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.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

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.

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.

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]

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]

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.

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]

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.

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]

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

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.