Fox News Hourly Update: 5AM ET 11/25/2025 Newscast

Host: Ted Lindner, FOX News
Date: November 25, 2025

Episode Overview

This edition of the Fox News Hourly Update covers major judicial and political stories, severe weather in Houston, international diplomacy regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, President Trump's upcoming travel and diplomatic plans, a lighthearted Thanksgiving turkey pardon, and a New York mayoral election dispute. The episode delivers concise updates on these key national and international news items, with commentary and on-the-ground reporting from Fox News correspondents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Judge Dismisses Cases Against James Comey and Letitia James

[00:02 – 01:14]

• Federal Judge’s Ruling:

  • A federal judge, appointed by former President Clinton, dismissed criminal cases against ex-FBI Director James Comey and New York AG Letitia James.
  • The White House criticized the ruling, accusing the judge of playing politics.

• White House and DOJ Response:

  • US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced plans for "all available legal action, including an immediate appeal" to hold Comey and Letitia James "accountable for their unlawful complex."
  • Pam Bondi:

    "We'll be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal to hold Letitia James and James Comey accountable for their unlawful complex." (00:21)

• James Comey Reacts:

  • Expressed relief at the dismissal, emphasizing implications for the role of the Justice Department.
  • James Comey:

    "This case mattered to me personally, obviously. But it matters most because a message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies." (00:33)

• Case Background (Mark Meredith Report):

  • Prosecutors had charged Comey with lying to Congress in 2020; he pled not guilty.
  • The defense argued that the prosecutor lacked proper authority to bring the charges.

2. Houston Tornado Damages Over 100 Homes

[01:14 – 01:50]

• Incident Summary:

  • Over 100 homes damaged by a likely tornado in Houston.
  • Eyewitness describes the scene:

    "I see it start spinning and then I see the spiral coming down and then stuff just starts flying past my head. A garbage bin flew past." (01:22)

• Casualties:

  • No injuries have been reported.

• Official Assessment:

  • National Weather Service will survey the damage to determine tornado strength later in the day.

3. President Trump’s Diplomatic Engagements with China

[01:50 – 02:00]

• US-China Presidential Communication:
  • President Trump spoke by phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
  • Plans announced for Trump to visit Beijing in April and to invite Xi for a reciprocal state visit to the US next year.

4. US-Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks in Geneva

[02:29 – 03:50]

• Ongoing Talks:

  • American and Ukrainian delegates are holding peace negotiations in Geneva with European leaders.
  • The US-backed plan proposes Ukraine cede some territory to Russia—an idea strongly opposed by Ukrainian President Zelensky.

• Reporting and Reactions:

  • Peter Doocy summarizes the situation:

    "Putin wants legal recognition for what he has stolen. To break the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty, some give and take will be necessary, according to the Secretary of state in Geneva." (02:41)

  • Vice President Vance's frustration is highlighted, as Democrats allege US isn’t prioritizing Ukraine’s needs.
  • Ukraine’s constitution would require a public referendum to change borders, and Zelensky vows not to surrender land.
  • The American peace plan faces criticism for being potentially more favorable to Russia, despite input from both countries.

5. White House Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon

[03:50 – 04:08]

• Tradition Continues:
  • President Trump will pardon two turkeys, Gobble and Waddle, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, in a ceremony at the White House.
  • The turkeys received their names via a poll conducted by First Lady Melania Trump.
  • Ryan Schmelz reports from the White House.

6. New York Mayoral Race Controversy

[04:08 – 04:28]

• Controversy:
  • The New York Post reports Curtis Sliwa is accused of owing campaign workers thousands in back pay from his unsuccessful mayoral bid.
  • Sliwa pledges workers will be paid soon.
  • Election outcome: Sliwa lost to Democrat Zora Mamdani, now the mayor-elect.

Notable Quotes

• Pam Bondi (US Attorney General), on legal action against Comey and James:

  "We'll be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal to hold Letitia James and James Comey accountable for their unlawful complex." (00:21)

• James Comey (ex-FBI Director), on the case’s significance:

  "This case mattered to me personally, obviously. But it matters most because a message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies." (00:33)

• Houston Tornado Eyewitness:

  "I see it start spinning and then I see the spiral coming down and then stuff just starts flying past my head. A garbage bin flew past." (01:22)

• Peter Doocy (on Russia’s demands in peace talks):

  "Putin wants legal recognition for what he has stolen. To break the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty, some give and take will be necessary, according to the Secretary of state in Geneva." (02:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Dismissal of Cases Against Comey & James, Reactions: 00:02 – 01:14
• Houston Tornado Damage: 01:14 – 01:50
• Trump-Xi Jinping Phone Call & Diplomatic Plans: 01:50 – 02:00
• Geneva Peace Talks on Ukraine: 02:29 – 03:50
• Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon: 03:50 – 04:08
• Curtis Sliwa Back Pay Dispute: 04:08 – 04:28

This summary covers all critical reporting and commentary from the episode, with quotes and context for each top story, providing a clear update for those who did not listen to the newscast.