Overview of Epstein Survivors, US-Saudi Arabia summit, Severe Flu Season and more
This CNN Podcasts episode (hosted by Erin Mathewson) delivers five top news items for Tuesday, November 18: a bipartisan push for release of Jeffrey Epstein DOJ files with survivors on Capitol Hill; federal immigration enforcement activity in North Carolina; strains on U.S. small businesses amid higher costs and tariffs; President Trump hosting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with potential F-35 sales and a U.S.–Saudi rapprochement; and an early warning about a potentially severe flu season driven by a mutated strain. The episode also includes short ads and a promo for other shows.
Top stories — key points
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Jeffrey Epstein files and Capitol Hill event
- Survivors joined Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on Capitol Hill, joined by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA).
- Massie and Khanna are leading a bipartisan effort to compel the Department of Justice to release all case files related to Epstein.
- President Trump is reportedly no longer opposing release of the files; the House is expected to vote and pass related legislation.
- Former Harvard president Larry Summers said he is “deeply ashamed” about his relationship with Epstein.
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DHS/Border Patrol presence in North Carolina
- Customs and Border Protection agents are deployed in Raleigh and Charlotte as part of an immigration enforcement push.
- Raleigh’s mayor welcomed the agents and urged calm; Charlotte saw several businesses close and school absences spike.
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg reported about 15% of students absent on Monday — roughly 20,000 students.
- Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden warned that the presence of federal agents can create fear of deportation and retaliation.
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U.S. small business & economy
- Small businesses face pressure from tariffs (raising import costs), trade uncertainty, higher borrowing costs (often near 10% interest), and rising health insurance costs.
- Corporations like Home Depot are also being affected, signaling broader affordability pressures that could slow economic growth.
- Small business optimism rose after the prior election, but owners remain worried about workers’ financial stress and trade-related costs.
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U.S.–Saudi summit and proposed F-35 sale
- President Trump hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House; events included a welcome ceremony and formal dinner.
- Top agenda items: improving Saudi–Israel relations, finalizing defense and security cooperation, and U.S. announcements on arms sales — including a proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
- The F-35 sale is controversial because it could shift the military balance in the Middle East.
- Dana Schroll (former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East) said the visit signals a shift in Washington’s view on the necessity of a partnership with Saudi Arabia for economic and strategic reasons.
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Flu season warning
- A mutated influenza strain (subclade K) is associated with early surges in the U.K., Canada, and Japan; the U.S. may face a second severe season in a row.
- Early analyses indicate this season’s flu vaccines provide some protection against the variant, particularly for children.
- Flu vaccination rates are below typical levels this season (IQVIA data). Public-health takeaway: get vaccinated if you can.
Notable quotes
- Marjorie Taylor Greene: “Let me tell you what a traitor is. A traitor is an American that serves foreign countries and themselves. A patriot is an American that serves the United States of America and Americans like the women standing behind me.”
- Sheriff Gary McFadden (Mecklenburg County): “Everyone said that it's going to make it safer. Well, I don't think you can make someplace safer when you are in fear of your life, fear in being retaliated against, or fear of deportation.”
- Larry Summers: Said he was “deeply ashamed” about his relationship with Epstein.
- Dana Schroll: The summit “signifies a real shift in how Washington and the United States views the necessity of a partnership with Saudi Arabia.”
Why this matters (implications)
- Release of Epstein files could bring new public accountability and political fallout for people and institutions connected to Epstein; bipartisan support increases chance of congressional action.
- Increased federal immigration enforcement presence in U.S. cities can disrupt daily life (schools, businesses) and raise community tensions and legal/constitutional questions about local–federal coordination.
- Strains on small businesses (high borrowing costs, tariffs, labor affordability issues) can slow job growth and consumer spending, potentially weakening broader economic momentum.
- A U.S.–Saudi defense partnership and potential F-35 sale may alter regional security dynamics in the Middle East and affect U.S. foreign-policy alignment.
- A potentially severe flu season, combined with lower vaccination uptake, raises public-health risk — especially for children and vulnerable populations.
Action items / recommendations
- If eligible, get a flu vaccine this season — early analysis shows the shot offers some protection against the new variant.
- Small business owners should review financing options, hedge import exposure where possible, and monitor policy developments on tariffs and trade.
- Community leaders in cities with federal immigration enforcement should communicate clearly with residents and coordinate with legal/advocacy resources to address fears and rights concerns.
- Follow congressional developments if you have an interest in Epstein-related transparency or in the implications of released DOJ files.
Extras (ads & promos)
- Sponsor spot: LegalZoom ad about wills, LLC registration, and access to independent attorneys.
- REI Co-op ad promoting outdoor gear as gifts.
- Promo for the Michelle Hussain Show (Bloomberg Weekend) — described as a weekly essential conversation program.