Fox News Hourly Update – 2PM ET 10/17/2025

Host: Lisa Brady, FOX News Podcasts
Date: October 17, 2025
Episode Theme:
This newscast covers major international and domestic developments, including high-level diplomacy surrounding the Ukraine war, security and legal actions tied to global conflicts, European tensions over energy infrastructure, an ongoing federal crackdown on crime in Memphis, and updates on U.S.-China trade relations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Diplomatic Moves to End the Ukraine War

[00:02–00:26]

• Ukrainian President Zelensky At the White House:
  • President Zelensky visits President Trump, hoping for renewed momentum to stop the Russia-Ukraine war.
  • Zelensky expresses optimism:

    “I'm confident that with your help we can stop this war.”
    (Volodymyr Zelensky, 00:10)

  • Trump had an extended two-hour conversation with Russia’s President Putin the previous day, signaling active diplomacy.
    • Trump emphasizes urgency:

      “We went through a lot of details. He wants to get it ended. I think that President Zelensky wants to get it ended. Now. We have to get it done.”
      (Donald Trump, 00:19)

  • Issue of U.S. allowing Ukraine to buy longer-range Tomahawk missiles is pending; Trump worries about escalation, but it's being considered.
    • Noted that Putin has warned against such escalation.
  • Zelensky mentions Trump’s "momentum" in peacemaking after the Gaza ceasefire deal.

2. U.S. Arrest in Connection with Gaza Conflict

[00:27–01:25]

• Arrest of Mahmoud Al Matadi in Louisiana:
  • A Palestinian national, Mahmoud Al Matadi, is detained for alleged involvement in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
  • According to the criminal complaint, Al Matadi joined the attack after learning about the Hamas invasion, arming himself and crossing into Israel.
  • He allegedly lied on his U.S. visa application, hiding connections to paramilitary groups, and entered via Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in September 2024.
  • Facing accusations of violating terrorism laws and using fraudulent immigration documents.
  • He remains in U.S. custody.
    (Reported by Jonathan Serrie, 00:50)

3. Legal Update: John Bolton Case

[01:26–01:34]

• Former Trump National Security Advisor Released:
  • John Bolton is released from custody after pleading not guilty to federal charges of mishandling classified information.
  • Bolton calls the prosecution "an abuse of power." (No direct quote given in transcript.)

4. Nord Stream Pipeline Sabotage & Extradition Dispute

[02:15–03:07]

• Polish Court Blocks Extradition:
  • Poland denies the extradition of a Ukrainian, Vladimir Z, to Germany, who is accused of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions.
    • German prosecutors claim he is a diver linked to placing explosives off a Danish island, damaging both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2.
    • His wife provides an alibi; his lawyer argues no Ukrainian should be prosecuted for actions against Russia.
  • Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says it’s against their interests to extradite him, underlining Poland’s anti-Russian stance and skepticism of Russian energy infrastructure.
    • Tusk:

      “Europe's problem is not that Nord Stream 2 was blown up, but that it was built.”
      (Paraphrased by Therese Crowley, 02:45)

5. Memphis Declares State of Emergency Amid Federal Crime Crackdown

[03:07–03:50]

• Emergency in Shelby County, Memphis:
  • A surge in federal law enforcement presence leads to a state of emergency, declared by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, due to increased strain on resources, particularly jails.
    • Daily arrests are up by 200% following the arrival of the Memphis Safe Task Force, a joint operation by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, President Trump, and Memphis Mayor Paul Young.
  • The emergency declaration allows flexible spending to manage the arrest/detention surge and is oriented toward preserving public health, safety, and welfare.
  • The declaration stays until the task force completes operations.
    (Reported by Jeff Manasso, 03:11)

6. Economic and Trade Headlines

[03:50–04:14]

• U.S.-China Tensions Ease, Markets Up:
  • Treasury Secretary expresses hope that tensions are cooling after China’s rare earth export controls and U.S. tariff threats.
  • Stock markets responding positively:
    • Dow Jones up 229 points
    • S&P and Nasdaq also in the green

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Zelensky to Trump:

  “I'm confident that with your help we can stop this war.” (00:10)

• Trump on Ending Ukraine War:

  “We went through a lot of details. He wants to get it ended. I think that President Zelensky wants to get it ended. Now. We have to get it done.” (00:19)

• Poland’s Prime Minister Tusk (reported):

  “Europe's problem is not that Nord Stream 2 was blown up, but that it was built.” (02:45)

Segment Timestamps

• Ukraine Peace Push & Zelensky Visit: 00:02–00:26
• Louisiana Hamas-Linked Arrest: 00:27–01:25
• John Bolton Legal Update: 01:26–01:34
• Nord Stream Sabotage/Extradition Dispute: 02:15–03:07
• Memphis State of Emergency: 03:07–03:50
• China Trade & Markets Update: 03:50–04:14

This newscast features rapid updates on global tensions, the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, a dramatic legal case tied to Gaza, European geopolitical maneuvering, and significant U.S. domestic law enforcement action, all delivered with Fox News' signature directness and urgency.