Fox News Hourly Update — 4AM ET 08/18/2025

Host: Sue Guzman (FOX News Podcasts)
Airdate: August 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers roundups on major national and international stories, focusing on U.S. efforts to end the Ukraine war, reactions to President Trump’s diplomatic summit with Ukrainian President Zelensky and Russian President Putin, developments on Hurricane Erin in the Caribbean, a deadly gang-related shooting in Brooklyn, and a brewing redistricting battle between California and Texas. The episode features on-scene correspondents and statements from politicians.

Major Story Summaries

Efforts to End the War in Ukraine

• [00:02] President Trump Meets with Zelensky and Putin:
  • President Trump is scheduled to meet Ukraine’s President Zelensky at the White House, following a meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
  • Jill Naito (FOX News) covers weekend reaction to the Trump-Putin summit.

Political Reactions to the Summit

• [00:18] Partisan Reactions to Trump-Putin Summit:
  • Republican Reaction:
    • Senator Eric Schmidt (R-MO) says, "Just getting Putin to talk about negotiations was an accomplishment."
    • Key Quote [00:31]:
      Sen. Eric Schmidt: "President Trump is engaging Russia. He's bringing the two parties together to get to peace. That has always been his North Star."
  • Democratic Criticism:
    • Democrats heavily criticize Trump’s summit.
    • Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) on FOX News:
      • Key Quote [00:46]:
        Rep. Jason Crow: "On Friday was a historic embarrassment for the United States. There's no other way to put it."
  • European Skepticism:
    • Leaders from France and Britain commend Trump’s efforts but remain skeptical of Putin and pledge unwavering support for Ukraine.

Trump’s Position and Social Media Response

• [01:02]
  • On Truth Social, Trump denies suffering a major defeat in negotiations, countering some media reports.
  • Trump claims Ukraine could "end the war immediately by dropping demands to join NATO and abandoning plans to try to reclaim Crimea."

Hurricane Erin Update

• [01:30] Storm Status:

  • Hurricane Erin intensifies to 130 mph winds, impacting the Atlantic.
  • Ashley Stromeier (FOX News) details widespread effects in the Caribbean.

• [01:32] Impacts in Caribbean:

  • Nearly 150,000 lose power in Puerto Rico.
  • The hurricane is forecast to grow significantly in size, bringing potential life-threatening surf and rip currents to the U.S. east coast by midweek.

• [01:51]

  • Turks and Caicos Islands, Southeast Bahamas expected to face similar conditions.
  • "America is listening to FOX News."

Brooklyn Nightclub Shooting

• [03:10] Incident Details:

  • Early Sunday, multiple suspects opened fire at Brooklyn Lounge in a suspected gang-related attack.
  • Four shooters, community crisis teams deployed to defuse gang tensions ahead of a close mayoral election.

• [03:33] Political Context:

  • Candidate Zoram Mamdani has walked back earlier police-defunding statements, now praises first responders and emphasizes violence interrupters.
  • Republican contender Curtis Sliwa:
    • Key Quote [03:56]:
      Curtis Sliwa: "I'm the only candidate with the courage to restore law and order in New York City."

• [03:58] NYPD Incident:

  • Off-duty officer fired at two individuals on mopeds, killing one gunman after being threatened outside a residential building. Second suspect fled.

California-Texas Redistricting Rivalry

• [04:32] Background:
  • Originated as a response by California Governor Gavin Newsom to Republican plans in Texas to flip five Democratic House districts.
• [04:36] California Action:
  • California lawmakers pushing for new congressional maps aimed at flipping five GOP-held districts to Democratic.
  • This redistricting is seen as a counter to President Trump and Texas Republicans’ midterm strategies.
  • The House remains in a "razor thin majority."

Notable Quotes & Key Moments

• Sen. Eric Schmidt (R-MO), on Trump-Putin diplomacy [00:31]:
  • "President Trump is engaging Russia. He's bringing the two parties together to get to peace. That has always been his North Star."
• Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO), on summit fallout [00:46]:
  • "On Friday was a historic embarrassment for the United States. There's no other way to put it."
• Curtis Sliwa (NYC Mayoral Candidate), on crime [03:56]:
  • "I'm the only candidate with the courage to restore law and order in New York City."

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:02] – War in Ukraine: Trump’s scheduled meetings with Zelensky and Putin
• [00:18] – Partisan reactions and European response to Trump-Putin summit
• [01:02] – Trump responds to criticism on social media; his suggestions for ending the war
• [01:30] – Hurricane Erin intensifies, Puerto Rico impact, East Coast threat
• [03:10] – Brooklyn nightclub shooting, political context, mayoral candidates’ responses
• [03:58] – NYPD officer-involved shooting following the Brooklyn incident
• [04:32] – California redistricting move as Texas plans challenge Democratic districts

Tone and Reporting Style

• The broadcast maintains a straightforward, fast-paced delivery with factual updates, brief direct quotes, and clear attributions.
• Political commentary is included from both partisan angles, reflecting divided reactions and campaign postures.

Summary Conclusion

This newscast provides a dense snapshot of global, national, and local headlines, emphasizing political divides over U.S.-Russia diplomacy, the evolving Ukrainian conflict, severe weather threats, urban crime, and ongoing partisan battles over congressional redistricting in advance of the midterms. Through quick transitions and quotes from key actors, listeners receive an overview of where political, social, and meteorological pressures are peaking as of mid-August 2025.