Fox News Hourly Update – 12PM ET, September 18, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode provides concise updates on major US and international news stories, covering President Trump’s UK visit, trade and geopolitical tensions, updates on vaccine advisory panels, US public opinion on Middle East conflicts, and a developing US military incident in Washington state.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. President Trump Concludes UK State Visit
- Summary: President Trump wraps his visit to the UK after meetings with business leaders and talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. No major breakthroughs occurred on trade, specifically steel and aluminum tariffs, despite a previously announced broader deal.
- Notable Segment:
- [00:02] Elisa Brady: “Just wrapping up a state visit to the UK... no breakthroughs were announced on trade, especially on lowering steel and aluminum tariffs following a broader deal announced previously.”
- Trade Talks Outcome:
- [00:33] Jackie Heinrich: “There were high hopes the 25% tariffs could be slashed to zero... there will be no movement there.”
- [00:36] President Trump (via Jackie Heinrich): “It was a very tough negotiation and he thinks that the UK Got the better end of the deal.”
2. Focus Shifts to Ukraine Conflict
- Summary: US and UK reaffirm alignment in seeking an end to the war in Ukraine. President Trump directly calls out Russian President Putin for disappointment and criticizes ongoing international oil purchases from Russia.
- Notable Quotes:
- [01:04] Ryan Schmelz: “The leaders of both the US and UK are united in wanting an end to the war in Ukraine. President Trump sounding off on Russian President Putin.”
- [01:12] President Trump: “He’s let me down. He’s really let me down.”
- Legislative Developments:
- [01:18] Ryan Schmelz: Congress is considering new sanctions, including significant tariffs on countries buying Russian energy.
3. Vaccine Advisory Panel Updates
- Summary: The US Health Secretary’s revamped vaccine advisory panel starts a two-day meeting, with votes pending on updates to hepatitis B and combined MMR-chickenpox shots, amidst concerns about changes without new safety data.
- Notable Segment:
- [01:35] Elisa Brady: “Six votes expected later on the hepatitis B vaccine and a combined shot for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Some experts are concerned about revising vaccine recommendations without new safety data.”
4. Differing US-UK Stances on Middle East Conflict
- Summary: Differences between President Trump and PM Starmer over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, as the UK signals intent to recognize Palestinian statehood.
- Notable Quotes:
- [03:09] President Trump: “You know, Hamas said that they're going to put the hostages up as bait... we have to remember that. So I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score.”
- UK's Position:
- [03:25] Elisa Brady: “The British prime minister says Hamas can have no role in governing Gaza or a future Palestinian state.”
5. American Public Opinion on Gaza Response
- Summary: New polling shows increased US concern over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and declining approval for President Trump’s handling of the conflict.
- Poll Insights:
- [03:36] Guy Benson:
- “49% of Americans surveyed say the military response from Israel in the Gaza Strip has gone too far, compared to 42% this time last year.”
- “37% of Americans approve of President Trump's handling of the conflict, down from 44% in March.”
- “38% say America’s role in solving global issues is about right; 27% say we should be more active, 33% less active.”
- [03:36] Guy Benson:
6. Military Helicopter Crash Investigation – Washington State
- Summary: Officials investigate a US military helicopter crash near Joint Base Lewis-McChord; details are limited as the situation develops.
- Details:
- [04:12] Chris Foster: “Sheriff's officials in Thurston County, Washington, said... the crash happened in the Summit Lake area near joint base Lewis McChord... military lost contact with a helicopter... remains a developing situation and that no additional details were available.”
7. Stock Market Update
- Summary: Major US indices up at midday, with the Dow and Nasdaq posting gains.
- Details:
- [04:40] Elisa Brady: “The Dow's up 87 points. The S and P and the Nasdaq have been hitting new highs. Right now the Nasdaq is up to 18.”
Memorable Quotes by Segment
- President Trump on Putin:
“He’s let me down. He’s really let me down.” — President Trump [01:12] - President Trump on Hostages in Gaza:
“Hamas said that they're going to put the hostages up as bait... So I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score.” — President Trump [03:09] - Guy Benson on Public Opinion:
“49% of Americans surveyed say the military response from Israel in the Gaza Strip has gone too far.” — Guy Benson [03:36]
Useful Timestamps
- President Trump wraps UK visit & trade: [00:02] – [00:58]
- Ukraine war, sanctions on Russia: [01:04] – [01:35]
- Vaccine Advisory Panel meeting: [01:35] – [02:00]
- US-UK discord on Gaza/Palestine: [02:57] – [03:25]
- US public opinion on Gaza & global role: [03:36] – [04:06]
- Military crash near Joint Base Lewis-McChord: [04:12] – [04:40]
- Stock market update: [04:40] – [04:55]
This brisk, tightly packed update captures significant developments and political nuance between close allies, shifting public sentiments on global issues, and breaking domestic news—all in the signature direct tone of FOX News Radio.
