Fox News Hourly Update – 8PM ET 09/25/2025 Newscast

Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Lisa Lacera (with Jared Halpern, David Spunt, Jennifer Griffin, Ryan Schmell, Therese Crowley)

Overview

This episode covers major breaking news and key national updates within a concise newscast format. Highlights include the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, sweeping tariff announcements by President Trump, an unprecedented Pentagon meeting called by the Secretary of War, political moves in Congress, the Farmer’s Almanac winter forecast, and an upcoming Jim Henson auction.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. James Comey Indicted for Obstruction and False Statements

• Breaking News:
  Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted on charges of obstruction of justice and making false statements regarding his testimony to Congress during the Trump-Russia investigation.

• Details:

  • Charges relate to September 30, 2020 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • The statute of limitations for lying to Congress is five years, making the timing notable.
  • President Trump, posting on Truth Social, states Comey is “being held accountable for his crimes.”

• Quote:

  “They got this in right under the deadline.” — Jared Halpern [00:15]

2. President Trump Announces Major New Tariffs

• Details:

  • Announced new tariffs:
    • 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities
    • 30% on upholstered furniture
    • 25% on heavy trucks (effective October 1st)
    • Threatened 100% import tax on pharmaceutical drugs if companies don’t build plants in the U.S.
  • Reflects the administration’s strong stance on protectionist trade policies.

• Quote:

  “…President just announcing another sweeping round of tariffs…” — Lisa Lacera [00:39]

3. Hundreds of Generals Ordered to an Unusual Pentagon Gathering

• Details:

  • Around 800 generals, admirals, and senior enlisted aides summoned to an in-person meeting with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at Marine Base Quantico.
  • The purpose of the meeting is undisclosed, raising anxiety across leadership ranks.
  • Background: Secretary Hegseth has a reputation for “angry outbursts” and has threatened polygraph tests.
  • Concerns voiced: security risks in gathering top brass in one location; questioning why a video teleconference isn’t used.

• Quote:

  “…sent shockwaves through an already fearful officer corps who have been on the receiving end of angry outbursts by Secretary Hegseth…” — Jennifer Griffin [01:12]

4. Articles of Impeachment Planned Against HHS Secretary

• Details:

  • Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) to draft impeachment articles against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.
  • Accusations: jeopardizing public health, increasing healthcare costs, and cutting medical research.
  • Political context: Impeachment unlikely with Republican control of Congress; the administration defends its policy as “shaking up the medical world.”

• Quote:

  “Kennedy stands little chance of being impeached with Republicans controlling Congress.” — Ryan Schmell [02:36]

5. 2025 Winter Forecast from the Old Farmer’s Almanac

• Highlights:

  • Most of the country to experience near or slightly above-normal temperatures; overall, drier conditions expected.
  • Specifics:
    • West Coast & Arizona: mild and dry
    • Plains to Texas and Chicago: mild and dry; upper Midwest similar
    • Kentucky to Pennsylvania: cold and dry
    • Ohio to North Carolina: snowy patch
    • Florida: cold and wet
    • Mountain West: mild and wet
    • New Mexico & Northern Arizona: mild and snowy
    • Mid Atlantic through New England: mild and dry
  • Almanac professes 80% forecast accuracy, based on "solar activity, moon cycles, and position of the planets.”

• Quote:

  “But your accuracy may vary.” — Therese Crowley [03:15]

6. Jim Henson Company to Auction Historic Puppets and Props

• Details:

  • For the first time, artifacts from Jim Henson’s career will be auctioned.
  • Iconic items include puppets and props from Muppet characters, as part of the company’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
  • Online bidding opens October 22nd.

• Memorable Exchange:

  “It’s time to play the music.” — Lisa Lacera [03:57]
  “It’s time to light the light.” — Jared Halpern [03:59]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Lisa Lacera [00:01]:
  “James Comey indicted on charges of obstruction of justice and making false statements over testimony he gave to Congress in the Trump Russia investigation.”
• Jared Halpern [00:15]:
  “They got this in right under the deadline.”
• Jennifer Griffin [01:12]:
  “…sent shockwaves through an already fearful officer corps who have been on the receiving end of angry outbursts by Secretary Hegseth…”
• Ryan Schmell [02:36]:
  “Kennedy stands little chance of being impeached with Republicans controlling Congress.”
• Therese Crowley [03:15]:
  “But your accuracy may vary.”
• Lisa Lacera & Jared Halpern [03:57-04:00]:
  “It’s time to play the music.” / “It’s time to light the light.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01: Breaking News: James Comey indicted
• 00:39: President Trump announces tariffs
• 01:12: Pentagon summons top brass
• 02:36: Impeachment articles announced
• 03:15: Winter forecast from the Old Farmer’s Almanac
• 03:57: Jim Henson archives auction announced

Conclusion

This newscast delivered rapid updates on major political, economic, defense, and cultural stories shaping the nation. The tone was brisk and serious, with brief moments of levity. Listeners are kept informed on the latest headlines, with clear reporting and concise analysis.