7AM ET 12/29/2025 Newscast

Summary

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Fox News Hourly Update: 7AM ET, December 29, 2025

Main Theme & Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire, top-of-the-hour news briefing. The main themes include international diplomacy focused on the Ukraine war, renewed Israel-Gaza negotiations, heightened tensions involving Iran and China, a severe helicopter crash in New Jersey, investigations into Medicaid fraud in Minnesota, blizzard conditions in the Midwest, and the latest NFL playoff picture.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

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1. Progress in Russia-Ukraine War Negotiations

• President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago and claimed some progress in talks, though a resolution remains elusive.
• "It's unresolved, but it's getting a lot closer." — Brett Baer [00:08]
• Critical sticking point: Ukrainian resistance to ceding territory to Russia, highlighted by recent polling.
  • "87% support this. At the same time, 85% against to withdraw from east, you know, from the Donbass." — Brett Baer [00:39]
• Earlier, Trump had another phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following fresh Russian attacks on Ukraine.

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2. US-Israel Relations and the Gaza Conflict

• President Trump meets Israeli PM Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, with the focus on the Gaza War and Iran's involvement.
  • The administration pushes for "phase two" of Gaza peace plan: international security force and Hamas disarmament.
  • "They're expected to address Iran and Gaza, with the administration keen on heading to phase two of their Gaza peace plan..." — Medel Rivera [01:11]
• Iran’s President declared the country in a "full-fledged war" with the US, Israel, and Europe.

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3. Tensions Rise over Taiwan

• China stages large-scale military drills surrounding Taiwan, claiming the island as its own.
  • "Taiwan's military on alert, calling China the biggest destroyer of peace." — Dave Anthony [01:31]

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4. Helicopter Mid-Air Collision in New Jersey

• Two helicopters collided in Hamilton, NJ; one pilot critically injured, the other killed.
• Eyewitness account: "You should see them in there. They looked fine. They really looked good." — Brett Baer [01:49]

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5. Medicaid Fraud Investigation in Minnesota

• FBI and Congressional Republicans expand a probe into alleged fraud in Minnesota, especially within the Somali community.
  • "FBI Director Cash Patel says resources are in Minnesota to dismantle alleged schemes to defraud programs..." — Gernall Scott [02:38]
  • Senator Ron Johnson vows aggressive pursuit: "I've got subpoena power. I will use that subpoena power to obtain these records because we have to get to the bottom this." — Brett Baer [03:01]
  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz acknowledges issues but questions the scale of the fraud.

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6. Midwest Blizzard Hits Travel

• Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin face snowstorms with wind gusts up to 60 mph, resulting in poor visibility and closed airports.
  • "There are 343 flights canceled today, nearly 1,000 delayed." — Dave Anthony [03:21]

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7. NFL Playoff Picture Shifts After High-Scoring Games

• 49ers beat Bears 42-30 in a "shootout in San Francisco," securing sixth straight win.
  • "It's complete. It's Juwan Jennings to the pylon. Touchdown. The Niners take the lead..." — Brett Baer [03:55]
• Key matchups set for next week with division titles on the line.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The land you're talking about, some of that land has been taken. Some of that land is maybe up for grabs, but it may be taken over the next period of a number of months."
  — Brett Baer [00:19]
• "87% support this. At the same time, 85% against to withdraw from east, you know, from the Donbass."
  — Brett Baer [00:39]
• "They're expected to address Iran and Gaza, with the administration keen on heading to phase two of their Gaza peace plan..."
  — Medel Rivera [01:11]
• "I've got subpoena power. I will use that subpoena power to obtain these records because we have to get to the bottom this."
  — Brett Baer quoting Sen. Ron Johnson [03:01]
• "There are 343 flights canceled today, nearly 1,000 delayed."
  — Dave Anthony [03:21]
• "It's complete. It's Juwan Jennings to the pylon. Touchdown. The Niners take the lead..."
  — Brett Baer [03:55]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:03] — Opening headline: Ukraine war negotiations
• [00:11-00:50] — Trump-Zelensky meeting analysis and polling on Ukrainian public sentiment
• [01:11] — Netanyahu visit and Iran's declaration of full-fledged war
• [01:31] — China military drills near Taiwan
• [01:49] — Helicopter collision in Hamilton, NJ
• [02:32-03:09] — Medicaid fraud probe in Minnesota
• [03:21] — Blizzard conditions and travel disruptions
• [03:55-04:28] — NFL highlights and playoff implications

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This Fox News Hourly Update offered a concise overview of pressing national and international developments, reflecting the fast-moving tone and straightforward delivery style of the network’s top-of-the-hour updates.

