Fox News Hourly Update – 1AM ET, November 18, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

This newscast provides an overview of major national and international news headlines. Key focuses include Congressional moves on the Epstein files, political responses, developments in immigration enforcement, updates on the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, new public health strategies in the U.S., and leadership turmoil at FEMA.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressional Push to Release Epstein Files

• Congress is planning a significant vote on whether to require the Justice Department to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
• President Trump voiced strong support for disclosure, urging Republicans to support the measure.
• Legal limitations remain due to grand jury testimony rules, highlighted by past disputes during the Trump administration.
• A bipartisan "discharge petition" has brought the resolution to the House floor, with a Senate vote pending if passed in the House.

Notable Quotes:

• "President Trump on Truth Social saying he wants the Epstein files disclosed." (00:09, Ted Lindner)
• "They've released what they can legally release. There's grand jury testimony... and the judge, who was an Obama appointee, rejected the Trump Department of Justice request to release the grand jury testimony. So a judge has to issue that." (00:20, James Comer)
• "President Trump is urging Republicans to vote in favor of a resolution that would compel the release of the Epstein files, saying members of his party have, quote, nothing to hide." (00:45, Ryan Schmelz)
• “House Speaker Mike Johnson agrees.” (00:57, Ryan Schmelz)
• “He’s never had anything to hide. He and I had the same concern that we wanted to ensure that victims of these hate crimes are completely protected from disclosure.” (00:57, Mike Johnson)

Timestamps:

• Congressional debate: 00:02–01:21

2. Larry Summers Steps Back from Public Commitments

• Former Treasury Secretary and Harvard President Larry Summers announces withdrawal from public roles.
• The move follows recent releases of email exchanges between Summers and Jeffrey Epstein.

Timestamps:

• Summers announcement: 01:21–01:31

3. Immigration Enforcement: "Operation Charlotte’s Web"

• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announces targeted operations in Charlotte, NC, addressing undocumented immigrants with criminal histories.
• Focus is on individuals involved in serious crimes such as robberies, assaults, and DUIs.

Notable Quote:

• "We're going after people who've committed robbery, robberies, assaults, DUIs." (01:49, Kristi Noem)

Timestamps:

• Immigration operation: 01:31–01:59

4. U.S. Role in the Gaza Ceasefire

• The United States, via Central Command, is assisting in enforcing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
• Their responsibilities include coordinating an International Stabilization Force for Gaza, with no American troops physically entering Gaza.
• U.S. entities are also tasked with enabling humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians amidst adverse weather and famine conditions.

Notable Quotes:

• “Central Command is overseeing the Gaza ceasefire along with representatives from over variety of other countries... There will be no U.S. boots on the ground.” (03:46, Trey Inks)

Timestamps:

• Gaza ceasefire: 03:37–04:08

5. New Strategies from the Department of Health and Human Services

• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questions the rise in food allergies, highlighting possible links to toxins in food and vaccines.
• The department is moving to require safety proof for certain food ingredients and is targeting the removal of petroleum-based additives.
• Focus is on combating chronic illnesses and bringing U.S. food standards closer to European standards.

Notable Quotes:

• “How come food allergies barely existed 30 years ago?” (04:23, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.)
• “The increase of aluminum... began in 1989, which is in lockstep with the expansion of allergies.” (04:37)

Timestamps:

• Health initiatives: 04:08–05:04

6. FEMA Leadership Change

• Acting FEMA Chief David Richardson resigns after six months, amid ongoing staff departures and program changes at the agency.
• Richardson faced criticism over his handling of major Texas floods earlier in the year.

Timestamps:

• FEMA leadership: 05:04–05:34

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Epstein Files:
  “There’s grand jury testimony... and a judge, who was an Obama appointee, rejected the Trump Department of Justice request to release the grand jury testimony.” — James Comer (00:20)

• On Party Transparency:
  “Members of his party have, quote, nothing to hide.” — Ryan Schmelz, paraphrasing President Trump (00:45)

• On Public Health:
  “How come food allergies barely existed 30 years ago?” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (04:23)

Timeline of Important Segments

• Epstein Files Debate: 00:02–01:21
• Larry Summers Withdrawal: 01:21–01:31
• “Operation Charlotte's Web”: 01:31–01:59
• Gaza Ceasefire & Aid: 03:37–04:08
• Health Department's New Approach: 04:08–05:04
• FEMA Leadership Changes: 05:04–05:34

Tone & Style:
The newscast maintains a brisk, fact-driven tone. Speakers are direct and focused, delivering essential information with clarity and urgency typical of major network news updates.

This summary provides a concise but thorough guide to the episode’s main topics and statements, aiming to keep listeners up-to-date on evolving political, public health, and international issues.