Fox News Hourly Update
Episode: 5AM ET 12/28/2025 Newscast
Date: December 28, 2025
Host: Debra Valentine (FOX News Podcasts)
Duration: ~4.5 minutes (News content only)
Episode Overview
This brisk, early-morning newscast covers the latest on global diplomatic efforts in Ukraine and the Middle East, breaking US news, and winter travel chaos. The episode delivers succinct updates, focusing on serious international negotiations involving President Trump, continued violence in Ukraine, local US crime reports, ongoing holiday travel disruptions, and a historic waterfront fire in Maine.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Ukraine–Russia Ceasefire Talks at Mar-a-Lago
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Meeting Between Presidents (00:03–00:44):
- Ukrainian President Zelensky meets President Trump at Mar-a-Lago, with the goal of sealing a ceasefire agreement in the Russia–Ukraine war.
- President Trump is advocating a "20-point peace plan."
- Zelensky: “About 90% of that proposal is ready” — open issues concern security guarantees and territorial disputes.
- Russia’s stance: Demands Ukraine cede the Donbas. Zelensky is willing to pull Ukrainian forces from Donbas if Russia does too, creating a "demilitarized economic zone.”
- Quote:
- “President Trump is pushing a 20 point peace plan. The Ukrainian leader says about 90% of that proposal is ready and he and President Trump will discuss security guarantees and territorial issues.” – Jared Halpern (00:19)
- “Russia has not agreed to the framework, insisting Ukraine cede the Donbas region in the eastern part of the country.” – Jared Halpern (00:29)
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Continued Russian Strikes (00:50–01:11):
- Russia continues missile and drone strikes; a fresh attack in Kyiv kills at least one.
- Zelensky comments: the attacks show Russia’s president “doesn’t want peace.”
2. Israel–Hamas Ceasefire & Diplomacy
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Upcoming Trump-Netanyahu Meeting (01:11–01:44):
- Israeli PM Netanyahu to meet Trump in Florida, a crucial juncture for the ongoing Israel–Hamas truce.
- The proposed phase two:
- Israel to withdraw from Gaza.
- Hamas is to disarm.
- An interim authority, not Hamas, would govern Gaza.
- Civil unrest: Hungreds rally in Israel, demanding hostage bodies' return as a precondition for ceasefire progress.
- Quote:
- “Foreign policy experts say his visit is crucial for the future of the cease fire deal between Israel and Hamas.” – Marion Rafferty (01:14)
- “The ceasefire can only move forward after the body of the last hostage in Gaza is recovered and returned.” – Marion Rafferty (01:39)
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Mutual Accusations of Ceasefire Breach (01:44–02:00):
- Israel alleges recent explosive device in Gaza injured a soldier; both sides claim violations.
3. US Local News: Missouri Indoor Sports Facility Shooting
- Incident at TM Fieldhouse, Lee’s Summit, MO (02:31–03:25):
- Shooting following an argument between two men during what might have been a teenager's birthday party.
- One man hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
- No active shooter situation; police searching for one suspect.
- ~100 people were inside the facility at the time.
- Quote:
- “We only know one individual who was shot. They've been shot multiple times, they're at an area hospital with non life threatening injuries…There is no current danger to the public.” – Jacob Sloan (02:45, 03:16)
4. US Travel and Weather: Holiday Disruptions
- Winter Storm Fallout (03:25–04:02):
- Major Northeast snowstorm: >11 inches in parts of NY. Airlines struggling to recover from the aftermath.
- Reports of 9700+ delays and 1500+ cancellations nationwide.
- Quote:
- “Most of those issues are coming out of the Northeast after a snowstorm dumped more than 11 inches in parts of New York…It is going to take airlines some time to recover.” – Caroline Elliott (03:48)
- “There were 9700 delays into or out of US airports and over 1500 total cancellations.” – Debra Valentine (04:02)
5. US Local News: Portland, Maine Historic Wharf Fire
- Fire at Custom House Wharf (04:02–04:27):
- Fire engulfs historic waterfront buildings Friday night. One building destroyed. Area is crucial for Maine’s fishing industry.
- Cause under investigation.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Peace in Ukraine:
“Ukraine's president meets with President Trump today trying to close a ceasefire deal in the war with Russia.” – Debra Valentine (00:03) -
On the Middle East Ceasefire:
“Mediators hope to move into the second phase of October's agreement. It calls for Israel to withdraw from Gaza and Hamas to lay down its weapons.” – Marion Rafferty (01:21) -
On Travel Troubles:
“The snow is pretty much over for now at least, but it is going to take airlines some time to recover.” – Caroline Elliott (03:53) -
On Local Safety After Shooting:
“Police are still looking for one of the shooters involved.” – Jacob Sloan (03:22)
Summary Timeline
| Segment | Speaker | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|---------------| | Ukraine peace talks at Mar-a-Lago | Debra Valentine | 00:03 | | Detailed Ukraine negotiation updates | Jared Halpern | 00:13 – 00:44 | | Russian airstrikes in Kyiv; Zelensky’s statement | Debra Valentine | 00:50 | | Israel–Hamas: Diplomacy, phase two of ceasefire | Marion Rafferty | 01:11 | | Israeli domestic unrest | Marion Rafferty | 01:39 | | Mutual ceasefire breach accusations | Debra Valentine | 01:44 | | Local news: Lee’s Summit shooting | Jacob Sloan | 02:44 | | Holiday travel delays/cancellations, winter storm impact | Caroline Elliott | 03:47 | | Historic wharf fire in Maine | Debra Valentine | 04:02 |
Tone & Language
- The newscast is concise, serious, and fact-driven.
- The tone remains even, formal, and urgent when covering breaking or sensitive issues; emotive only as relayed by the speakers or quoted officials.
- The episode avoids dramatization, delivering updates with clarity and impartiality, in classic radio news fashion.
This summary provides a complete, timestamped breakdown of Fox News’ top headlines and developments for December 28, 2025, giving listeners everything they need to know without missing any of the main stories or voices.