Podcast Summary: The O'Reilly Update, September 18, 2025

Host: Bill O'Reilly

Guest News Anchor: Mike Slater

Air Date: September 18, 2025

Overview

This episode covers the nation's top headlines with a focus on the memorial for Charlie Kirk, a significant Federal Reserve rate change, notable media controversies, and the latest in political and social news. Bill O’Reilly follows with analysis on political strife in Washington, audience questions about recent events, and a historical deep-dive on the Fugitive Slave Act.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Top Stories with Mike Slater (00:09–03:02)

Charlie Kirk Memorial Service (00:16–01:15)

• A major public memorial for Charlie Kirk scheduled for Sunday at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ.
  • Doors open at 8am, event begins at 11am; dress code is "Sunday best: red, white, and blue."
  • President, Vice President J.D. Vance, and prominent political figures (including Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson) are among speakers.
• Overflow seating at Desert Diamond Arena; attendees are urged to arrive early.
• Event titled "Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk" (fightforcharlie.com for info).

Federal Reserve Rate Cut (01:16–01:50)

• First rate cut during Trump’s second term: New range is 4.0–4.25%.
• Board was nearly unanimous; Trump’s latest appointee wanted a larger cut.
• Trump pushes for more aggressive cuts:
  • “Must cut interest rates now and bigger than he had in mind.” (Trump on Truth Social)

Jimmy Kimmel Suspended (01:51–02:17)

• Disney/ABC indefinitely pulls Kimmel from late night after controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk’s murder.
• Kimmel’s quote in question:
  • “The MAGA gang is desperately trying to characterize this kid who ... murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”
• News clarifies: the perpetrator was not MAGA-affiliated.

Spirit Airlines vs. Air Force One Incident (02:18–02:40)

• Spirit Airlines scolded by air traffic control for not giving way to Air Force One:
  • “Get off the iPad,” controller admonished, warning about “not messing with Air Force One.”

Mike Slater's Podcast Plug (02:41–03:02)

• Further discussion of Charlie Kirk’s life on Mike’s podcast, Politics by Faith.

2. Bill O’Reilly’s Message of the Day (04:33–06:14)

Senate Judiciary Sparks: Patel vs. Schiff (04:33–05:23)

• FBI Director Cash Patel confronts Sen. Adam Schiff:
  • Called Schiff a “liar, coward, and a disgrace.” (04:43)
• Issue: Transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to a softer federal prison.
  • Patel: Decision was Bureau of Prisons’, not his.
• O’Reilly’s analysis:
  • Notes Schiff’s controversial history: “long record of hateful statements directed at President Trump and his supporters.”
  • “It is obvious that Senator Schiff is abusing his position ... to undermine anything Trump.” (05:00)

Broader Political Implications

• Ongoing partisan strife, “no relief in sight.”
• Concludes with:
  • “Let the name-calling begin.” (05:20)

3. Listener Questions and Commentary (06:15–08:47)

Charlie Kirk Defamation Suit (06:17)

• Q: Can Kirk’s widow sue Stephen King for defamation?
• A: Yes, despite an apology and retraction, legal action is an option.

On Calls for Accountability (06:34)

• Listener Linda concurs with O’Reilly: Due process is critical, avoid “witch hunts.”

Trump & Ukraine/Russia War (07:00)

• Listener suggestion Trump stop claiming Ukraine conflict wouldn’t have happened under him.
• O’Reilly: Cautiously optimistic but acknowledges Putin is a “vexing problem” and “psychopath.”

NFL and Memorials (07:38)

• Question: Did NFL allow moments of silence for BLM/George Floyd like for Kirk?
• A: NFL gave options for both, no mandated league-wide action; kneeling was ultimately discouraged for business reasons.

4. Something You Might Not Know: The Fugitive Slave Act Anniversary (09:39–11:17)

Historical Context (09:39)

• 175 years since the Fugitive Slave Act (Sept 18, 1850)
• Forced return of runaway slaves to southern owners, even from free states.
• Supported by: President Fillmore, Senators Clay, Douglas, Secretary Webster.
• Opposed by: Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, John Brown.

Impact & Legacy

• Inflamed Civil War tensions.
• The Underground Railroad helped thousands escape.
• Riots and rescues occurred across the North.
• Quote:
  • “The Fugitive Slave act was a total failure. By 1860, just 300 enslaved people had been successfully returned ... more than 100,000 brought north to freedom.” (11:08)
• O’Reilly plugs his book, Confronting Evil, for more stories.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike Slater, on the magnitude of the memorial:
  • “Let’s pray that this moment sparks a revival this Sunday at 11 o’clock.” (01:13)
• Bill O’Reilly, on political name-calling:
  • “Let the name-calling begin.” (05:20)
• On the Fugitive Slave Act’s legacy:
  • “The Fugitive Slave act was a total failure. By 1860, just 300 enslaved people had been successfully returned ... more than 100,000 brought north to freedom.” (11:08)
• Air Traffic Control reprimands Spirit Airlines:
  • “Get off the iPad.” (02:38)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:09 — Mike Slater’s news update begins
• 00:16 — Charlie Kirk Memorial announcement
• 01:16 — Federal Reserve rate cut details
• 01:51 — Jimmy Kimmel suspension news
• 02:18 — Air Force One/Spirit Airlines story
• 04:33 — O’Reilly’s Message of the Day: Patel vs. Schiff
• 06:15 — Mailbag: listener questions and answers
• 09:39 — Historical segment: Fugitive Slave Act anniversary

Conclusion

In this episode, Bill O’Reilly and Mike Slater delve into the legacy and impact of recent (and historic) political events, media controversies, and major economic decisions. The tone is sharp, analytical, and unabashedly opinionated, with O’Reilly’s trademark “no spin” style. The episode not only delivers news but also contextualizes it through expert commentary, listener interaction, and rich historical storytelling.