Fox News Hourly Update (12PM ET 10/24/2025 Newscast)

Date: October 24, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an update on major national and international news, including a high-profile court case involving New York's Attorney General, inflation and Social Security adjustments, diplomatic efforts surrounding Ukraine, a high-profile arson case in London, and significant layoffs at Target. The tone is fast-paced and informative, typical of headline-driven news bulletins.

Key Discussion Points & Timed Breakdown

1. Letitia James Charged in Federal Fraud Case

[00:01–00:42]

• Supporters rallied for New York Attorney General Letitia James at the federal courthouse in Norfolk, Virginia, as she faced federal fraud charges.
• Letitia James pleaded not guilty, framing the charges against her as “political revenge” for her previous civil fraud case win against the president and his business in New York.
  • Notable Quote (Letitia James, 00:16):
    "But this is not about me. This is about all of us and about a justice system which has been weaponized."
  • Notable Quote (Letitia James, 00:34):
    "So there's no fear today. No fear. No fear. No fear."
• James is accused of making false statements and bank fraud related to a Virginia home purchase.
• The president claims James is part of a “weaponized system” acting against him.

2. Social Security Payments & US Inflation Update

[00:42–01:40]

• Social Security recipients' monthly payments will increase by an average of $56 starting next cycle—a 2.8% increase compared to 2.5% the previous year, which was the lowest in four years.
  • The cost-of-living adjustment is based on the Labor Department’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) from July to September.
• Economist Nancy Lazar (Piper Sandler) commented on the temporary effects of tariffs and expected improvement in inflation next year.
  • Notable Quote (Nancy Lazar, 01:19): "This is a temporary phenomenon. I think the markets are figuring it out and next year we should have a much tamer inflationary backdrop."
• The September CPI report recorded annual inflation at 3% despite the government shutdown.
• Cooler-than-expected inflation buoyed stock markets, with the Dow up 562 points, surpassing 47,200—a record.
  • Fox’s Jenny Cosola (01:40): "That inflation report coming in a bit cooler than expected and that has rallied stocks. Right now the Dow is up 562 points in record territory, topping 47,200."

3. Ukraine’s Plea for Long-Range Weapons & European Security

[02:14–03:04]

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders in London, seeking more military aid, especially long-range weaponry.
  • Notable Quote (Zelensky, 02:30): "Very thankful to you that we are not alone in this situation. From the very beginning of war, Zelensky."
• European allies promise more military help, emphasizing solidarity against Russian aggression.
• The UK Prime Minister highlighted the need for unified action, including the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
  • Notable Quote (UK Official, 02:55): "What we see from Putin is an absolute unwillingness to engage, in fact the opposite, which is the continued attacks increasingly on civilians."
• Zelensky did not secure U.S. approval for Tomahawk missile purchases during a recent White House meeting but continues to push for long-range capabilities to pressure Russia.

4. London Arson Attack Sentencings Linked to Russian Intelligence

[03:04–03:36]

• Five men were sentenced to 7 to 17 years in prison for an arson attack on an East London warehouse in 2024.
• Investigations allege Russian intelligence orchestrated the attack as part of a broader sabotage campaign.

5. Target Corporate Layoffs

[03:36–04:06]

• Target will cut about 2,000 corporate jobs (8% of its workforce), with 1,000 layoffs expected next week and 800 vacant positions eliminated.
• The majority of cuts will affect Minneapolis headquarters.
• Michael Fiddleke, newly-appointed CEO, cited bureaucracy and “complexity” as hindering efficiency.
  • Notable Quote (Fiddleke, 03:36): "The complexity we’ve created over time has been holding us back. Too many layers and overlapping work have slowed decisions, making it harder to bring ideas to life."
• More details to be announced Tuesday; Minneapolis staff instructed to work from home next week.

Notable Quotes

• Letitia James (00:16):
  "But this is not about me. This is about all of us and about a justice system which has been weaponized."
• Letitia James (00:34):
  "So there's no fear today. No fear. No fear. No fear."
• Nancy Lazar, Economist (01:19):
  "This is a temporary phenomenon. I think the markets are figuring it out and next year we should have a much tamer inflationary backdrop."
• Volodymyr Zelensky (02:30):
  "Very thankful to you that we are not alone in this situation. From the very beginning of war, Zelensky."
• UK Official (02:55):
  "What we see from Putin is an absolute unwillingness to engage, in fact the opposite, which is the continued attacks increasingly on civilians."
• Michael Fiddleke, Target CEO (03:36):
  "The complexity we’ve created over time has been holding us back. Too many layers and overlapping work have slowed decisions, making it harder to bring ideas to life."

Additional Highlights

• Stock markets are buoyed by positive inflation news.
• Heightened focus on Russian aggression and sabotage across Europe.
• Corporate America is tightening operations amid economic uncertainty.

This episode offered concise updates on developing stories, sticking to a neutral, reportorial tone while spotlighting major national and international trends.