Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET 11/18/2025 Newscast

Host: Lisa Licera
Date: November 19, 2025
Podcast: FOX News Podcasts

Episode Overview

This fast-paced newscast delivers key national and global headlines, including President Trump’s announcement granting Saudi Arabia "major non-NATO ally" status, Congressional action on Jeffrey Epstein records, global security updates, a trending new "Word of the Year," and more. Straight reporting, quick soundbites, and a focus on top developments characterize the episode.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Designates Saudi Arabia as Major Non-NATO Ally

Timestamps: 00:02 – 00:32

• Announcement: President Trump designates Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally at a White House dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
• Implications: Though largely symbolic, this status strengthens trade and security cooperation. Other nations with the status include Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Context: The announcement follows a day of meetings and a U.S. agreement to sell fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
• Diplomatic Tension: When pressed about U.S. intelligence linking the Crown Prince to Jamal Khashoggi's killing, both the Saudi government and Trump deny the allegation.

"A stronger and more capable alliance will advance the interests of both countries ... and we've never had and been so close to truly everlasting peace in the Middle East."
— President Donald Trump [00:18]

2. Congressional Action on Jeffrey Epstein Files

Timestamps: 01:11 – 01:40

• Congressional Approval: Legislation requiring the Justice Department to release its records on Jeffrey Epstein passes Senate (unanimous consent) and House (near-unanimous).
• Bi-Partisan Framing: Senator Schumer emphasizes the effort is nonpartisan, focused on transparency.
• Presidential Response: Trump, who once opposed the measure, now voices support for transparency but suggests Democrats are using the issue to divert attention from his administration’s successes.

"Let the truth come out, let transparency reign."
— President Donald Trump [01:23]

"The bill is not about one party or the other."
— Chuck Schumer [01:27]

3. International News Briefs

Timestamps: 01:40 – 02:00, 02:31 – 03:31

• Japan Wildfire: Firefighters battle an out-of-control blaze in southwest Japan; over 170 residents evacuated.
• Nigeria Kidnapping: Of 25 schoolgirls abducted in northwest Nigeria, one escaped and is safely home. The principal adds another girl fled during the attack and was not kidnapped.

4. UN Endorses Gaza Peace Plan, Draws Mixed Reactions

Timestamps: 02:51 – 03:31

• Historic Recognition: The UN Security Council mandates an international stabilization force for Gaza and endorses President Trump’s peace proposal.
• Reactions:
  • Israeli PM Netanyahu publicly praises Trump and U.S. efforts on X (formerly Twitter).
  • Hamas condemns the move, arguing the force won’t be neutral.
  • The resolution outlines a future path toward an independent Palestine, an idea strongly opposed by Israel’s leadership.

"He and the state of Israel applaud President Donald Trump and his tireless and devoted team."
— Jonathan Savage, on Netanyahu's statement [02:51]

5. Major Cloudflare Outage Disrupts Multiple Services

Timestamps: 03:31 – 03:50

• Widespread Impact: Cloudflare resolves an outage affecting ChatGPT, League of Legends, New Jersey transit, Shopify, Dropbox, Coinbase, and Moody’s credit rating.
• Resolution: Services are restored; no long-term harm reported.

6. 'Parasocial' Named Cambridge Dictionary's Word of the Year

Timestamps: 03:50 – 04:23

• Cultural Spotlight: Inspired by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s public relationship, the Word of the Year spotlights the concept of "parasocial" connections — imagined bonds between fans and celebrities.
• Background:
  • The term, once academic, now mainstream.
  • Announcement links popularity surge to Swift’s lyrics and engagement news from August.

"Celebrity couple Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's love story is now shaping the Dictionary ... The word once reserved for academic psychology, now describes a mainstream phenomenon."
— Cambridge Dictionary Representative [03:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Saudi alliance:
  "And we all should share in peace. And we've never had and been so close to truly everlasting peace in the Middle East." [00:18]

• President Trump on Epstein records legislation:
  "Let the truth come out, let transparency reign." [01:23]

• Jonathan Savage, quoting Netanyahu:
  "He and the state of Israel applaud President Donald Trump and his tireless and devoted team." [02:51]

• Cambridge Dictionary on 'parasocial':
  "The word once reserved for academic psychology, now describes a mainstream phenomenon, a connection that someone feels between themselves and a famous person." [03:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Saudi Arabia major non-NATO ally announcement: 00:02 – 00:32
• Epstein files legislation: 01:11 – 01:40
• Japan wildfire, Nigeria abduction updates: 01:40 – 02:00, 02:31
• UN Gaza peace plan endorsement: 02:51 – 03:31
• Cloudflare outage: 03:31 – 03:50
• Cambridge Dictionary Word of the Year: 03:50 – 04:23

Overall Tone:
News-centric, urgent, and factual, with concise reporting and notable soundbites from high-profile political and global figures.

End of Summary