Fox News Hourly Update

7AM ET | November 15, 2025

Episode Overview

This hourly newscast covers the latest national updates, focusing on the easing of airport flight reductions post-government shutdown, fresh developments in the Epstein investigation, a Mega Millions jackpot win in Georgia, major tariff policy shifts, and U.S. military actions in the Caribbean. The tone is factual and brisk, moving swiftly between stories of national consequence and human interest.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Flight Cutbacks Eased at Major U.S. Airports

• Hosts/Speakers: Paul Stevens (A), Unnamed FOX Reporter (B)
• Summary:
  • U.S. government shutdown’s impact on air travel is lessening.
  • Flight cutbacks at 40 major airports are being reduced from 6% to 3% as air traffic controllers return.
  • Airlines can now operate at 97% of their original schedules.
  • FAA continues to monitor and will determine when full normal operations can resume.
• Quote:
  • "Airlines can operate 97% of scheduled flights. That's an improvement from the 6% cut mandated earlier this week." (B, 00:16)
• Timestamp: 00:02–00:39

2. Trump Directs DOJ to Probe Democrats’ Ties to Epstein

• Hosts/Speakers: Paul Stevens (A), Chanley Painter (A), Attorney General Pam Bondi (C)
• Summary:
  • President Trump has instructed the DOJ to investigate ties between Democrats (including Bill Clinton) and Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi confirms the federal probe.
  • Trump claims Democrats use the "Epstein hoax" to distract from the shutdown and their "failures."
  • House Democrats previously published old Epstein emails about Trump.
  • Discharge petition will force a vote on releasing all DOJ files related to Epstein.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Federal prosecutors will investigate any involvement between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton." (C, 00:48)
  • "President Trump requested [the investigation] in a social media [post], accusing Democrats of using what he calls the Epstein hoax to deflect from the government shutdown and other failures." (C, 00:58)
• Timestamp: 00:39–01:28

3. Georgia Mega Millions Jackpot Winner

• Host/Speaker: Paul Stevens (A)
• Summary:
  • A Mega Millions ticket in Noonan, Georgia wins $980 million—the state's largest-ever lottery prize.
  • Ends a 39-draw winless streak; winner can claim $980 million in installments or $452 million lump sum.
  • Marks Georgia’s first jackpot win since 2017 and 17th overall.
• Quote:
  • "A Mega Millions player in Georgia winning the staggering jackpot. 980 million bucks, biggest prize in that state's history." (A, 01:28)
• Timestamp: 01:28–01:59

4. Trump Administration Suspends Tariffs on Consumer Goods

• Hosts/Speakers: Paul Stevens (A), Christina Coleman (B)
• Summary:
  • Tariffs suspended on beef, coffee, tropical fruits, and other imports.
  • White House says these actions, along with cuts to regulatory red tape, aim to reduce grocery and housing prices.
  • Officials cite progress in reciprocal trade negotiations and nine recent framework deals.
  • Trump acknowledges tariffs may have “increased consumer prices,” a shift from past statements denying tariff-related inflation.
  • Democrats blame cost of living increases on Trump’s tariffs; they advocate extended health care subsidies.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Trump is rolling back tariffs on certain key imports, including coffee, tropical fruits and beef, among other items." (B, 02:27)
  • "Mr. Trump suggesting tariffs may have, quote, in some cases, unquote, increased consumer prices after previously saying tariffs had not caused inflation." (A, 02:59)
• Timestamp: 02:16–03:16

5. U.S. Naval Presence Rises Near Venezuela / Caribbean Drug Strikes

• Hosts/Speakers: Jennifer Griffin (D), Paul Stevens (A)
• Summary:
  • U.S. begins "Operation Southern Spear," expanding naval forces in the Caribbean.
  • Venezuelan president Maduro urges Trump not to get into an “Afghanistan style forever war.”
  • The named operation brings new Congressional oversight and funding rules.
  • Debate persists about the wisdom of targeting boats allegedly carrying cocaine (from Colombia), not fentanyl (from Venezuela).
  • At least 20 strikes on drug boats have killed over 80 people in the Caribbean and Pacific.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has urged President Trump not to get into a, quote, Afghanistan style forever war." (D, 03:28)
  • "At least 20 strikes on drug boats have been carried out by the Department of War, leaving at least 80 people dead..." (A, 04:00)
• Timestamp: 03:28–End

Notable Memorable Moments

• Trump reverses stance on tariffs:
  • A rare admission from President Trump that tariffs have “in some cases... increased consumer prices.” (A, 02:59)
• Major lottery win details:
  • The Georgia Mega Millions jackpot winner opts for either an unprecedented payout or lump sum, highlighting the scale of the win. (A, 01:28)
• Epstein investigation escalation:
  • Immediate White House direction to the DOJ for an investigation, plus real-time confirmation by the Attorney General. (C, 00:48)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Flight Cutbacks Eased: 00:02–00:39
• Epstein/DOJ Investigation: 00:39–01:28
• Mega Millions Winner: 01:28–01:59
• Tariff Rollback & Cost-of-Living: 02:16–03:16
• U.S. Military/Drug Strikes: 03:28–End

This summary distills the essential news from the Fox News 7AM ET hourly newscast on November 15, 2025, capturing the direct tone, key developments, and memorable moments from each segment.