Fox News Hourly Update – December 28, 2025

High Level Peace Talks Underway at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate with Ukraine President Zelenskyy

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This episode centers on imminent, high-level peace talks at Mar-a-Lago between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking a significant development in ongoing negotiations to resolve the war with Russia. The update also covers major domestic stories, including a large-scale fraud probe in Minnesota, severe winter weather impacting holiday travel, surging flu cases in New York, and a fatal helicopter crash in New Jersey.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Peace Talks at Mar-a-Lago: War in Ukraine

(Starts at 00:02)

• President Trump is preparing to meet with President Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago in an effort to push forward peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
• Madeleine Rivera details Ukraine’s willingness “to do whatever it takes to end the war,” including making significant compromises.
  • Zelenskyy’s recent comments reflect this openness:

    “That includes many compromises. But there are still sticking points in the 20 point plan like territorial issues, control of a Russian-occupied power plant and security guarantees.” – Madeleine Rivera (00:20)

• A notable development:
  • Zelenskyy has indicated Ukraine is willing to pull back troops from certain parts of the Donbass region if Russia reciprocates with equivalent territorial withdrawals, and the area is designated a demilitarized zone.
  • This is described as a “major concession” by Ukraine, reflecting the gravity of negotiations.
• President Trump reportedly spoke by phone with President Putin of Russia prior to the Zelenskyy meeting.
  • Another call is anticipated after the Mar-a-Lago talks conclude.
  • Reflects Trump’s hands-on diplomacy approach.
• Notable Quote:

  “Earlier, President Trump spoke by phone with Russia’s President Putin and says they intend to hold another phone call after today’s meeting with Zelensky.” – Jack Callahan (00:49)

2. Minnesota Fraud Probe Deepens

(Starts at 01:05)

• Ongoing federal investigations into an alleged fraud scheme involving Minnesota daycare centers.
• Key details from Connor Hanson:
  • New viral video by independent journalist Nick Shirley exposes daycare centers receiving millions in taxpayer funds, but with “no signs of children there.”
  • Example: One center’s sign reads “leering center” instead of “learning,” with blacked out windows and empty premises on a weekday.
  • “Some had blacked out windows and most had no signs of children there on a weekday.” (Connor Hanson, 01:20)
• The Small Business Administration has frozen more than $5 million in federal support, according to a letter sent to Governor Tim Walz.
  • Governor Walz asserts, “anyone involved will go to prison.”

3. Severe Winter Weather Impacting Holiday Travel

(Starts at 02:31)

• Weather update from Brian Klotz:
  • Another major winter storm is developing in the upper Midwest, with blizzard warnings in Minnesota, Northern Iowa, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
  • Wisconsin under a winter storm warning.
  • Heavy snow and strong winds are causing hazardous travel conditions and flight disruptions.

  • “Blizzard warnings, heavy snow, strong winds—that’s going to lower visibility, make driving really tough, going to slow down plane travel as well, particularly across that region.” – Brian Klotz (02:41)

• Current travel impact:
  • Over 440 flights canceled and nearly 4,700 delayed nationwide.

4. Flu Outbreak in New York State

(Starts at 03:35)

• Deborah Valentine reports:
  • New York reports more than 71,000 flu cases in the week ending December 20—a record high, and a 38% jump from the previous week.
  • Hospitalizations have also risen 38%, with 3,666 reported in one week.
  • State officials are urging flu vaccinations and basic preventative measures.

  • “New York state is reporting more than 71,000 cases of the flu for the week ending December 20. It’s the highest total ever recorded in a single week, represents a 38% increase from the week before.” – Deborah Valentine (03:36)

5. Fatal Helicopter Crash in New Jersey

(Starts at 04:15)

• Two helicopters collided in Hamilton, New Jersey; one person is dead, another critically injured.
• Crash occurred at around 11:25 AM.
• “One person is dead, another has been left critically injured in the crash of two helicopters over a southern New Jersey town.” – Jack Callahan (04:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Ukrainian President Zelensky says they’re willing to do whatever it takes to end the war and that includes many compromises.” – Madeleine Rivera (00:18)
• “President Trump spoke by phone with Russia’s President Putin and says they intend to hold another phone call after today’s meeting with Zelensky.” – Jack Callahan (00:49)
• “Some had blacked out windows and most had no signs of children there on a weekday.” – Connor Hanson (01:20)
• “Blizzard warnings, heavy snow, strong winds—that’s going to lower visibility, make driving really tough, going to slow down plane travel as well, particularly across that region.” – Brian Klotz (02:41)
• “New York state is reporting more than 71,000 cases of the flu...It’s the highest total ever recorded in a single week.” – Deborah Valentine (03:36)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – Trump-Zelenskyy peace talks at Mar-a-Lago overview
• 00:18 – Zelenskyy’s willingness to compromise and specifics of Ukraine’s potential concessions
• 00:49 – Trump’s phone call with Putin and upcoming diplomacy
• 01:05 – Minnesota fraud probe and viral daycare investigation
• 02:31 – Winter weather and travel disruptions in the Midwest
• 03:35 – Flu outbreak in New York State
• 04:15 – Helicopter crash in New Jersey

This episode provides a brisk yet comprehensive update, with a tone that is urgent and factual, reflecting the fast-moving pace of national and international news. Listeners receive headline coverage of high-stakes diplomacy, domestic scandals, severe weather threats, and public health concerns.