Fox News Hourly Update – 2AM ET 08/18/2025 Newscast

Host: Sue Guzman
Date: August 18, 2025
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update

Overview

This episode delivers concise updates on top U.S. and international news, covering President Trump’s diplomatic meetings with Ukraine and Russia, reactions from politicians and foreign leaders, Hurricane Aaron’s severe Atlantic impact, a gang-related shooting in Brooklyn, California’s congressional mapping battle, and a notable gesture from Pope Leo XIV.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump’s Ukraine and Russia Diplomacy

[00:02–00:59]

• Coverage of Talks at the White House:

  • President Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky at the White House after his recent summit with Russian President Putin.

• Divergent Political Reactions:

  • Republican Stance:
    • Senator Eric Schmidt (MO) described Trump’s ability to engage Putin in negotiations as "an accomplishment."
      • Quote: “Just getting Putin to talk about negotiations was an accomplishment.” — Eric Schmidt [00:16]
  • Commentary on Trump’s Diplomatic Strategy:
    • Fox Analyst emphasized Trump’s persistent “North Star” is peace through engaging both sides.
      • Quote: “President Trump is engaging Russia. He’s bringing the two parties together to get to peace. That has always been his North Star.” — Fox News Business Analyst [00:29]
  • Democratic Critique:
    • Congressman Jason Crow condemned the recent Trump-Putin meeting.
      • Quote: “On Friday was a historic embarrassment for the United States. There’s no other way to put it.” — Jason Crow [00:44]

• Reaction from European Leaders:

  • French and British leaders praised Trump’s efforts for diplomacy but were skeptical of Putin, reaffirming strong support for Ukraine and NATO.
  • Summary: “French and British leaders… are skeptical about Putin and… saying their support for Ukraine is unwavering till NATO.” — Fox News Correspondent [00:49]

• Trump Responds to Criticism:

  • On Truth Social, President Trump denied reports of defeat in talks with Putin.
  • He suggested peace could come if Ukraine abandons plans for NATO membership and drops claims to Crimea.

2. Hurricane Aaron’s Intensification in the Atlantic

[01:00–01:56]

• Storm Status Update:

  • Initially classified as a Category 4 (reported at start), later corrected as Category 3 with 125 mph winds, east of Turks and Caicos.
  • “Hurricane Aaron continues to lash the Caribbean with damaging winds and heavy rain.” — Ashley Strawmeyer [01:30]

• Regional Impact:

  • Outer bands caused widespread power outages, specifically affecting nearly 150,000 people in Puerto Rico.
  • Forecasts warn the storm could "double or even triple in size," creating hazardous surf conditions along the U.S. East Coast by midweek.
    • Memorable Detail: “That could bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to the east coast by midweek.” [01:53]

3. Brooklyn Nightclub Shooting and Political Responses

[02:31–03:18]

• Incident Details:
  • Four suspects opened fire at the Brooklyn Lounge in a gang-related shooting.
  • Authorities and crisis management teams were deployed to curb escalating gang tensions.
  • “At least four people opened fire at the Brooklyn Lounge in what they believe is a gang related shooting.” — Political Commentator [02:36]
• Impact on Mayoral Election:
  • The shooting has become a central topic in the upcoming New York mayoral race.
  • Zoram Mamdani (Democrat):
    • Praised first responders.
    • Doubled down on promise to establish a city agency for violence interrupters.
  • Curtis Sliwa (Republican):
    • "I'm the only candidate with the courage to restore law and order in New York City." — Curtis Sliwa [Quote via Political Commentator, 03:13]

4. California’s Congressional Map Battle

[03:18–04:03]

• Background:
  • Governor Gavin Newsom initiated a response to Texas GOP attempts to gain congressional seats by advancing plans to flip five California districts from Republican to Democrat.
• Next Steps:
  • New congressional maps are expected to be approved by California lawmakers, then put to a special election in November.
  • The move is in direct counteraction to national GOP strategies.
  • “California Democrats say they’ve launched this campaign to counter the ongoing effort by President Donald Trump and Texas Republicans to create up to five GOP friendly congressional seats in the Lone Star State.” — California Political Analyst [03:36]

5. Pope Leo XIV’s Act of Compassion

[04:03–04:28]

• Summary of Papal Activity:
  • Pope Leo XIV spent a Sunday with refugees, the homeless, and the poor, leading a special mass and hosting a luncheon at the Vatican’s lakeside estate featuring lasagna and roast veal.
  • “Pope Leo xiv spending the last Sunday of his summer vacation with refugees, the homeless and poor people… invited them to the… estate for a special luncheon.” — Sue Guzman [04:03]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Eric Schmidt (R-MO): “Just getting Putin to talk about negotiations was an accomplishment.” [00:16]
• Fox News Business Analyst: “President Trump is engaging Russia. He’s bringing the two parties together to get to peace. That has always been his North Star.” [00:29]
• Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO): “On Friday was a historic embarrassment for the United States. There’s no other way to put it.” [00:44]
• Political Commentator on NYC Race: “I’m the only candidate with the courage to restore law and order in New York City.” — Curtis Sliwa [03:13]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02–00:59: President Trump’s meetings with Ukraine and Russia; political and European reactions
• 01:00–01:56: Hurricane Aaron updates and impact on the Caribbean
• 02:31–03:18: Brooklyn shooting, mayoral race reactions
• 03:18–04:03: California-Texas congressional map battle
• 04:03–04:28: Pope Leo XIV’s charity lunch for vulnerable communities

This newscast provided brisk, wide-ranging updates on the morning’s biggest stories, balancing international diplomacy, extreme weather, local and national politics, and unique human-interest coverage.