Fox News Hourly Update — 10AM ET, 10/17/2025

Host: Dave Anthony (with reports from David Spunt, Jared Halpern, Kevin Hassett)
Date: October 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a succinct briefing of the day’s top stories in politics, international affairs, the economy, and entertainment. Major focuses include John Bolton’s indictment, ongoing US-Ukraine-Russia developments, President Trump's interviews and meetings, concerns in the US banking sector, market updates, and the passing of Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. John Bolton Indicted for Mishandling Classified Information

• [00:02] John Bolton, former Trump national security advisor, surrendered in Maryland after being indicted for mishandling sensitive government documents.
• [00:16] Details of the indictment included keeping and sharing top secret "SCI" information with family members, with some information shared as diary-like entries.
• [00:31] FBI raids were conducted at Bolton’s Maryland home and D.C. office in late August.
  • Attorney Abby Lowell stated that much of the material was cleared for use during Bolton’s book writing.
  • Previous DOJ did not charge him; investigation was pursued under the Biden DOJ.
• [00:47] Bolton responded via statement, claiming the charges are evidence of the DOJ’s “weaponization” against Trump critics, referring to the case as an abuse of power and intimidation.
  • Quote: “He is the latest target of the weaponization of the Justice Department going after Trump enemies, saying it’s intimidation and an abuse of power.” (Dave Anthony, quoting Bolton, [00:47])

2. Ukraine’s Plea for US Support & Geopolitical Diplomacy

• [01:03] Ukrainian President Zelensky is set to appeal to the White House for increased aid, specifically requesting long-range Tomahawk missiles.
  • Quote: “One ask that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to make is for the US to provide long range Tomahawk missiles.” (Jared Halpern, [01:03])
• [01:10] President Trump remarks on military aid:
  • “We have a lot of them but we need them. I mean we, we can’t deplete for our country.” (Donald Trump, [01:10])
• [01:18] Trump–Putin Relations:
  • Trump and Putin held a phone conversation and agreed to meet, possibly later in October in Budapest.
  • This follows their prior Alaska summit in August, which did not yield a ceasefire.
  • Trump is also planning meetings with the Chinese leader as US-China trade tensions escalate.
• [01:44] On trade with China:
  • “China in particular, boy, they did a number in our country. They would, they, they took money out. Now it’s reversed. I mean, you know we’re doing very well with China.” (Donald Trump, [01:44])

3. US Economy and Stock Market Update

• [02:15] Trump’s comments on China tariffs appear to have assuaged market anxiety, with Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P rebounding after earlier declines.
• [02:37] Ongoing issues with regional banks:
  • White House national economic director Kevin Hassett discusses problems stemming from bad loans at regional banks.
  • Zions Bancorp (Salt Lake City) faces substantial losses, blames borrower fraud.
  • Western Alliance (Phoenix) is suing borrowers over alleged fraud.
• [03:10] “The good that we’ve got really talented top notch people in place cleaning things up right now.” (Dave Anthony, summarizing administration efforts, [03:10])
  • Kevin Hassett adds that the banking sector has ample reserves and is not currently at risk.

4. Energy Prices

• [03:23] Oil prices are slightly up at $57/barrel; national average gas price is $3.05/gal, down five cents from last week.

5. Entertainment: Passing of a Rock Legend

• [03:23] Ace Frehley, founding guitarist for Kiss, dies at age 74 from a brain hemorrhage following a fall.
  • Fellow Kiss members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley commemorate him as an "essential rock soldier."
  • Peter Criss adds: “His legacy will live in the hearts of the KISS Army.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He is the latest target of the weaponization of the Justice Department… it’s intimidation and an abuse of power.” — John Bolton statement (via Dave Anthony, [00:47])
• “We have a lot of them but we need them. I mean we, we can’t deplete for our country.” — Donald Trump on US missile stockpiles ([01:10])
• “China in particular, boy, they did a number in our country. Now it’s reversed… we’re doing very well with China.” — Donald Trump ([01:44])
• “The good that we’ve got really talented top notch people in place cleaning things up right now.” — Dave Anthony ([03:10])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:02] — John Bolton indicted, details of DOJ investigation
• [01:03] — Zelensky’s visit to White House, military aid request
• [01:18] — Trump–Putin call and upcoming meeting
• [01:27] — US–China trade war and Trump tariffs
• [02:15] — Reaction of stock market to Trump’s tariff remarks
• [02:37] — Regional banking sector issues explained
• [03:23] — Oil and gas prices update
• [03:23] — Announcement of Ace Frehley’s passing

Conclusion

The 10AM Fox News Hourly Update packs a concise, rapid-fire breakdown of the latest in US legal news, international politics, economic indicators, and pop culture. It provides direct commentary and reporting, with significant attention to recent political controversies and their implications, as well as upbeat acknowledgment of American resilience in the face of economic challenges and the cultural loss of a music icon.