Fox News Hourly Update - 12PM ET 09/17/2025 Newscast
Host: Lisa Brady (with reporting from Fox correspondents and guests)
Date: September 17, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode provides a fast-paced rundown of key national and international news headlines. Major topics include the fallout from the firing of the CDC director, contentious Senate hearings involving the FBI, developments in the trial of an accused Trump assassination attempt, an FBI office security breach, updates on a newly forming tropical storm, and market and Fed news. The episode features a blend of straight reporting, on-the-ground correspondents, and brief legislative audio clips.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. CDC Director Firing & Senate Testimony
[00:02-00:46]
- Dr. Susan Menarez, the ousted CDC director, testified in the Senate, emphasizing that her hearing should focus on future trust in public health rather than her personal circumstances.
- Dr. Menarez's position: She alleges Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sought pre-approval for a vaccine panel’s findings, which Kennedy strongly denies.
- Kennedy puts blame back on the CDC, insisting it "has not done its job and needs reform."
- Broader context: The dispute reflects ongoing tensions in public health and federal administration.
Notable moment:
“Today should be about the future of trust in Public Health.” – Dr. Susan Menarez, [00:08]
2. FBI Oversight & 'Arctic Frost' Investigation
[00:46–01:22]
- FBI Director Patel faces a second day of Senate scrutiny, accused by Democrats of agency politicization, which he denies.
- Senate Republicans allege Justice Department bias and reveal "new documents" about an FBI probe codenamed Arctic Frost targeting conservative groups, including Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA.
- Former special counsel Jack Smith used this probe’s findings in criminal charges against President Trump.
Quotes:
“It was the vehicle by which partisan FBI agents and Department of Justice prosecutors could achieve their partisan ends.”
— Guy Benson, summarizing Republican claims, [01:01]
“The probe was launched under previous FBI director Chris Wray and served as a basis for former special counsel Jack Smith's criminal charges against President Trump.”
— Chuck Grassley, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, [01:13]
3. State Visit: President Trump in the UK
[01:22–02:00]
- President Trump and the First Lady participate in ceremonial events with King Charles and Queen Camilla, including laying a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s crypt.
- Preparations for a state dinner and a planned visit to the UK Prime Minister’s country home.
Notable moment:
“Pageantry in the UK Military bands performing outside Windsor Castle…” — Lisa Brady, [01:22]
4. Trump Assassination Attempt Trial
[02:30–03:11]
- The trial of Ryan Wesley Ruth, accused of attempting to kill Trump in September of the previous year, continues in Florida.
- Ruth is representing himself, with limited cross-examination of witnesses.
- Secret Service agents found Ruth “hiding in shrubs” near Trump’s golf club, armed with a gun identified as an AK47.
- Recorded comms between law enforcement have now been made public.
Quotes:
“The individual has not gained entry to the golf course. He’s on the exterior of the compound.”
— Secret Service communication, read by Lisa Brady, [03:02]
“The firearm was just one piece of evidence recovered.”
— Guy Benson, [03:06]
5. FBI Pittsburgh Field Office Security Incident
[03:11–04:01]
- Donald Henson is arrested after ramming his car into the FBI’s Pittsburgh office gate, draping an American flag, and fleeing.
- Law enforcement rapidly locked down the area and searched for threats but found nothing dangerous.
- Henson faces federal charges. The attack appears deliberate but poses no ongoing threat, per authorities.
Summary:
“Investigators say the case is being treated as a deliberate attack, but stress there was no ongoing threat to the public as they continue to examine his motives.”
— Mary Kathryn Ham, [03:45]
6. Weather & Financial Updates
[04:01–04:28]
- Weather: Tropical Storm Gabrielle forms in the Atlantic, currently far from land.
- Business: Markets are mixed ahead of a pivotal Fed decision; Dow rallies over 300 points, but S&P and Nasdaq lag.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “Today should be about the future of trust in Public Health.” — Dr. Menarez, [00:08]
- “It was the vehicle by which partisan FBI agents and Department of Justice prosecutors could achieve their partisan ends.” — Guy Benson, [01:01]
- "The individual has not gained entry to the golf course. He’s on the exterior of the compound.” — Lisa Brady, relaying Secret Service, [03:02]
- “Investigators say the case is being treated as a deliberate attack, but stress there was no ongoing threat to the public…” — Mary Kathryn Ham, [03:45]
Segment Timestamps
- CDC Director Senate Hearing: [00:02–00:46]
- FBI Director & 'Arctic Frost' Probe: [00:46–01:22]
- Trump UK State Visit: [01:22–02:00]
- Trump Assassination Attempt Trial: [02:30–03:11]
- FBI Pittsburgh Incident: [03:11–04:01]
- Weather & Markets Update: [04:01–04:28]
Conclusion
This tightly packed newscast focuses on high-profile government accountability hearings, public health leadership controversy, legal proceedings linked to attempted political violence, national security incidents, and timely market/weather updates—providing listeners with essential developments as they unfold.