Fox News Hourly Update – 3PM ET, November 18, 2025

Episode Purpose:
This episode delivers a brisk overview of the day’s most pressing political news and notable events, focusing largely on congressional transparency efforts, Texas redistricting, U.S.-Saudi relations, a contentious self-defense case in Oklahoma, and upcoming Senate testimony regarding aviation worker pay during government shutdowns.

Main Segments

House Passes Epstein Files Transparency Bill

(00:03–01:10)

• Key Facts:

  • The House passed a bill (427 yeas, 1 nay) mandating the release of files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
  • The bill seeks greater transparency beyond existing Justice Department disclosures.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Jamie Raskin voice strong support but differ on further modification and timing.

• Notable Discussion Points:

  • Speaker Mike Johnson: Emphasizes Republican pursuit of total openness, especially concerning individuals associated with Epstein.
  • Rep. Jamie Raskin: Pushes for immediate action, insisting "there's no need for further delay."
  • The need to balance transparency with protecting victim/whistleblower privacy and not compromising national security is debated.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "The yeas are 427. The nays are one."
    — Stephanie Dillard (00:07)
  • "Disclosing the names of anybody who had anything to do with these evils... They must be brought to justice."
    — Jamie Raskin (00:26)
  • "The cat is out of the bag and we know what's been going on for decades. It’s been a double standard. Justice."
    — Mike Johnson (00:49)

• Political Context:

  • Both parties accuse each other of politicizing the issue.

Texas Congressional Map Blocked as Racial Gerrymander

(01:10–01:33)

• Key Facts:

  • Federal court blocks use of the new Texas congressional map, citing evidence of racial gerrymandering.
  • Five seats were redrawn to favor Republicans; Voting Rights Act prohibits racial gerrymandering.
  • Texas seeks a Supreme Court stay; ripple effects visible in other states, including a new round of redistricting in California.

• Reporting:

  • Jessica Rosenthal highlights the difference between political and racial gerrymandering, noting, “The courts have generally upheld ideologically drawn lines.” (01:27)

U.S.-Saudi Relations Intensify

(02:16–03:04)

• Key Facts:

  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received high honors from President Trump, including a military flyover.
  • The visit spotlights significant defense and economic agreements. Saudi Arabia commits nearly $1 trillion in U.S. investments, and the U.S. agrees to F-35 fighter jet sales to the kingdom.

• Memorable Moments:

  • President Trump strongly supports the Crown Prince, stating, "What he's done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else." (02:27)
  • Bristles at questions about the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, asserting, "We've improved our system... it's painful and it's a huge mistake and we are doing our best that this doesn't happen again." (02:44)

• Further Details:

  • The leaders are scheduled for a black-tie dinner at the White House that evening.

Oklahoma Self-Defense Controversy

(03:15–03:46)

• Key Facts:

  • A former 7-Eleven clerk in Oklahoma City shot and wounded an attacker after being assaulted during her shift. Police say she acted within state self-defense laws.
  • The clerk was fired for violating company policy on self-defense.
  • 7-Eleven remains silent on the firing; the attacker faces multiple felony charges.

• Memorable Quote:

  • The clerk says, "I felt like I was put in a corner and I’m always going to choose my life because there's people that depend on me."
    — Stephanie Dillard (03:39)

• Narrative Tension:

  • The divide between employee self-defense rights and corporate policy is underscored.

Aviation Industry vs. Government Shutdown Disruptions

(03:52–04:13)

• Key Facts:
  • The head of the trade group representing major U.S. airlines is set to urge the Senate to ensure air traffic controllers and essential workers are paid during government shutdowns, aiming to end recurring aviation disruptions.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "Disclosing the names of anybody who had anything to do with these evils, anybody who conspired with or aided in any way... They must be brought to justice."
  — Jamie Raskin (00:26)

• "The cat is out of the bag and we know what's been going on for decades. It's been a double standard. Justice."
  — Mike Johnson (00:49)

• "The courts have generally upheld ideologically drawn lines."
  — Jessica Rosenthal (01:27)

• "What he's done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else."
  — President Trump (02:27)

• "It's painful and it's a huge mistake and we are doing our best that this doesn't happen again."
  — President Trump (02:44)

• "This was a situation where I felt like I was put in a corner and I’m always going to choose my life because there's people that depend on me."
  — Stephanie Dillard (03:39)

Summary Flow & Utility

This episode provides a concise yet vivid account of major national stories. Listeners are brought up to date on:

• Congressional pushes for transparency in high-profile criminal cases,
• The fraught legal battles over gerrymandering in Texas,
• The evolving diplomatic and defense bonds between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia,
• The real-life consequences of self-defense policy in the workplace,
• And efforts to protect air travel from government shutdowns.

Each segment offers direct quotations, clear context, and highlights the ongoing political and social tensions underpinning the day's news.