Fox News Hourly Update – 11PM ET (11/17/2025)

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise update on major news stories across the United States and around the world. Topics include a federal court ruling on National Guard deployment in Tennessee, a major immigration crackdown, President Trump’s demands on the Epstein files, a U.N. vote on Gaza, turnover at FEMA, a new poll on economic optimism, and other key events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tennessee Judge Blocks National Guard Use in Memphis

• [00:02] A federal judge blocks the Trump administration’s use of the National Guard in Memphis as part of a crime-fighting operation but pauses the order, allowing five days for a government appeal.
  • Governor Bill Lee is now restricted from deploying the Guard for civil unrest unless there is “rebellion or invasion,” which would require state lawmakers’ action.
  • Troops have been in Memphis for over a month, part of President Trump's "attack task force."
• Notable Quote:
  • "The operation must be put on hold." – Lisa Licera [00:02]
• Over 130 people arrested in an immigration crackdown in Charlotte, North Carolina.

2. Immigration Crackdown in Charlotte, NC

• [00:39] Focused on "the worst of the worst" offenders such as those accused of robberies, assaults, and DUIs.

  • "We're using the investigative cases that we've built on these individuals in that area to go out after the worst of the worst. We're going after people who've committed robberies, assaults, DUIs." – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem [00:39]

• [00:51] North Carolina Governor Josh Stein criticizes the crackdown, stating:

  • "The crackdown is not making us safer; it's striking fear and dividing our community." – Governor Josh Stein (paraphrased by anchor) [00:51]

3. President Trump and the Epstein Files

• [01:13] President Trump calls for Republicans to release the Epstein files, denying any connection is legitimate and dismissing allegations as a "hoax made up by Democrats."
  • "All I want is, I want for people to recognize a great job that I've done on pricing, on affordability because we brought prices way down, but they go way lower." – President Trump [01:13]
• President also demands that the Justice Department investigate Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton, regarding Epstein ties.

4. UN Security Council Passes US-Backed Gaza Plan

• [01:34] The United Nations Security Council approves a U.S.-backed plan for Gaza.
  • U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz explains the plan:
    • "The Board of Peace, which will be led by President Trump, remains the cornerstone of our effort. The board will coordinate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, facilitate Gaza's development, and support a technocratic committee of Palestinians responsible for day to day operations." – Mike Waltz [01:34]
• Hamas rejects the plan.

5. FEMA Leadership Change

• [03:37] Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson resigns.
  • DHS Chief of Staff Karen Evans to take over December 1.
  • Richardson credited for leading FEMA through the 2025 hurricane season and eliminating inefficiencies.

6. Former Alaska Airlines Pilot Sentencing

• [04:19] Joseph Emerson, who attempted to cut engines while off-duty in 2023, is sentenced to time served and supervised release—no additional prison time.

7. American Communities Project / Ipsos Poll Insights

• [04:38] New poll explores economic anxiety and optimism:
  • Main unifying concern: inflation and cost of living.
  • Rural optimism: 60% of residents from rural middle America are hopeful about the nation’s future (up from 43% last year).
  • Urban pessimism: Urban optimism drops from 55% last year to 45%.
  • Hispanic concerns: Despite increased Hispanic support for Trump last November, people in heavily Hispanic areas feel less optimistic about their communities' futures since Trump’s election.
  • "What truly unites the nation is the worry about inflation and what things cost..." – CJ Papa, ACP Director [04:38]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Lisa Licera [00:02]: “The operation must be put on hold. I'm Lisa Lacera, Fox News.”
• Kristi Noem [00:39]: “We're using the investigative cases ... to go out after the worst of the worst. We're going after people who've committed robberies, assaults, DUIs.”
• President Trump [01:13]: “All I want is, I want for people to recognize a great job that I've done on pricing, on affordability because we brought prices way down, but they go way lower.”
• Mike Waltz [01:34]: “The Board of Peace, which will be led by President Trump remains the cornerstone of our effort.”
• CJ Papa [04:38]: “What truly unites the nation is the worry about inflation and what things cost...”

Segment Timestamps

• [00:02] National Guard in Memphis blocked by judge
• [00:39] Immigration crackdown in Charlotte: rationale and reactions
• [01:13] Trump on Epstein files and party politics
• [01:34] U.N. Security Council Gaza plan and U.S. leadership
• [03:37] FEMA Administrator changes
• [04:19] Alaska Airlines pilot sentencing
• [04:38] National poll on economic optimism and divisions

Conclusion

This newscast covers fast-moving political, legal, and social developments, focusing on the balance between security and civil liberties, the politics of high-profile investigations, shifts in federal leadership, and the mood of the American public in late 2025. The tone remains urgent, authoritative, and focused on national issues.