Fox News Hourly Update — 4PM ET, August 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update offers quick reports on pressing international and domestic stories. The episode’s main themes include breakthrough diplomatic talks at the White House regarding Ukraine and Russia, Hurricane Erin’s intensification, the fallout from the death of actor Matthew Perry, a mass shooting in Brooklyn, and a major labor strike at Air Canada.

1. Ukrainian Crisis: Diplomatic Breakthrough at the White House

• International leaders rally for Ukraine
  European leaders, including Germany’s Chancellor Merz and NATO’s Secretary General, meet with Ukraine’s President Zelinsky at the White House. President Trump is credited for moving forward stalled peace efforts with Russia.
  • Chancellor Merz on U.S. diplomacy:

    “I think if we play this well, we could end this. And we have to end it. We have to stop the killing. We have to stop the destruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure.”
    — Chancellor Merz (00:12)

  • US role in Ukrainian security:
    Merz praises Trump for “breaking the deadlock” by opening direct talks with President Putin, and calls the U.S. commitment to future security guarantees for Ukraine a “breakthrough.”
  • High stakes in upcoming weeks:

    “In a certain period of time, not very far from now, a week or two weeks, we’re going to know whether or not we’re going to solve this or is this horrible fighting going to continue. We’ll do the best to get it ended. And I believe you have two willing parties and usually that’s good news, but two willing parties that want to make a deal.”
    — President Trump (00:32)

  • Unclear outcomes:
    The podcast notes it is uncertain what kind of “allied security” for Ukraine, if any, President Putin would accept or whether Ukraine will agree to cede territory currently under Russian control. Trump plans a direct call with Putin after the meetings (00:51).

2. Hurricane Erin Threatens U.S. East Coast

• Storm intensifies
  Hurricane Erin is now a Category 4, passing east of the Bahamas, with the Outer Banks, North Carolina, highlighted as “ground zero” for its impact.
  • Even without direct U.S. landfall, “these beaches are going to be decimated” with high surf and flood watches (01:15).
  • Mike Sidell, Fox Weather, reports:

    “Rip currents [and] wave heights here in the surf zone on the Outer Banks [will be] anywhere from 15 to 20ft as we go into Wednesday.”
    — Mike Sidell (01:15)

  • Evacuations underway:
    Orders issued for North Carolina’s Hatteras Island (01:40). Puerto Rico previously experienced flooding and outages.

3. Domestic News Briefs

A. Matthew Perry Overdose Case: Plea Deal

• Latest development:
  A woman nicknamed “the Ketamine Queen,” charged in connection with the overdose death of Friends star Matthew Perry, accepts a plea deal to avoid trial on federal drug charges (02:29).
• Case details:
  Perry reportedly used multiple sources to obtain more ketamine than prescribed for depression; five people were charged, including a doctor and his assistant (02:29).

B. Brooklyn Lounge Shooting

• NYC police update:
  14 people were shot during the weekend, with three fatalities—two of whom were suspects. Two suspects remain at large as NYPD detectives analyze recovered shell casings (02:29).

C. Air Canada Cabin Crew Strike

• Union defies back-to-work order:
  Over 10,000 cabin crew, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, remain on strike after the government deemed it unlawful (03:28).
  • Union leader’s stance:

    “If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it.”
    — Mark Hancock, CUPE National President (03:28)

  • Air Canada has offered a 38% wage increase over four years, but the union deems it insufficient given inflation. Unpaid pre- and post-flight work is a key sticking point (04:10).

4. Business Headlines

• Market wrap-up:
  The Dow dropped 33-34 points, S&P slipped, but NASDAQ finished slightly up (+6 points) (01:59, 04:10).

5. Notable Quotes & Moments

• Chancellor Merz:
  “We have to stop the killing. We have to stop the destruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure.” (00:12)
• President Trump:
  “Usually that’s good news, but two willing parties that want to make a deal.” (00:32)
• Mark Hancock (CUPE):
  “If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it.” (03:28)
• Fox Weather’s Mike Sidell:
  “These beaches are going to be decimated.” (01:15)

6. Timestamps Index for Key Segments

• 00:02 — Ukraine crisis and diplomacy with Russia (Chancellor Merz, President Trump)
• 01:15 — Hurricane Erin warnings, Fox Weather report
• 02:29 — Matthew Perry overdose plea deal; Brooklyn shooting; Air Canada strike update
• 04:10 — Market wrap-up and labor negotiations context

Tone and Style:
The episode maintains an urgent and focused newscast tone, prioritizing rapid live updates, direct quotes from major stakeholders, and succinct summaries of developing stories.

Summary compiled using content from the August 18, 2025, 4PM ET Fox News Hourly Update.