5AM ET 11/19/2025 Newscast

Summary

Fox News Hourly Update — 5AM ET, November 19, 2025 Newscast
Host: Ted Lindner (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: November 19, 2025

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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.

Transcript

[Ted Lindner]

Getting to see the Epstein files. I'm Ted Lindner. FOX News. Congress overwhelmingly approving legislation compelling the Justice Department to release all of its records about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Fox's Jared Halpern with the details for us this morning.

[Jared Halpern]

Legislation requiring release of the Justice Department's files on Jeffrey Epstein is now heading to the president's desk. The Senate adopting the measure by unanimous consent hours after a nearly unanimous House vote.

[Jennifer Homendy]

Let the truth come out, let transparency reign.

[Jared Halpern]

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says the bill is not about one party or the other. But President Trump, who initially opposed the legislation, is accusing Democrats of using the Epstein case to distract from his administration's successes. At the White House, Jared Halpern, FOX News.

[Ted Lindner]

Steve Witkoff, the Trump administration's special envoy to the Middle east going to meet with Hamas leadership in Istanbul, Turkey, later today. The agenda, including discussion of President Trump's Gaza deal, including reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the creation of a new political force in Gaza. Hamas expected a counter with its own plans. President Trump welcoming the Saudi crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House on Tuesday, discussing the plan to keep Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The meeting came with plenty of ceremony. Fox's Edward Lawrence with more complete with a flyover.

[Edward Lawrence]

The pomp and circumstance, the F15s as well as the F35s flew over the White House. Here it was all smiles inside the Oval Office and the president gave the crown prince what he wanted even before the meeting started, to buy those F35 most advanced fighter jets. Now Saudi Arabia crown prince saying that his investment now in the US is pledging to increase to $1 trillion over the next several years. Now, the first part of that will invest in infrastructure projects like 14.2 billion the Saudis spent with GE Varnova. The project built heavy duty gas turbines and will create 1800 jobs in Greenville, South Carolina.

[Ted Lindner]

America's listening to Fox News.

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[Ted Lindner]

Tonight in Nashville, the CMA Awards will be handed out. Fox's Tanya J. Powers with a preview.

[Tonya J. Powers]

Ella Langley, Megan Maroney and Lainey Wilson lead the CMA nominations with six each. All three will perform on the show and Wilson, the reigning female vocalist of the year, returns as its host for the second consecutive year Other performers include Kenny Chesney, Brandi Carlisle, Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs. Presenters and special guests include Billy Ray Cyrus, Elizabeth Hurley, Steve Martin, LeAnn Rimes, Gretchen Wilson, LeAnn Morgan and more. Vince Gill will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime achievement award. The 59th annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone arena this evening at 8 o' clock Eastern on ABC and streamed tomorrow on Hulu. Tonya J.

[Ted Lindner]

Powers, Fox News the National Transportation Safety Board settling on the critical factors in the container ship crash that brought down that Baltimore bridge over a year and a half ago in late March of 2024. Fox's Granal Scott with more Two power.

[Jennifer Homendy]

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. NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy added, concerning the.

[Gernall Scott]

Bridge itself, the pier protection systems were not adequate and the bridge protection systems were not adequate.

[Jennifer Homendy]

Homendy also wondered why Synergy, the Dolly's operator, had not updated procedures to avoid a similar mishap. She said the NTSB will push for.

[Gernall Scott]

We have a really big voice and we're not afraid to use it.

[Jennifer Homendy]

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. Gernall Scott, Fox News and plea negotiations.

[Ted Lindner]

With a Wisconsin judge accused of helping an illegal immigrant of aid federal agents underway. Interim U.S. attorney Brad Schimmel says 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. I'm Ted Lindner. This is Fox News.

[Will Kane]

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