Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET, 11/20/2025
Host: Ted Lindner, FOX News Podcasts
Date: November 20, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode delivers the latest headlines shaping U.S. politics, safety, and culture on November 20, 2025. Major topics include the signing of a bill mandating the release of the Epstein files, White House updates, FAA modernization efforts, CMA Awards highlights, developments in a cruise ship death investigation, a troubling baby formula recall, and a new FOX poll on public opinion regarding government performance.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Release of the Epstein Files
[00:02–00:47]
- President Trump signed a bill forcing the DOJ to release the Epstein files within 30 days.
- The Attorney General has pledged "maximum transparency," although Democrats demand additional oversight to ensure full disclosure.
- Republicans accuse Democrats of political maneuvering by pushing for the files' release at this time.
- Trump’s Truth Social post highlights proactive sharing:
"At his direction, the DOJ has already turned over close to 50,000 pages of documents to Congress from those files."
- There is concern some files could be withheld due to ongoing investigations, as permitted by the bill.
“Some are worried the Justice Department could choose not to release some files if they're related to ongoing investigations, which the bill does allow.” [00:47]
White House and NYC Mayor Meeting
[00:47–01:34]
- President Trump is set to meet New York City's incoming Mayor, Olek Zoram Mamdani, in the Oval Office on Friday, November 21.
- Trump’s Truth Social comment:
“Communist mayor of New York City Zoram Mamdani has asked for a meeting. We’ve agreed that this meeting will take place at the Oval Office on Friday, November 21…” [00:47]
- Mamdani’s term starts January 1, 2026.
FAA Modernization Amid Staff Shortages
[01:34–01:47]
- Due to significant retirements after the government shutdown, the Trump administration prioritizes upgrading air traffic control.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy justifies the FAA’s $22B budget for modernization:
"That's the hardware of radios and voice switches and radar. And we're going to rebuild the whole telecom system, build a whole new software system to control the airspace." — Sean Duffy [01:34]
- Over $12B earmarked for air traffic control modernization, described as the “one big beautiful bill.” [01:47]
CMA Awards: Lainey Wilson’s Big Night
[03:38–03:59]
- The 59th annual CMA Awards took place in Nashville.
- Country star Keith Urban announced Lainey Wilson as the 2025 Entertainer of the Year:
“And the CMA award for entertainer of the Year goes… Lainey Wilson.” — Keith Urban [03:48]
- Lainey Wilson also secured Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and served as show host.
Carnival Horizon Cruise Ship Death Investigation
[03:59–04:34]
- New developments in the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner onboard the Carnival Horizon.
- The victim’s stepmother, Chantel Kepner, filed a court motion citing potential self-incrimination or implication of a minor child (the victim’s 16-year-old stepbrother, considered a prime suspect) in the FBI investigation.
"She acknowledges the FBI, which is investigating the 18 year old girl's death, could be filing charges against her against a stepbrother to the victim who is 16 years old." — Eben Brown [04:15]
- Cause of death still undetermined.
Ongoing Baby Formula Recall Issues
[04:34–05:15]
- Despite a nationwide recall, Bihart baby formula remains on sale in at least three states: Minnesota, Oregon, and Arizona.
- The contaminated formula is linked to infantile botulism: 31 babies in 15 states hospitalized, but no deaths reported yet.
“Health officials are warning no affected product should be sold or consumed. Infant botulism can cause paralysis and death.” — Tom Rigotti [04:41]
FOX Poll: Public Opinion on Economy & Congress
[05:15–05:34]
- New poll: Most voters believe the White House is harming the economy.
- Congressional approval further eroded post-shutdown, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer most impacted by sinking approval ratings.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the Epstein Files Bill:
"President Trump signed that bill directing the DOJ to release the Epstein case files... DOJ now has 30 days to release it." — Christina Coleman [00:14]
- On FAA Modernization:
"We're going to rebuild the whole telecom system, build a whole new software system to control the airspace." — Sean Duffy [01:34]
- On the CMA Awards:
“And the CMA award for entertainer of the Year goes… Lainey Wilson.” — Keith Urban [03:48]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Epstein Files Legislation: 00:02–00:47
- White House & NYC Mayor News: 00:47–01:34
- FAA Modernization: 01:34–01:47
- CMA Awards Results: 03:38–03:59
- Cruise Ship Death Investigation: 03:59–04:34
- Baby Formula Recall Update: 04:34–05:15
- FOX Poll Findings: 05:15–05:34
Episode Tone
The reporting is brisk, straightforward, and packed with political undertones, particularly regarding the Epstein files, economic evaluation, and government modernization initiatives. The commentary stays in line with FOX News’ fast-paced, news-focused delivery.