Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET, December 29, 2025

Host: Debra Valentine
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update

Episode Overview

This edition delivers concise updates on major international and US news as of December 29, 2025. The focus centers on diplomatic developments involving Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ukraine’s President Zelensky, along with US crime statistics, a tragic helicopter crash, and the passing of French icon Brigitte Bardot.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump-Netanyahu Meeting at Mar-a-Lago (00:03 – 00:45)

• Event: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is meeting President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, with the future of Gaza and the status of the ceasefire being focal discussion points.

• Discussion Topics:

  • Ongoing threats from Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
  • The “main focus” is orchestrating the next phase of Gaza’s ceasefire and peace process.
  • Concerns among top US aides (per Axios) that Netanyahu may be delaying (“slow walking”) the peace process, possibly preparing to resume hostilities.

• Key Quote:

  • Jeff Paul (00:11):

    “The main focus of this meeting no doubt will be on the future of Gaza and the next phase of this ceasefire deal. Axios reporting that some of the president's top aides feel that Netanyahu is slow walking the peace process and fear he could resume fighting with Hamas.”

• Important Figures Involved:

  • Steve Witkoff (Special Envoy to the Middle East) and Jared Kushner are attempting to iron out ceasefire details, including Hamas’s disarmament and an Israeli troop withdrawal.

2. Trump-Zelensky Meeting on Ukraine-Russia Peace (00:45 – 01:33)

• Event: Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at Mar-a-Lago to discuss ongoing peace negotiations with Russia.

• Progress & Tensions:

  • Trump emphasized progress but avoided concrete percentages:
    • Donald Trump (00:59):

      “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.”

  • Zelensky remarked on nearing agreements for security guarantees from the US and Europe.
  • Reference to a “prosperity plan” in progress.

• Next Steps:

  • Further discussions anticipated in January, possibly including talks with Russia regarding territorial questions and ending hostilities.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • Donald Trump (01:14):

    "Prosperity plan being finalized."

  • Jeff Paul (01:16):

    “And we also discussed the sequencing of the following actions.”

3. New Jersey Helicopter Collision (01:33 – 01:51)

• Incident: Two helicopters collided in Southern New Jersey; one pilot was killed, the other injured.

• Human Interest Note:

  • A witness described both pilots as friendly regulars:
    • (01:44):

      “They were just at our cafe having breakfast. They're regulars. They come in every week or every other week.”

• Investigation:

  • The FAA and NTSB are on the case.

4. Charlie Kirk Shooting Case Developments (02:16 – 03:05)

• Legal Proceedings:

  • Virtual hearing in the case of the accused assassin in Charlie Kirk’s shooting.
  • Judge Tony Graf contemplating reconsideration of a gag order after prosecutors contest its legitimacy; may also decide on releasing private hearing transcripts.

• Defense Request:

  • Defense for Tyler Robinson (accused shooter) has moved to disqualify the Utah county attorney’s office, citing a sealed conflict of interest involving a possible witness.

• Status:

  • The conflict of interest issue is tabled for a future hearing.

• Key Summary:

  • Jessica Rosenthal (02:24):

    “Judge Tony Graf is expected to reconsider the gag order in this case after prosecutors argued against what they called an unlawful prior restraint on speech.”

5. Violent Crime Trends in the US (03:05 – 03:56)

• National Trends:

  • Violent crime (homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) decreased nationwide in 2025 vs. 2024; mass killings also fell.

• Exceptions:

  • Several major metropolitan areas saw increased violent crime, including:
    • Omaha (Nebraska)
    • Atlanta
    • Los Angeles County
    • Tampa
    • Pittsburgh
    • Philadelphia
    • Denver
    • Suffolk County (NY)
    • Wichita (Kansas)

• Federal Response:

  • President Trump has deployed National Guard troops in affected cities, vowing to combat violent crime despite local leaders’ objections.

• Key Quote:

  • Sue Guzman (03:13):

    “Mass killings also fell in 2025. But several major US cities have seen a spike in violent crime despite the nationwide downward trend… President Trump has been deploying National Guard troops to various cities across the US, vowing to fight violent crime despite the objections of many local leaders.”

6. Notable Obituary: Brigitte Bardot (03:56 – End)

• Announcement: French icon Brigitte Bardot died at 91 in southern France; cause of death unspecified.
• Legacy: 1960s film star, retired young to become an animal rights activist.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On peace in Ukraine:

  • Donald Trump (00:59): “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.”

• On the two helicopter pilots’ friendship:

  • Unknown witness (01:44): “They were just at our cafe having breakfast. They're regulars. They come in every week or every other week.”

• On dealing with crime:

  • Sue Guzman (03:13): “President Trump has been deploying National Guard troops to various cities across the US, vowing to fight violent crime despite the objections of many local leaders.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trump-Netanyahu Meeting: 00:03–00:45
• Trump-Zelensky on Ukraine Peace: 00:45–01:33
• New Jersey Helicopter Crash: 01:33–01:51
• Charlie Kirk Case Hearing: 02:16–03:05
• US Crime Trends: 03:05–03:56
• Brigitte Bardot’s Passing: 03:56–End

This summary captures the episode’s key news items and tone, providing all essential updates for those who missed the original.