Fox News Hourly Update – 7PM ET Newscast (12/28/2025)

Host: Carmen Roberts
Reporters: Madison Scarpino, Chad Pergrim, Alexandria Hoff, Ainsley Earhardt
Date: December 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid rundown of the day’s most significant national and international news stories, focusing on U.S.-led peace negotiations in Ukraine, government funding deadlines, a tragic helicopter collision, the Trump administration’s new immigration initiative, and remembrances of notable figures. Key insights and soundbites from primary newsmakers and FOX reporters shape a clear, urgent narrative about ongoing political and global events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Progress Toward Ukraine Peace Deal

• Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, signaling major progress on a U.S.-brokered peace plan to end the Ukraine war.

• Trump claims up to 95% of issues have been addressed but acknowledges a few “very thorny issues” remain.

• Trump also communicated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing the conversation as “good and very productive” and reaffirming Putin’s own desire for peace.

  • Notable Quote (Donald Trump, 00:06):
    “Our meeting was excellent. We covered somebody would say 95%. I don't know what percent, but we have made a lot of progress on ending that war.”

  • Notable Quote (Donald Trump, 00:30):
    “We could be very close. There are one or two very thorny issues, very tough issues.”

2. Diplomatic Engagements on the Middle East

• Trump is scheduled to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the following day.
• The agenda: discuss the fragile Gaza ceasefire and address Iran’s escalating rhetoric, specifically its claim that it is “at war with the West.”

3. Congressional Deadlock and Looming Government Shutdown

• Reporter Chad Pergrim outlines Congressional inaction on health care, specifically expiring Obamacare subsidies and the potential impact on premiums.

• Democrats are withholding support for government funding over the renewal of tax credits and may employ a similar tactic regarding health care, with a January 30th spending deadline approaching.

• The election year climate may push Congress to act on unresolved health care issues in 2026.

  • Notable Quote (Chad Pergrim, 01:15):
    “Lawmakers left Washington without fixing skyrocketing costs for some health care premiums as Obamacare subsidies expire. But some lawmakers believe Congress can address health care in 2026. It's an election year and that could compel action.”

4. New Jersey Helicopter Collision

• Two helicopters collided mid-air over southern New Jersey, resulting in one pilot’s death and another’s critical injury. [01:44]

5. Trump Administration Immigration Incentive Program

• The administration increases financial incentives for undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily (“self-deport”) before year-end.

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem: The department is tripling incentives.

• Ainsley Earhardt: Offers now include a plane ticket and $3,000 to qualifying individuals.

• Move comes after two National Guard soldiers were shot in Washington, D.C. by an Afghan national; the White House has suspended all active asylum claims.

• The American Immigration Lawyers Association cautions migrants to seek legal counsel before accepting incentives.

  • Notable Quote (Ainsley Earhardt, 02:54):
    “We'll buy you a ticket, give you $3,000 to go home. And that include people that have not been detained, maybe have interacted with us, are detained and don't have criminal charges against them.”

6. Obituaries: Brigitte Bardot and Lou Gerstner

• Brigitte Bardot: Iconic French actress and later animal rights activist, has died at 91.
  • Memorable Quote attributed to Bardot (03:23):
    “I have to live as if every day were my last one, something powerful in me that makes me behave foolishly.”
• Lou Gerstner: Former IBM CEO remembered for turning around the company in the 1990s, has died at 83.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Donald Trump on Ukraine Negotiations (00:06):
  “Our meeting was excellent. We covered somebody would say 95%. I don't know what percent, but we have made a lot of progress on ending that war.”

• Donald Trump on Remaining Issues (00:30):
  “We could be very close. There are one or two very thorny issues, very tough issues.”

• Ainsley Earhardt on the Immigration Incentive (02:54):
  “We'll buy you a ticket, give you $3,000 to go home. And that include people that have not been detained, maybe have interacted with us, are detained and don't have criminal charges against them.”

• Brigitte Bardot (03:23, as quoted):
  “I have to live as if every day were my last one, something powerful in me that makes me behave foolishly.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Ukraine Peace Deal Discussion: 00:02–00:47
• Upcoming Netanyahu Meeting & Iran: 00:47–01:15
• Congress/Government Shutdown/Healthcare: 01:15–01:44
• New Jersey Helicopter Collision: 01:44–02:02
• Immigration Incentive Policy: 02:34–03:23
• Brigitte Bardot & Lou Gerstner Obituaries: 03:23–04:30

Summary

This episode encapsulates a news-heavy day, spotlighting diplomatic maneuvering around Ukraine and the Middle East, Congressional gridlock over government funding and healthcare, a deadly accident in New Jersey, hardline shifts in immigration policy, and tributes to major international figures. The tone remains brisk, factual, and authoritative, in keeping with the FOX News style of fast-paced, headline-driven reporting.