Fox News Hourly Update – 1PM ET 11/17/2025 Newscast

Host: Lisa Brady
Date: November 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This brief newscast delivers key stories dominating the afternoon headlines. Topics include a federal judge’s rebuke of the DOJ in an indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, intensifying calls for the release of Epstein files, sharp scrutiny over rising food allergy rates, an NYPD officer wounded in a Brooklyn standoff, alarming levels of utility debt, and creative efforts to mark America’s upcoming 250th birthday.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Judge Criticizes DOJ in Comey Case

[00:02–00:42]

• Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick publicly accuses the DOJ of “a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps” in its case against former FBI Director James Comey.
• Fitzpatrick orders prosecutors to hand over all grand jury materials to Comey’s defense.
• Specific concern raised: Acting U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan may have made statements to grand jurors that “jeopardized Comey’s rights as a defendant and tainted the grand jury proceedings.”
• Comey's legal team is seeking dismissal of the case; his trial is scheduled for January.
• Quote (Judge Fitzpatrick, 00:12):

  “A disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps.”

2. Push to Release Epstein Files

[00:42–01:20]

• The House is poised to vote on a bill demanding the release of remaining Jeffrey Epstein files.
• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urges the President to act:

  “What is he hiding? What is he afraid of?” (Chuck Schumer, 00:42)

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. adds:

  “He should release the files now.” (RFK Jr., 01:00)

• President Trump responds, saying Republicans have nothing to hide, supporting the bill and calling the Democrats’ push a “hoax.”
• Thousands of documents have reportedly already been released.

3. Growing Crisis: Food Allergies and Toxicity Concerns

[01:20–01:50]

• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlights the surge in food allergies:

  “Food allergies affect about 10% of the population, despite not being an issue decades ago… peanut allergies became an epidemic in 1990, around the same time that autism rates exploded.” (RFK Jr., 01:20)

• NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch questions the lack of urgency:

  “The question is, why are we asking? And why aren't the public health agencies asking this question? What's causing it? This is an epidemic.” (Jessica Tisch, 01:35)

• Kennedy pledges answers soon, as health agencies begin “identifying the toxins that are making us sick.”
• Fox’s Jeff Benasso notes that food dyes derived from petroleum are already being phased out.

4. NYPD Officer Shot During Brooklyn Standoff

[02:31–03:15]

• A New York City officer was shot in the face during a standoff but is recovering after hospitalization.
• Event Description:
  • Police were responding to a murder scene in Brooklyn.
  • As officers searched, a suspect fired a shotgun at close range, hitting the officer.
  • Officers returned fire; the suspect barricaded himself inside and was later found dead of a self-inflicted wound—spotted using a drone through the apartment window.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “A male opens the door... and fires at the officer in the hallway from close range with a shotgun, striking the officer on the left side of his face.” (Chris Foster, 02:46)
  • “He was spotted using a drone, flown in through a just broken window, lying motionless on the floor and found dead of an apparently self inflicted gunshot wound.” (Jessica Tisch, 03:07)
• Two more officers and a civilian driver suffered minor injuries in a related car accident.

5. Rising Household Utility Debt

[03:15–03:40]

• An analysis finds that nearly 6 million U.S. households have utility debts likely to be sent to collections soon, signaling ongoing economic strain for many families.

6. Commemorative Ornament for America’s 250th Birthday

[03:40–04:20]

• Release of a limited edition ornament celebrating America's upcoming semiquincentennial—printed with the Declaration of Independence on linen, trimmed in 24K gold.
• Jennifer Condon (America250.org):

  “It's a limited edition ornament with the Declaration of Independence printed in linen trimmed in 24 karat gold.” (Jennifer Condon, 03:40)

• Therese Crowley (Fox News):

  “That this founding document is what we're commemorating and that it's a part of this beautiful heirloom ornament I think is really special.” (Therese Crowley, 03:52)

• The ornament, handmade in Rhode Island, also features American flags atop the White House.
• Available for $26.95 at America250.org.

7. Market Update

[04:20–04:29]

• The Dow is down 201 points, reflecting a downturn in the stock market.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Judge Fitzpatrick's rebuke:
  “A disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps.” (00:12)
• Sen. Chuck Schumer:
  “What is he hiding? What is he afraid of?” (00:42)
• RFK Jr. on Epstein Files:
  “He should release the files now.” (01:00)
• Jessica Tisch on the food allergy crisis:
  “This is an epidemic.” (01:35)
• Chris Foster:
  “A male opens the door... and fires at the officer in the hallway from close range with a shotgun, striking the officer on the left side of his face.” (02:46)
• Therese Crowley on the historic ornament:
  “This beautiful heirloom ornament I think is really special.” (03:58)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• DOJ/Comey controversy: 00:02–00:42
• Epstein files release debate: 00:42–01:20
• Food allergy epidemic discussion: 01:20–01:50
• NYPD officer shot: 02:31–03:15
• Utility debt crisis: 03:15–03:40
• America 250th ornament: 03:40–04:20
• Market update: 04:20–04:29

This compact Fox News update delivers major legal, political, and public health headlines in brisk succession, punctuated by pointed quotes and timely context for each developing story.