Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET 11/17/2025

Host: Lisa Lacera | Date: November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers concise reports on the most pressing national and global headlines as of November 17th, 2025, 9PM ET. The newscast’s central themes cover legal controversies involving former FBI Director James Comey and major political investigations, updates on Middle East peace efforts, national health policy around food allergies, pricing changes for popular weight-loss medication, and recognition of industry achievements in entertainment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DOJ Missteps in James Comey Case

• Summary:
  A federal judge criticized the Justice Department for "profound investigative missteps" in their prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey.
• Details:
  • Judge William Fitzpatrick ordered prosecutors to turn over all grand jury materials to Comey’s lawyers.
  • Concern expressed that Acting U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan may have made prejudicial statements to the grand jury.
  • The defense is seeking dismissal of charges prior to the January trial.
• Quote:
  • "[The judge] is accusing the Justice Department of a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps."
    — Jared Halpern (00:13)
• Timestamp: 00:06–00:48

2. Trump Directs DOJ to Investigate Epstein Ties

• Summary:
  President Trump has mandated a DOJ investigation into possible connections between Jeffrey Epstein and prominent Democrats, including Bill Clinton.
• Details:
  • Clinton’s aide responds, denying wrongdoing and labeling the investigation as a distraction from Republican challenges.
  • The House is expected to vote on releasing Epstein-related files; President encourages Republicans to support transparency.
• Quote:
  • "Bill Clinton did nothing and knew nothing. The rest is noise meant a distraction from election losses, backfiring, shutdowns, and who knows what else.”
    — Clinton Aide (reported by Jared Halpern, 00:57)
• Timestamp: 00:48–01:08

3. United Nations Approves U.S. Plan for Gaza

• Summary:
  The UN Security Council has endorsed a U.S.-backed plan for security in Gaza and the groundwork for an independent Palestinian state.
• Details:
  • Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is reported to be holding.
  • U.S. Central Command overseeing ceasefire but clarifies no “U.S. boots on the ground.”
  • International stabilization force to enter Gaza; U.S. role is logistical and humanitarian.
• Quote:
  • "There will be no U.S. boots on the ground… ensuring that humanitarian aid is making it to Palestinian civilians."
    — U.S. Central Command Representative (01:31)
• Timestamp: 01:08–01:53

4. U.S. Tackles Food Allergies and Health Concerns

• Summary:
  Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addresses the surge in food allergies, linking their rise to regulatory and environmental changes.
• Details:
  • Food allergies now affect about 10% of Americans; cited as a recent epidemic coinciding with autism’s rise.
  • Questions raised about lack of public health investigation into causes.
  • Focus on U.S. food additives, many of which are banned in Europe; Trump administration highlighted for regulatory moves.
• Quotes:
  • "Food allergies affect about 10% of the population despite not being an issue decades ago."
    — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (02:34)
  • "There are over 10,000 ingredients in our food here in the U.S., most of which are illegal in Europe, including food dyes that contain petroleum that the Trump administration has already begun getting rid of."
    — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (02:56)
• Timestamp: 02:31–03:17

5. Updates on Weight Loss Drug Pricing

• Summary:
  Manufacturer Novo Nord announces price reductions for popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic.
• Details:
  • Monthly price for existing cash patients reduced from $499 to $349.
  • New patient offer: $199 per month.
  • Move is presented as part of Trump administration’s broader efforts to lower drug costs.
  • Affordability remains an issue for many, despite reductions.
• Quote:
  • "Novo Nord… says it will lower the price from $499 a month to $349 for existing cash paying patients… new cash paying patients… will pay $199 a month."
    — Ginny Costella (03:27)
• Timestamp: 03:17–04:10

6. Tom Cruise Wins Honorary Oscar

• Summary:
  Tom Cruise finally receives an Academy Award—an honorary Oscar—at the Governor’s Awards.
• Details:
  • Other honorees: production designer Wynne Thomas, choreographer Debbie Allen, and Dolly Parton for her philanthropy.
• Quote:
  • "Tom Cruise finally has an Academy Award."
    — Lisa Lacera (04:10)
• Timestamp: 04:10–04:30

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On DOJ-Led Investigations:
  • “A disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps.”
    — Judge William Fitzpatrick via Jared Halpern (00:13)
• On Epstein Political Fallout:
  • “Noise meant a distraction from election losses, backfiring, shutdowns and who knows what else.”
    — Clinton Aide (00:57)
• On U.S. Role in Gaza:
  • “There will be no U.S. boots on the ground.”
    — U.S. Central Command Rep (01:31)
• On Food Safety:
  • “Over 10,000 ingredients in our food here in the US, most of which are illegal in Europe.”
    — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (02:56)
• On Health Policy:
  • “Food allergies became an epidemic in 1990 around the same time autism rates exploded.”
    — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (02:34)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• DOJ, Comey Missteps: 00:06–00:48
• Trump Orders Epstein Probe: 00:48–01:08
• UN Gaza Plan: 01:08–01:53
• Food Allergy Epidemic: 02:31–03:17
• Wegovy/Ozempic Price Cuts: 03:17–04:10
• Tom Cruise Oscar: 04:10–04:30

This summary captures the facts, tone, and flow of FOX News’s 9PM update, providing an efficient and engaging overview for those who missed the live broadcast.