Fox News Hourly Update – 5PM ET 11/18/2025 Newscast

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: November 18, 2025
Episode: 5PM ET Newscast
Main Theme:
This episode delivers a concise but comprehensive roundup of top national news stories from Capitol Hill, the White House, business, regulatory affairs, and pop culture, reflecting FOX News' trademark brisk and direct tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Release of Justice Department Files on Jeffrey Epstein

• House Votes Overwhelmingly for Transparency:
  The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to force the release of Justice Department files regarding the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The rare bipartisan move is tinged with mutual suspicion, with both sides accusing each other of politicizing the issue.
  • Quote: “Both sides of the aisle calling for transparency but also accusing each other of trying to use the issue for political gain.” – Elisa Brady (00:03)
• Debate over Victim, Whistleblower Protections:
  House Speaker calls for Senate Leader John Thune to amend the bill, citing insufficient protection for victims and whistleblowers. Bill authors deny these concerns.
  • Quote: “The speaker is calling on Leader John Thune...because he says it does not protect the victims, the whistleblowers in this investigation.” – Unattributed reporter (00:19)
• Senate Response:
  Leader Thune suggests a fast-track Senate vote by unanimous consent, with no amendments planned (00:44).
• Trump and Biden Administration: There is debate about why these files are being released now, and Democrats note that former President Trump could have acted on this without Congress.
• Related Censure Vote: The House also votes on censuring a member alleged to have communicated with Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing.

2. Saudi-US Relations: Investments & Defense

• Crown Prince’s Visit & Investment Pledge:
  Saudi Arabia’s crown prince attends a White House dinner after Oval Office meetings, pledging to increase Saudi investment in the US to $1 trillion over several years.
  • Quote: “The prince increasing expected investment in the US saying that his investment now in the US is pledging to increase to $1 trillion over the next several years.” – Reporter (01:18)
• Focus on Infrastructure:
  Initial investments target infrastructure, including $14.2 billion spent with GE Vernova to build heavy-duty gas turbines, projected to create 1,800 jobs in Greenville, SC.
• Defense Cooperation:
  The president approves sales of advanced fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
• Reporter On Scene:
  “Fox Business Edward Lawrence at the White House.” (01:45)

3. Francis Scott Key Bridge Incident Follow-Up

• Probable Cause Announced:
  The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) finds that a signal wire issue caused the power blackout on the container ship that hit and collapsed Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024.
• Details from NTSB:
  • Quote: “What we're talking about here is thousands of wires that our team, along with Hyundai, had to test.” – Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair (02:23)
• Bridge Reconstruction Delays:
  Maryland officials delay the reopening of the bridge to late 2030; cost estimates have more than doubled.

4. Meta Wins Major Antitrust Case

• Legal Outcome:
  Meta defeats the Federal Trade Commission in a landmark case that could have forced Instagram and WhatsApp divestitures.
  • Quote: "A US district judge ruling that Meta does not hold a monopoly in social networking." – Hillary Barski (02:53)
• Big Tech Context:
  This follows Google being ruled an illegal monopoly in search and advertising, but not broken up. The rulings occur amid intensified antitrust scrutiny of Big Tech.

5. “Parasocial” Named Word of the Year

• Cambridge Dictionary Announcement:
  The 2025 Word of the Year is “parasocial,” with Cambridge noting pop culture’s influence, particularly the high-profile romance between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
  • Quote: “Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's love story is now shaping the dictionary…once reserved for academic psychology, now describes a mainstream phenomenon.” – Michelle Paulino (03:23)
• Modern Usage:
  The word now refers to a one-sided relationship with celebrities or fictional characters.

6. Market Update

• Dow Jones & S&P Dip:
  Both indices see a fourth consecutive day of declines, with the Dow dropping another 498 points.
  • Quote: “In a row for the Dow and the S and P. The dow dropping another 498 points.” – Lisa Brady (04:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Both sides of the aisle calling for transparency but also accusing each other of trying to use the issue for political gain.” – Elisa Brady (00:03)
• “The speaker is calling on Leader John Thune...because he says it does not protect the victims, the whistleblowers in this investigation.” – Reporter (00:19)
• “Now in the US is pledging to increase to $1 trillion over the next several years.” – White House Correspondent (01:26)
• “What we're talking about here is thousands of wires that our team, along with Hyundai, had to test.” – Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair (02:23)
• "A US district judge ruling that Meta does not hold a monopoly in social networking." – Hillary Barski (02:53)
• “Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's love story is now shaping the dictionary…once reserved for academic psychology, now describes a mainstream phenomenon.” – Michelle Paulino (03:23)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Epstein Files Vote & Debate: 00:02–01:10
• Saudi Crown Prince US Visit & Investment: 01:10–01:45
• Key Bridge Investigation & Rebuild Timeline: 02:14–02:35
• Meta Antitrust Case Ruling: 02:53–03:16
• Word of the Year - “Parasocial”: 03:16–03:59
• Market Update: 04:01

Tone and Style

The newscast is fast-paced, fact-focused, and delivers each story with a crisp, direct style. Reporters maintain an urgent, authoritative tone underscoring the significance of each development, while short soundbites and attributions keep the listener oriented in the news cycle.

This concise summary covers the newscast's essential stories and notable moments, providing a useful, detailed digest for anyone who missed the broadcast.