Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET 11/15/2025 Newscast
Host: Chris DiMeo (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: November 15, 2025
Episode Overview
This newscast delivers the latest updates on U.S. international trade, increased military activity in the Caribbean, a notable criminal incident involving a U.S. attorney’s office, congressional efforts to prevent a government shutdown, a tragic child abuse case in Connecticut, and significant market developments. The episode features on-the-ground reporting, official statements, and concise analysis of headline stories.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. President Trump Finalizes New Trade Deals
[00:02–00:53]
- Trade Agreements:
President Trump’s administration announced two new trade agreements with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. - Tariff Reductions:
Both countries agreed to lower their tariff rates to 15%. - Benefits Cited:
- Encourages reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing to the U.S.
- Expected to create more American jobs.
- Food Import Exemptions:
Certain foods not sufficiently produced in the U.S.—including coffee, cocoa beans, bananas, and Argentine beef—will be exempt from import tariffs, aiming to lower consumer prices. - Notable Quote:
"Those countries bought down their tariff rate to 15%. And this serves two purposes. You've got reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing here as well as adding jobs."
— Edward Lawrence ([00:23]) - Immediate Consumer Impact:
Lower prices anticipated for products like coffee and beef from Argentina.
2. U.S. Military “Operation Southern Sphere” in Caribbean
[00:53–01:32]
- Increased Activity:
U.S. military presence in the Caribbean is ramping up significantly. - New Operation:
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced "Operation Southern Sphere," deploying more forces to counter narco terrorism and drug trafficking. - Mission Goals:
- Defend U.S. homeland
- Remove narco-terrorist threats from the hemisphere
- Intercept drug shipments
- Key Locations:
Military exercises expand in Trinidad and Tobago and off the coast of Venezuela. - Major Assets:
The Pentagon's largest aircraft carrier has arrived in the region for this mission. - Controversy:
Legal questions are raised about attacking alleged drug trafficking boats on both sides of South America. - Notable Quote:
"He says the mission defends our homeland, removes narco terrorists from our hemisphere and secures our homeland from the drugs that are killing people."
— Christina Coleman ([01:03])
3. Security Incident at U.S. Attorney’s Office
[01:32–01:59]
- Incident:
The FBI identified Keith Michael Lisa as the suspect who entered U.S. attorney Helena Haba's office armed with a baseball bat and caused property damage. - Manhunt & Reward:
There's a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. - Presidential Travel:
President Trump is confirmed to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, later this year.
4. Mega Millions Lottery Jackpot Winner
[03:38–03:57]
- Winning Ticket:
The drought is over: a winning ticket for the $980 million Mega Millions jackpot was sold in Georgia. - Historical Context:
- Eighth largest jackpot in the game’s history.
- The prior winner was announced on June 27, 2025.
- Only seven jackpots in history have topped $1 billion.
5. Congressional Action to Avoid Government Shutdown
[03:57–04:32]
- Progress on Appropriations Bills:
- Three out of 12 appropriations bills have been passed to fund the government for the fiscal year ending in September.
- Senate and House leaders John Thune and Mike Johnson advocate for "regular order" in passing remaining bills.
- Partially Funded Agencies:
Veterans Affairs and Agriculture already funded. - Next Steps:
The Senate may take up bills for military, Education, Commerce, Labor, and HUD next week. - Votes Needed:
Sixty Senate votes required to advance remaining bills. - Next Deadline:
End of January for next funding deadline. - Notable Quote:
"The Senate could look at bills next week to fund the military and the Departments of Education, Commerce, Labor, Housing and Urban Development and others."
— Ryan Schmelz ([04:18])
6. Tragic Child Abuse Case in Connecticut
[04:32–05:22]
- Case Details:
- Eleven-year-old Jacqueline "Mimi" Torres Garcia was found dead, allegedly starved by family members.
- Mother Carla Garcia and her former boyfriend charged with murder; both are appearing in court.
- Aunt Jacqueline Garcia charged with child cruelty, pleaded not guilty.
- Grisly Details:
Victim's body was kept in the basement for months, later found in a plastic bin at an abandoned house. - State Oversight Questions:
Allegations that another child impersonated the victim in a welfare call. - Notable Quote:
"Officials in Farmington say they believe Mimi's family starved her to death sometime in September of 2024 and then stored her body in the basement of their apartment for months."
— Kristin Goodwin ([04:54])
7. Stock Market Update
[05:22–05:34]
- Market Movement:
The Dow fell more than 300 points, marking a significant downturn to close the week.
Notable Quotes & Highlights
- Edward Lawrence ([00:23]):
"Those countries bought down their tariff rate to 15%. And this serves two purposes. You've got reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing here as well as adding jobs." - Christina Coleman ([01:03]):
"He says the mission defends our homeland, removes narco terrorists from our hemisphere and secures our homeland from the drugs that are killing people." - Ryan Schmelz ([04:18]):
"The Senate could look at bills next week to fund the military and the Departments of Education, Commerce, Labor, Housing and Urban Development and others." - Kristin Goodwin ([04:54]):
"Officials in Farmington say they believe Mimi's family starved her to death sometime in September of 2024 and then stored her body in the basement of their apartment for months."
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Trade Deals (Edward Lawrence): 00:02–00:53
- Caribbean Military Operation (Christina Coleman): 00:53–01:32
- FBI/Attorney's Office Incident: 01:32–01:59
- Mega Millions Winner: 03:38–03:57
- Government Funding Efforts (Ryan Schmelz): 03:57–04:32
- Child Abuse Case in Connecticut (Kristin Goodwin): 04:32–05:22
- Stock Market Update: 05:22–05:34
Tone & Takeaway
The newscast maintains a brisk, factual tone, spotlighting high-priority issues in government, security, international trade, and public concern. It balances official statements and reporter commentary, providing concise but significant context for each headline story. This episode is particularly informative for those wanting a quick but comprehensive sweep of national and international developments on November 15, 2025.
