Fox News Hourly Update — 5AM ET 12/31/2025 Newscast

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

Episode Overview

This morning's Fox News Hourly Update delivers a rapid, somber round-up of breaking national news, policy changes, and human interest stories—from developments in missing persons cases and government funding freezes to food stamp restrictions, a hazardous train derailment, and some lighter updates to close out 2025. The newscast ends with a preview of Fox News' New Year’s Eve programming and a nod to new dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Key News Stories & Insights

1. Texas Missing Teen Case

[00:03–00:31]

• Background:
  The search for 19-year-old Camilla Olmos, who disappeared on Christmas Eve, turns grim as law enforcement finds a body.
• Details:
  • A body was discovered in Texas; clothing matches Camilla's description.
  • A firearm was found near the scene.
  • Authorities have not confirmed the identity or determined the cause of death.
  • No suspicion of foul play at this time.
• Notable Quote:
  • Sheriff Salas:

    "It's too early to tell if the body that we found is that of Camila, but at this point we don't suspect foul play." [00:24]

2. Trump Administration Freezes Minnesota Childcare Funding Amid Fraud Allegations

[00:31–01:19]

• Policy Update:
  • The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is suspending all federal child care payments ($185 million/year) to Minnesota due to unresolved allegations of fraud.
• Details:
  • Authorities are unsure if suspected fraud is “isolated or statewide.”
  • Some critics argue the funding freeze will “hurt children who generally need those funds.”
  • Minnesota’s Department of Children and Youth disputes the fraud claims.
  • Assistant U.S. Attorney suggests over $9 billion may have been stolen.
• Notable Quote:
  • HHS Secretary (paraphrased):

    "HHS is temporarily freezing all childcare payments to Minnesota… could not say with confidence whether the allegations of fraud are isolated or statewide." [00:46]

3. New Food Stamp Restrictions in Five States

[01:19–01:57]

• Policy Shift:
  • Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia ban SNAP recipients from using benefits for “certain types of soda and candy.”
  • The first wave in a set of 18 states; restrictions aim to address obesity.
• Notable Detail:
  • Impacts starting Thursday, part of a broader trend in states tightening SNAP regulations.

4. CSX Train Derailment in Kentucky Causes Chemical Leak and Fire

[01:57]

• Incident Report:
  • Major derailment in Todd County, rural Kentucky.
  • Resulted in a chemical leak and fire; details on casualties or cleanup are not provided in this update.

5. California Hiking Tragedy During Strong Winds

[02:16–03:02]

• Incident:
  • Three hikers (including a 19-year-old male) found dead in the Mount Baldy area after one fell ~500 feet.
  • High winds complicated the response; an air medic confirmed the deaths on site.
  • A separate rescue saved two other hikers (aged 18 and 31).
• Notable Quote:
  • “Strong winds prevented a hoist operation, but an air medic was hoisted down and confirmed all three individuals were deceased…” — Kristin Goodwin, FOX News. [02:45]

6. Fox News New Year’s Eve Programming Preview

[03:02–03:51]

• Special Coverage:
  • 8pm ET: “Who Can Forget 2025” with Brian Kilmeade, Tomi Lahren, and others review the year’s biggest stories.
  • 9pm ET: “A New Year With Kat and Tyrus” revisits viral stories with contributors like Kennedy and Guy Benson.
  • 11pm ET: “All American New Year’s Bash” hosted by Jimmy Failla, Tommy Lahren, Jon Taffer, and more.
• Notable Quote:
  • “In the 8pm hour, the Fox News Channel will air ‘Who Can Forget 2025’ with Brian Kilmeade, Tomi Lahren, Griff Jenkins and others looking back at the biggest news and pop culture stories of the year…” — Michelle Palino. [03:08]

7. New Dog Breeds Recognized by the American Kennel Club

[03:51–End]

• Breed Additions:
  • Teddy Roosevelt Terrier (named after the president)
  • Russian Svyetnaya Bulkaonka (Soviet era lap dog)
  • Basset Fauve de Bretagne (century-old French hunting dog)
• Fun Fact:
  • The American Kennel Club’s roster continues to diversify with historical and international breeds.

Notable Quotes

• Sheriff Javier Salas:

  "It's too early to tell if the body that we found is that of Camila, but at this point we don't suspect foul play." [00:24]

• HHS Secretary Statement:

  "HHS is temporarily freezing all childcare payments to Minnesota… could not say with confidence whether the allegations of fraud are isolated or statewide." [00:46]

• Kristin Goodwin, FOX News:

  “Strong winds prevented a hoist operation, but an air medic was hoisted down and confirmed all three individuals were deceased…” [02:45]

• Michelle Palino, FOX News:

  “In the 8pm hour, the Fox News Channel will air ‘Who Can Forget 2025’ with Brian Kilmeade, Tomi Lahren, Griff Jenkins and others looking back at the biggest news and pop culture stories of the year…” [03:08]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Missing Teen Found Dead in Texas: 00:03–00:31
• Minnesota Childcare Funding Freeze: 00:31–01:19
• Food Stamp Benefit Restrictions: 01:19–01:57
• Kentucky Chemical Train Derailment: 01:57
• California Hiking Fatalities: 02:16–03:02
• Fox News New Year’s Eve Lineup: 03:02–03:51
• New AKC Dog Breeds Announced: 03:51–End

This newscast is a rapid-fire update with a focus on significant national stories and ends with lighter, year-end features in the signature brisk, informative tone of Fox News.