Fox News Hourly Update — 2PM ET 09/18/2025 Newscast

Host: Lisa Brady
Date: September 18, 2025

Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of the day’s major political, legal, and societal stories as covered by Fox News Radio. The central themes include political contention over free speech in the wake of a controversial public death, high-profile lawsuits against major corporations, critical government action on health and safety, and developing legal challenges in college sports.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Political Fallout and Free Speech Debate

• Senate Democrats Accuse Trump Administration
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sharply criticizes the Trump administration for “supercharging” a political campaign following the murder of Charlie Kirk.
  • Schumer claims the administration is leveraging Kirk's death to target political opponents and stifle free speech.
    • Quote: “They don't want people to even speak.” — [Fox News Anchor, 00:18]
• Media and Free Speech Controversy
  • Institutions and companies, including ABC, have suspended or fired individuals over remarks related to Kirk. Notably, Jimmy Kimmel’s show is pulled after his monologue suggesting “Magaland” is exploiting the tragedy.
  • In a press briefing, President Trump denies any connection to free speech issues, attributing Kimmel’s dismissal to “bad ratings.”
    • Quote: “He was fired for lack of talent.” — [Attorney Kerry Sutton, 00:49]
  • Debate continues over the application and definition of free speech in the corporate and media sphere.

Timestamps

• 00:02–01:05: Coverage of Schumer’s accusations, media reaction, and debate around Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension.

2. Major Lawsuit: FTC vs. Ticketmaster/Live Nation

• Federal Trade Commission Sues Ticketmaster
  • The FTC alleges Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation misled artists and customers, advertising artificially low ticket prices and allowing brokers to override purchase limits.
  • The action cites a March executive order from President Trump aimed at consumer protections in ticketing.
    • Quote: “Their practices deceive customers by advertising low ticket prices while making them pay higher costs.” — [Fox News Correspondent, 01:18]
  • Live Nation has not yet commented; previously, it expressed support for suggested reforms.

Timestamps

• 01:05–01:49: Full coverage of FTC lawsuit, legislative background, and official responses.

3. U.S. Organ Transplant System Reforms

• Federal Crackdown on Unsafe Practices
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces the decertification of Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency (Miami) following persistent safety failures and federal violations.
    • Quote: “We are acting because of years of documented patient safety data failures… and we intend this decision to serve as a clear warning.” — [Attorney Kerry Sutton quoting RFK Jr., 03:15]
  • Chronic staffing shortages have resulted in approximately eight missed organ recoveries per week.
    • Quote: “More than 100,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list and 13 people die each day waiting for a transplant.” — [Health Secretary RFK Jr., 03:28]
  • Reforms aim to raise safety standards and protect patients from wrongful declarations of death.

Timestamps

• 02:57–03:43: Details on organ transplant system reforms and statistical context.

4. Sports Abuse Lawsuit at North Carolina State

• Civil Suit Alleges Pattern of Abuse
  • Fourteen former athletes file a civil lawsuit against Dr. Robert Murphy, ex-Director of Sports Medicine at NC State, alleging a pattern of sexual abuse.
    • Quote: “It’s not an alleged one off. It’s a pattern of alleged abuse against a substantial number of young men. And now it’s time for justice.” — [Attorney Kerry Sutton, 03:59]
  • Allegations extend to athletic staff for inaction and cover-up. The scope of abuse may reach hundreds.
  • Survivors step forward seeking justice and recognition of institutional failures.

Timestamps

• 03:43–04:44: Reporting and legal context on NC State sports scandal.

5. Market Update

• Strong Performance in US Markets
  • Dow Jones up by 153 points, NASDAQ surges over 200, indicating broad market optimism.
    • Quote: “Right now the Dow’s up 153 points, the NASDAQ with a bigger rally up more than 200.” — [Lisa Brady, 04:44]

Timestamps

• 04:44–04:55: Brief financial market recap.

Notable Quotes

• “This administration is trying to snuff it out. They don't want people to even speak.” — Fox News Anchor [00:18]
• “He was fired for lack of talent.” — Attorney Kerry Sutton [00:49]
• “Their practices deceive customers by advertising low ticket prices while making them pay higher costs.” — Fox News Correspondent [01:18]
• “We are acting because of years of documented patient safety data failures and repeated violations of federal requirements, and we intend this decision to serve as a clear warning.” — Attorney Kerry Sutton (quoting RFK Jr.) [03:15]
• “It’s not an alleged one off. It’s a pattern of alleged abuse against a substantial number of young men. And now it’s time for justice.” — Attorney Kerry Sutton [03:59]

Memorable Moments

• President Trump distances himself from the firing of Jimmy Kimmel, focusing instead on ratings rather than the broader free speech debate. [00:46]
• The federal government making a high-profile example out of a Miami organ recovery agency, with the intent to raise national transplant standards. [03:15]
• 14 athletes coming forward together in the NC State sports abuse case, potentially pioneering broader accountability. [03:59]

Summary Table of Key Segments

| Segment | Speaker(s) | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|------------| | Senate, free speech, Charlie Kirk controversy | Lisa Brady, Schumer, Press, Trump | 00:02–01:05| | FTC lawsuit against Ticketmaster/Live Nation | Fox News Correspondent | 01:05–01:49| | U.S. organ transplant system reforms | Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Kerry Sutton| 02:57–03:43| | NC State sports abuse lawsuit | Attorney Kerry Sutton | 03:43–04:44| | US markets update | Lisa Brady | 04:44–04:55|

This newscast weaves together headline events shaping U.S. politics, law, health, and sports, with direct quotes and perspectives from key players, offering listeners a brisk yet informative cross-section of the day’s top stories.