Transcript

[Dave Anthony]

Is there an end in sight to Russia's war in Ukraine? I'm Dave Anthony, FOX News.

[Brett Baer]

It's unresolved, but it's getting a lot closer.

[Dave Anthony]

That's what President Trump says after meeting with Ukraine's leader again. This time it is Mar a Lago resort in Florida saying they've made progress, but there are thorny issues to still work out.

[Brett Baer]

The land you're talking about, some of that land has been taken. Some of that land is maybe up for grabs, but it may be taken over the next period of a number of months.

[Dave Anthony]

After the Trump meeting, Zelensky sat down with Fox's Brett Baer and said people in Ukraine want the war over, but also don't want to give up territory to Russia.

[Brett Baer]

87% support this. At the same time, 85% against to withdraw from east, you know, from the Donbass.

[Dave Anthony]

That interview will be on Fox's Special Report tonight, 6pm Eastern. Before the meeting with Zelensky, President Trump had another phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who attacked Ukraine over the weekend with another barrage of drones and missiles. Now today, the president hosts another world leader at Mar A Lago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussing the war in Gaza. He brokered NN2 in October.

[Medel Rivera]

They're expected to address Iran and Gaza, with the administration keen on heading to phase two of their Gaza peace plan that includes the creation of an international security force and the disarmament of Hamas. Iran's president, meantime, says they're in a full fledged war with the U.S. israel and Europe, saying they don't want his country to be stable.

[Dave Anthony]

China, That's Fox's medal in Rivera. China's playing war games near Taiwan with military drills around the island it claims is Chinese territory. Taiwan's military on alert, calling China the biggest destroyer of peace. A pilot's in critical condition in New Jersey after the helicopter he was flying in collided in midair with another in Hamilton. This man saw the crash, was in disbelief.

[Brett Baer]

You should see them in there. They looked fine. They really looked good.

[Dave Anthony]

The other pilot was killed as his helicopter burst into flames on the ground. America's listening to FOX News.

[Ainsley Earhart]

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[Dave Anthony]

The FBI and Republicans in Congress expanding a fraud investigation in the state of Minnesota.

[Gernall Scott]

FBI Director Cash Patel says resources are in Minnesota to dismantle alleged schemes to defraud programs such as Medicaid and other sources. Many of those indicted are from Minnesota's Somali community. On fox's Sunday morning Futures, Wisconsin GOP Senator Ron Johnson says his investigative subcommittee is already asking for documents.

[Brett Baer]

They were refusing turnovers, records. I've got subpoena power. I will use that subpoena power to obtain these records because we have to get to the bottom this.

[Gernall Scott]

Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz has not denied there is fraud, but said federal investigators have not yet proven the cost is in the billions. Gernall Scott, FOX NEWS There are a.

[Dave Anthony]

Lot of snow in Minnesota. They've been under a blizzard warning there. So parts of Iowa and Michigan, Wisconsin getting that same winter storm. The snow has been heavy. The winds have been really strong, 50, 60 miles an hour. So any snow that falls starts to ultimately blow around. Visibility has been really low with this system. Fox meteorologist Adam Klotz. It's affecting travel as well at airports, there are 343 flights canceled today, nearly 1,000 delayed. On Wall street, stock futures are down ahead of the final trading days of the year. On Sunday Night Football, a shootout in San Francisco still Purdy with a clean pocket.

[Brett Baer]

It's complete. It's Juwan Jennings to the pylon. Touchdown. The Niners take the lead and they.

[Dave Anthony]

Held on to beat The Chicago Bears 42 30. NBC as Brock Purdy threw and ran for five touchdowns. The 49ers sixth straight win sets up a showdown next week with the Seahawks for the NFC west title. Seattle also won a sixth game in a row, beating Carolina 27 10. The Panthers will play Tampa Bay next week for the NFC south title. Jacksonville won a seventh straight game beating Indianapolis. Cleveland beat Pittsburgh. So the Steelers are forced into a winner take all AFC North Division title game next week against Baltimore. I'm Dave Anthony.

[Ainsley Earhart]

This is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining me for the 52 episode podcast series the Life of.

[Dave Anthony]

Jesus, a listening experience that will provide hope, comfort and understanding of the greatest story ever told. Listen and follow [e-mail] or wherever you listen to podcasts.