Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET 11/17/2025

Host: Ted Lindner
Date: November 17, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update spotlights top headlines as the U.S. approaches the busy Thanksgiving holiday period, covering the lifting of FAA flight restrictions, aftermath of a government shutdown, U.S. military actions in the Pacific, updates on Jesse Jackson’s health, Congressional dynamics post-shutdown, the resumption of Bethlehem’s Christmas festivities, and President Trump’s stance on the potential release of Jeffrey Epstein–related House files.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Air Travel Recovers After Shutdown

• [00:02–00:55]

  • The FAA ended flight restrictions placed during the recent government shutdown, aiming for normalcy before Thanksgiving.
  • Devin Truby from Fox 2 San Francisco reports that while airlines are optimistic, experts doubt a quick recovery due to unresolved staffing issues, especially among air traffic controllers.
  • SFO has seen delays/cancellations drop from the hundreds to tens over the weekend.
  • AAA reports over 20,000 delays and 600 cancellations on Sunday.
  • Peak Thanksgiving travel forecasted for the Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday, and the Sunday after.

  Notable Quote:

  “But some experts are not sure the system can recover so quick. It depends on air traffic controllers returning to work. The number that may have retired is still unknown.”
  — Devin Truby, [00:24]

2. U.S. Military Strikes in the Pacific Raise Controversy

• [00:55–01:27]

  • The U.S. military took out another alleged drug boat, killing three in the Pacific.
  • Actions face bipartisan criticism as extrajudicial killings.
  • Congressman Rick Crawford (R–Arkansas) defends the strikes, saying President Trump designated trafficking groups as terrorist organizations, making these similar to counterterrorist operations.
  • At least 83 deaths reported in 21 strikes; Navy buildup continues in the Caribbean.

  Notable Quote:

  “The operations that are taking place against those targets are very similar to the kind of counterterrorist operations that we have seen.”
  — Rep. Rick Crawford, [01:23]

3. Jesse Jackson Hospitalized but Stable

• [01:27–01:59]
  • Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson is stable after hospitalization for a degenerative brain disorder.
  • Placed on a form of life-support following low blood pressure, he is now breathing unaided.
  • Family statement confirms stability.

4. Congressional Return: Shutdown Fallout and Healthcare Dealings

• [03:02–03:41]

  • Congress meets in full for the first time since October’s shutdown.
  • Internal Democratic rifts over reopening government without ensuring ACA tax credit extensions.
  • Discussions ongoing for a deal on healthcare, with looming year-end expiration for tax credits.

  Notable Quote:

  “Some conversations are underway on striking a deal on health care and an agreement that can pass both chambers will have to be made before the end of the year when the tax credits expire.”
  — Ryan Schmelz, [03:29]

5. Bethlehem’s Christmas Celebrations Resume Post-War

• [03:41–04:16]

  • Bethlehem restores street Christmas celebrations after two-year pause due to the Hamas-Israeli war and recent ceasefire.
  • Festivities kick off with a tree lighting in Manger Square on December 6.
  • Mayor invites visitors to “the cradle of Christianity.”

  Notable Quote:

  “We invite you to come and visit Bethlehem, the cradle of Christianity and the capital of the Christian world.”
  — Bethlehem Mayor (via Roger Stern), [04:14]

6. Trump Reverses on Release of Epstein Files

• [04:23–04:50]

  • President Trump now urges House Republicans to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, insisting he has “nothing to hide.”
  • Democrats and some Republicans have called for greater transparency; a House vote could come this week.
  • Trump, via Truth Social, labels the controversy a “democrat hoax perpetrated by radical left lunatics.”

  Notable Quote:

  “The president saying he has nothing to hide.”
  — Fox News anchor, [04:34]
  “The controversy was a, quote, democrat hoax perpetrated by radical left lunatics.”
  — Ted Lindner quoting President Trump, [04:52]

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:02–00:55| FAA lifts flight restrictions; airports returning to normal | | 00:55–01:27| U.S. military strikes in Pacific; political reactions | | 01:27–01:59| Jesse Jackson health update | | 03:02–03:41| Congress reconvenes; ACA tax credit debate | | 03:41–04:16| Bethlehem resumes Christmas festivities | | 04:23–04:50| Trump urges release of Epstein files |

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• “It depends on air traffic controllers returning to work. The number that may have retired is still unknown.”
  — Devin Truby, [00:24]
• “These operations are very similar to the kind of counterterrorist operations that we have seen.”
  — Congressman Rick Crawford, [01:23]
• “Some conversations are underway on striking a deal on health care... will have to be made before the end of the year when the tax credits expire.”
  — Ryan Schmelz, [03:29]
• “We invite you to come and visit Bethlehem, the cradle of Christianity and the capital of the Christian world.”
  — Bethlehem Mayor, [04:14]
• “The controversy was a, quote, democrat hoax perpetrated by radical left lunatics.”
  — President Trump via Ted Lindner, [04:52]

Tone and Style

The report maintains a brisk, factual, and urgent tone typical of major network newscasts, interspersed with direct reporting from correspondents and quotes from key newsmakers. Most statements stick closely to conveying essential updates while including a few sharp political exchanges relevant to the main headlines.