Fox News Hourly Update — 4PM ET 09/19/2025 Newscast

Host: Elisa Brady (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: September 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise, fast-paced update on major national and international news. Key topics include evolving CDC guidance on COVID vaccines, new EU sanctions on Russian energy, market records on Wall Street, the resignation at Texas A&M University following a gender content controversy, and the Trump administration's Supreme Court petition over passport gender identification.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. CDC’s Latest Guidance on COVID Vaccines

[00:02 - 00:49]

• New Recommendations:

  • The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel voices support for COVID vaccines for individuals over six months old, emphasizing those at higher risk for serious illness.
  • Adult vaccination prioritized: “The CDC's vaccine advisory panel voted to endorse the COVID vaccine for those over the age of 65 based on individual decision making for those over six months.” — Dr. Martin Koldorff [00:14]
  • The panel acknowledges more tailored communication about vaccine risks or uncertainties.

• Insurance and Access:

  • “There is no insurance restrictions on getting this vaccine.” — News Anchor [00:34]
  • The panel narrowly rejects a prescription requirement: “They voted seven to six against recommending a prescription be required for the vaccine.” — Dr. Martin Koldorff [00:39]

• Additional Immunization Changes:

  • A delayed vote on the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns.
  • Decision to separate MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) from the chickenpox vaccine.

2. Global Affairs — Russia & Energy Sanctions

[00:49 - 01:29]

• EU Proposes Tougher Sanctions:

  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announces a bid to phase out Russian LNG purchases by 2027, accelerating existing plans.
  • Rationale: “Russia's war economy is sustained by fossil fuel revenues... We want to cut these revenues, so we are banning imports of Russian LNG into European markets. It is time to turn off the tap.” — Ursula von der Leyen (via News Anchor) [01:17]

• U.S. Pressure:

  • President Trump continues pressing Europe to end Russian energy imports, highlighting America's doubled tariffs on Indian imports of Russian oil.

3. U.S. & China Relations, TikTok Deal

[01:29 - 01:57]

• Presidential Diplomacy:
  • President Trump had a “lengthy call” with China’s president discussing Ukraine, and reportedly thanked him for approving a TikTok deal. Details remain sparse.

4. Wall Street Surges to New Records

[01:57 - 01:57] and [04:09 - 04:28]

• Strong Markets:
  • The Dow Jones closed up 172 points, while the S&P and NASDAQ also set new highs.
  • Closing figure for the Dow: 46,315.

5. Texas A&M University President Resigns Over Classroom Video

[02:30 - 03:16]

• Background:

  • President Mark Welsh resigns after a viral incident involving a gender content dispute in a children’s literature course.

• Statement Highlights:

  • “This isn't about academic freedom. It's about academic responsibility.” — Mark Welsh [02:41]
  • In resignation letter: “It's been a pleasure to work for you, boss. Best of luck leading the best university system on earth.” — Mark Welsh (to Chancellor) [02:41]

• Community Response:

  • Faculty and student government issued supportive letters to the Board of Regents.

6. Supreme Court Petition: Passport Gender Designations

[03:16 - 04:09]

• Legal Conflict:
  • Trump administration seeks Supreme Court intervention after a judge ordered the State Department to allow transgender and nonbinary individuals to select gender on U.S. passports.
  • Background: “President Trump issuing an executive order earlier this year saying the government will recognize only two sexes. The State Department later suspending its processing of passport applications using the gender marker X.” — Legal Analyst [03:26]
  • Ongoing: The administration argues it “can’t be required to use sex designations it considers to be inaccurate on official ID documents.” — Legal Analyst [03:26]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On CDC Vaccine Panel:

  • “They also voted to better engage in informing people about certain risks or uncertainties regarding the vaccine.” — Dr. Martin Koldorff [00:39]
  • “They voted seven to six against recommending a prescription be required for the vaccine.” — Dr. Martin Koldorff [00:39]

• On EU Sanctions:

  • “We want to cut these revenues... It is time to turn off the tap.” — Ursula von der Leyen [01:17]

• Texas A&M Resignation:

  • “This isn't about academic freedom. It's about academic responsibility.” — Mark Welsh [02:41]

• On Passport Gender Lawsuit:

  • “The government appealing asking for relief, but a federal court denying the request. Now the administration wants the Supreme Court to step in...” — Legal Analyst [03:26]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• CDC COVID Vaccine Updates: [00:02 - 00:49]
• European Sanctions on Russia: [00:49 - 01:29]
• U.S.–China Relations, TikTok: [01:29 - 01:57]
• Wall Street Record Highs: [01:57, 04:09]
• Texas A&M President Resignation: [02:30 - 03:16]
• Supreme Court Passport Case: [03:16 - 04:09]

This concise roundup keeps listeners informed on pressing national and global events, blending policy developments, health updates, and major headlines from government, finance, and academia.