Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET 12/28/2025 Newscast

Date: December 29, 2025
Host: Carmen Roberts, FOX News Podcasts

Episode Overview

This tightly-packed Fox News Hourly Update covers several major breaking and international stories: updates on US–Ukraine–Russia peace talks hosted by President Trump, a deadly helicopter crash in New Jersey, high-profile legal developments in Los Angeles, escalating Chinese military action near Taiwan, the annual "Good Riddance Day" in New York, the Trump administration’s latest policy shift on immigration, and the passing of French icon Brigitte Bardot. The episode provides succinct overviews, expert reporting, and insider commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Progress Toward Peace in Ukraine

• President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky meet at Mar-a-Lago

  • Trump reports significant headway in peace process negotiations with Ukraine.
  • Highlights complexity: "There are one or two very thorny issues, very tough issues, but I think we're doing very well. We made a lot of progress today, but really we've made it over the last month. This is not a one day process deal. This very complicated stuff." (President Trump, 00:06)
  • Talks also focus on long-term prosperity and sequencing of next steps.

• Zelensky’s Take (summarized by reporter Grnaul Scott)

  • Ukraine and US/Europe are close to security guarantee agreements.
  • Implications for who will control certain territories and how fighting may end—future talks may extend into January and potentially involve Russia.

2. Deadly Helicopter Collision in New Jersey

• Incident Details
  • Two helicopters collided near Hamilton Airport, Atlantic County, NJ, just before noon.
  • One pilot killed, another critically injured.
  • At least one helicopter reportedly burst into flames after the crash.
  • Aircraft involved: F28A and 280C, both decades-old. Investigation underway by FAA and NTSB.
  • No speculation yet on causation or faults.

3. Shocking Courtroom Development in Los Angeles

• Ashley Guzzard's Not Guilty Plea
  • Gasps in courtroom as Guzzard pleads not guilty in the murder of her nine-year-old daughter.
  • Details of the crime described by Christina Coleman:
    • "Buzzard is accused of shooting her child in the head and dumping her body in a remote area in Utah north of Salt Lake City." (Christina Coleman, 01:30)
    • Authorities believe the murder happened after Guzzard and her daughter left California and traveled cross-country.
    • The body was found by a couple on December 6 in rural Utah.

4. Chinese Military Escalation Near Taiwan

• Joint Military Drills Announced
  • China dispatching air, navy, and rocket troops to conduct “stern warning” drills around Taiwan.
  • Stated objective: To deter separatist movements and “external interference.”
  • Exercises set for Tuesday, seen as major geopolitical warning.

5. Good Riddance Day – New York City

• Tradition and Purpose
  • “Think of it as a festivus airing of grievances...” (Jessica Rosenthal, 03:21)
  • Event allows people to symbolically let go of what they don't wish to carry into the new year.
  • This year’s event: People write memories they want to discard on paper; paper is then partially torn up (not burned, due to city safety).
  • Inspired by a similar Latin American tradition where objects with negative connotations are burned in effigy.

6. Trump Administration Moves on Immigration Policy

• New “Holiday Incentive” for Voluntary Departure
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem: The administration is tripling incentives for illegal immigrants to voluntarily leave the US.
    • "We'll buy you a ticket, give you $3,000 to go home. And that includes people that have not been detained, maybe have interacted with us, are detained and don't have criminal charges against them." (Alexandria Hoff quoting Kristi Noem, 04:17)
  • Comes amid a broader crackdown and following reports of violence involving an Afghan national in Washington, D.C.
  • White House suspends all active asylum claims in the wake of the shooting incident.
• Contextual Quote: "The Trump administration wants to help migrants reunite with their families." (Kristi Noem, 04:03)

7. Obituary: Brigitte Bardot

• French Actress and Animal Rights Activist
  • Passing of the famous French film star and activist at age 91 reported.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Ukraine Peace Talks:

  • President Trump: “There are one or two very thorny issues, very tough issues, but I think we're doing very well. We made a lot of progress today, but really we've made it over the last month. This is not a one day process deal. This very complicated stuff.” (00:06)
  • “Prosperity plan being finalized. And we also discussed the sequencing of the following actions.” (President Trump, 00:33)

• On the LA Courtroom Reaction:

  • Christina Coleman: “Buzzard is accused of shooting her child in the head and dumping her body in a remote area in Utah north of Salt Lake City.” (01:30)

• On Good Riddance Day:

  • Jessica Rosenthal: “Think of it as a festivus airing of grievances with the intent to leave what irks you behind.” (03:21)

• On Immigration Policy Incentives:

  • Alexandria Hoff quoting Kristi Noem: “We'll buy you a ticket, give you $3,000 to go home... The holiday incentive comes as the Trump administration increasingly cracks down on those who enter the country illegally...” (04:17)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ukraine/Russia Peace Talks: 00:02–00:51
• NJ Helicopter Crash: 00:51–01:30
• LA Murder Case: 01:30–01:50
• Chinese Military Drills near Taiwan: 02:58–03:21
• Good Riddance Day NYC: 03:21–03:57
• US Immigration Incentive Policy: 03:57–04:44
• Brigitte Bardot Obituary: 04:44–04:56

This episode delivers rapid, high-stakes updates with a focus on both domestic drama and global tension—offering listeners clear, concise, and impactful news coverage.