Fox News Hourly Update – 3PM ET 12/29/2025 Newscast

Host: John Saucier (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: December 29, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode provides a rapid-fire newscast covering major global and domestic stories: high-stakes diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and rebuild Gaza, judicial transparency in a high-profile Utah murder case, China’s escalating military posture toward Taiwan, and severe weather disrupting U.S. holiday travel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Diplomatic Overtures: Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

[00:02 – 01:14]

• President Trump met Ukrainian President Zelensky at his Palm Beach resort to work toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

  • Their meeting yielded “major progress,” with a 20-point peace plan discussed, addressing territory, ceasefire terms, and requiring Ukrainian approval.

• President Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss how the U.S. and Russia might “find an end to this war,” emphasizing the need for “disarmament.”

  “There has to be a disarmament, you know, that we have to disarm with.”
  — President Trump (as quoted by John Saucier) [00:17]

• U.S. reportedly offering Ukraine security guarantees for 15 years. Ukraine prefers a 50-year commitment for stronger deterrence against potential future Russian attacks.

• President Trump and President Zelensky express confidence a deal can be reached.

2. Gaza Peace Plan: Second Phase Negotiations

[00:43 – 00:56]

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with President Trump to discuss phase two of a Gaza peace deal.
  • Talks have so far focused on rebuilding Gaza with international volunteers.

3. Utah Murder Case: Push for Judicial Transparency

[01:14 – 01:51]

• Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer (Tyler Robinson) attended a Utah County motion hearing.

  • Judge Tony Graf Jr. ruled that the public has a presumptive right to court transcripts and audio recordings from previous closed hearings, though with redactions for security/the court’s safety.
  • Media request for advance notification of sealed or closed proceedings was denied—the notification will only go to prosecution and defense.
  • Next court date for the accused: January 16.

  “Judge Tony Graf Jr. ruling the public has a presumptive right to access court records… that transcripts of previous closed hearings… can be released with some redactions.”
  — Jeff Manasso, Fox News [01:19]

4. China-Taiwan Tensions: Massive Chinese Military Drills

[02:04 – 03:08]

• China launches "Justice Mission 2025," a major round of military drills around Taiwan.

  • Comes days after the U.S. approved an $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan (includes drones and missile systems).
  • China’s actions described as a “stern warning against external interference,” involving air, navy, and rocket troops.
  • Drills expected to continue into Tuesday.
  • Taiwan places forces on high alert, labeling China as “the biggest destroyer of peace.”
  • China also sanctioned 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 executives.
  • Japan signals it might intervene if China attacks Taiwan.

  "Taiwan said it’s placing its forces on high alert and called the Chinese government the biggest destroyer of peace."
  — Stephanie Bennett, Fox News, reporting from London [02:51]

5. Holiday Travel Chaos: Weather Disrupts Flights Nationwide

[03:08 – 03:52]

• 3,600+ cancellations over the weekend, with severe weather (winds, freezing) impacting the Midwest and Northeast.

• Airports most affected: Minneapolis, Buffalo, Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago.

  • Over 2,400 delays and 500+ cancellations as of report.

• TSA screening numbers haven’t yet broken holiday records.

• AAA predicts 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles over the holidays (Dec 20 – Jan 1).

• Chicago O’Hare is leading the “misery map” for flight disruptions.

  “If you’re flying out of Minneapolis, Buffalo, Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, these airports have the most delays and cancellations right now across the country.”
  — Kelly Saberry, Fox Business Network [03:27]

  “Looking at that, FlightAware.com misery map says Chicago O’Hare has the most delays and cancellations, and please double check your travel plans.”
  — John Saucier [03:44]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “President Trump and President Zelensky say they are confident a deal can be reached to end the war with Russia.” — John Saucier [00:37]
• “Judge Tony Graf Jr. ruling the public has a presumptive right to access court records…” — Jeff Manasso [01:19]
• “China conducted military drills around Taiwan Monday, calling it a stern warning against external interference forces.” — Stephanie Bennett [02:35]
• “3,600 cancellations across the country just over this weekend.” — Kelly Saberry [03:21]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:02] — Ukraine-Russia & Gaza peace developments
• [01:14] — Utah County court transparency ruling
• [02:04] — Chinese military drills near Taiwan
• [03:08] — Holiday travel disruptions & weather impact

Tone:
The delivery remains crisp, serious, and urgent, reflecting the gravity of world events but keeping a fast-paced, informative tone suitable for breaking radio news.

Conclusion:
The episode covers urgent news items from high-level diplomacy and courtroom decisions to regional military tensions and domestic travel headaches—distilling a packed news hour into easily digestible, high-impact headlines and soundbites.