Fox News Hourly Update — 5AM ET, November 19, 2025 Newscast
Host: Ted Lindner (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: November 19, 2025
Episode Overview
This newscast from FOX News provides a concise, comprehensive roundup of top U.S. and international news stories for the morning of November 19, 2025. Major themes include legislative moves for government transparency regarding Jeffrey Epstein, diplomatic developments in the Middle East, U.S.-Saudi relations, preview of the CMA Awards, updates on the Baltimore bridge collapse investigation, and legal proceedings involving a Wisconsin judge.
Key News Segments & Discussion Points
1. Congress Moves to Release Epstein Files
[00:02–00:49]
- Legislation Passes to Release DOJ Epstein Records:
Congress voted decisively to compel the Department of Justice to release all files concerning convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. - “Legislation requiring release of the Justice Department's files on Jeffrey Epstein is now heading to the president's desk.”
— Jared Halpern [00:17] - Senate and House Alignment:
The Senate approved the measure by unanimous consent shortly after a nearly unanimous House vote. - Calls for Transparency:
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized a bipartisan approach: - “Let the truth come out, let transparency reign.”
— Chuck Schumer (as quoted by Jennifer Homendy) [00:29] - Political Overtones:
Former President Trump, who initially opposed the bill, accused Democrats of using the Epstein case as a diversion. - “President Trump... is accusing Democrats of using the Epstein case to distract from his administration's successes.”
— Jared Halpern [00:33]
2. Middle East Diplomacy & U.S.-Saudi Relations
[00:49–01:56]
U.S. Envoy Meets Hamas
- Steve Witkoff's Istanbul Meeting:
Trump administration’s special envoy set to meet with Hamas leadership to discuss the President’s Gaza peace plan, including reconstruction and new governance structures. - Backing from Saudi Leadership:
President Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House to discuss nuclear containment of Iran.
White House Ceremony with Saudi Crown Prince
- Military Display and Diplomacy:
A ceremonial flyover featuring F15 and F35 jets marked the visit. - “The pomp and circumstance, the F15s as well as the F35s flew over the White House.”
— Edward Lawrence [01:20] - Major Arms Deal:
Even before the meeting began, Trump granted the crown prince’s request to purchase F35 fighter jets. - Saudi Pledge of Economic Investment:
Saudi Crown Prince pledged to increase U.S. investments to $1 trillion over several years, beginning with infrastructure: - “The first part of that will invest in infrastructure projects like 14.2 billion the Saudis spent with GE Varnova... will create 1800 jobs in Greenville, South Carolina.”
— Edward Lawrence [01:20]
3. Entertainment: CMA Awards Preview
[02:32–03:15]
- Top Nominees and Performers:
Ella Langley, Megan Maroney, and Lainey Wilson each hold six nominations and are slated to perform. - Lainey Wilson Hosts:
Wilson returns as the host for a second year. - Additional Entertainment:
Features performances by Kenny Chesney, Brandi Carlisle, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, and appearances by celebrities such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Elizabeth Hurley, and Steve Martin. - Achievement Award:
Vince Gill to receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. - “Vince Gill will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The 59th annual CMA Awards will air live... at 8 o’clock Eastern on ABC and streamed tomorrow on Hulu.”
— Tonya J. Powers [02:55]
4. Baltimore Bridge Collapse Investigation Update
[03:15–04:01]
- NTSB Final Report:
The investigation into the March 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse identified blackouts (caused by a loose wire and faulty fuel pump on the container ship Dali) as critical factors. - “Blackouts caused by a loose wire and a faulty fuel pump were among what caused the Dolly to hit and collapse the Francis Scott Key Bridge.”
— Jennifer Homendy [03:30] - Deficient Safety Systems:
Inadequate pier and bridge protection systems contributed to the disaster. - “The pier protection systems were not adequate and the bridge protection systems were not adequate.”
— Gernall Scott [03:42] - Operator Criticized:
Questions raised as to why operator Synergy failed to update safety protocols. - Rebuilding Efforts:
Costs for a new bridge have doubled; completion is delayed by two years. - “Maryland officials say a new bridge will be built, but the cost is more than doubled and the completion date has been extended by two years.”
— Jennifer Homendy [04:01]
5. Legal: Wisconsin Judge Plea Talks
[04:12–04:28]
- Plea Talks Ongoing:
Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, accused of aiding an illegal immigrant to evade federal authorities, is negotiating with prosecutors. - “Attorneys are discussing potential resolution of the case against Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, but her lawyers haven't shown they're willing to accept any offer.”
— Ted Lindner [04:12] - Unresolved Case:
No agreement has been reached; discussions continue.
Notable Quotes
- Jared Halpern [00:17]:
“Legislation requiring release of the Justice Department's files on Jeffrey Epstein is now heading to the president's desk.” - Chuck Schumer [00:29]:
“Let the truth come out, let transparency reign.” - Edward Lawrence [01:20]:
“The pomp and circumstance, the F15s as well as the F35s flew over the White House.” - Tonya J. Powers [02:55]:
“Vince Gill will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The 59th annual CMA Awards will air live... at 8 o’clock Eastern on ABC and streamed tomorrow on Hulu.”
Timestamps of Key Segments
- Epstein Files Legislation: 00:02–00:49
- Middle East and Saudi Policy: 00:49–01:56
- CMA Awards Preview: 02:32–03:15
- Baltimore Bridge Collapse Investigation: 03:15–04:01
- Wisconsin Judge Legal Update: 04:12–04:28
This episode delivers a brisk yet thorough update across U.S. politics, Middle East diplomacy, major entertainment events, and critical infrastructure news, capturing the major headlines and sentiments driving the day's news cycle.