
  • Quotes:
    • Matt Finn: “This was a frantic search and now the Bexar county sheriff says investigators found a body while searching for missing 19 year old Camilla.” (01:06)
    • “Almost vanished after going on a walk around her neighborhood back on December 24th.” – Sue Guzman (01:35)

3. Iowa State Senate Special Election

• (01:35–01:58)
  • Democrat Renee Hartman wins a special election, keeping the Iowa Senate seat left vacant by the late Senator Claire Selsey in Democratic hands.
  • Significance: Prevents Republicans from reclaiming a two-thirds supermajority in the chamber.
  • Quote:
    “She beat Republican Lucas Lofton to win the seat representing parts of Des Moines suburbs…” – Sue Guzman (01:50)

4. Developments in High-Profile Deportation Case

• (02:58–03:53)
  • Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man erroneously deported and now charged with human smuggling, is set to remain free pending legal proceedings, as per a new government court filing.
  • Developments:
    • Justice Department upgraded the priority of his case only after his mistaken deportation.
    • Abrego Garcia and his lawyers deny allegations of gang membership and plead not guilty.
  • Highlights:
    • “A government court filing Tuesday claims that Kilmar Abrego Garcia will not be taken into custody again…” (03:12)
    • “He also denies the Trump administration claim that he's a member of the MS-13 gang.” – Kevin Yuretsky (03:53)

5. Peru Machu Picchu Train Crash

• (03:53–04:15)
  • Two tourist trains collide en route to Machu Picchu, resulting in one death (a railroad worker) and about 30 injuries.
  • Quote:
    “Local police department confirming that the person killed was a railroad worker.” – Sue Guzman (03:58)

6. New Year’s Eve Security Measures Nationwide

• (04:15–04:51)
  • US cities, especially New York, Boston, and San Francisco, ramp up security for upcoming New Year’s Eve events.
  • Collaboration across FBI, Secret Service, police, and sheriff’s departments in light of a recently foiled bombing plot in California.
  • Context:
    Four suspects belonged to a far-left antigovernment group, allegedly planning New Year's Eve bomb attacks.
  • Quote:
    “Officials in Manhattan held a news conference to brief the public on public safety. Now the FBI, Secret Service, police and sheriff's departments across the country are paying close attention to the next few days.” – David Spunt (04:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• HHS Protocol:
  “Care funds, we require a justification, receipt…” – Matt Finn (00:35)
  “…or photo evidence before we make a payment.” – David Spunt (00:38)

• Public Safety for NYE:
  “Officials in Manhattan held a news conference to brief the public on public safety. Now the FBI, Secret Service, police and sheriff's departments across the country are paying close attention to the next few days.” – David Spunt (04:23)

• On Daycare Fraud:
  “HHS is also demanding Minnesota Governor Tim Walz audit daycare centers for data, including inspections, attendance and licensing.” – Grinal Scott (00:40)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minnesota daycare fraud crackdown: 00:04–00:57
• Discovery in Texas missing teen case: 00:57–01:35
• Iowa State Senate election result: 01:35–01:58
• Kilmar Abrego Garcia deportation case: 02:58–03:53
• Peru train crash near Machu Picchu: 03:53–04:15
• US NYE security preparations: 04:15–04:51

Tone:
The reporting maintains FOX News' brisk, matter-of-fact news delivery style, focusing on essential details, official statements, and implications—ideal for listeners seeking a rapid, authoritative news summary.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive, accessible update on the December 31st, 2025, 1AM ET FOX News Hourly Update.