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

Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Host: FOX News Podcasts (Daria Albinger)
Date: October 18, 2025
Running Time: ~4 minutes

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update covers the major developing stories of the day, centered on large-scale "No Kings Day" protests against the Trump administration, the ongoing government shutdown, updates on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, and significant legal headlines involving John Bolton and George Santos. The briefing delivers quick, concise news highlights for listeners wanting a snapshot of current events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. "No Kings Day" Demonstrations

• Mass Protests Nationwide:

  • Large crowds in major cities, smaller demonstrations elsewhere, all protesting the Trump administration.
  • Protesters criticize President Trump for behaving "more like a king," citing use of ICE and deployment of National Guard troops.

• Remarkable Speaker Appearance:

  • Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) addressed protestors in Washington D.C., highlighting the fragility of American democracy.
    • Quote:

      "This incredible legacy of ours, our democracy is not inevitable. It is not inexorable. It is not like gravity. We have to, we have to defend it. We have to come together and defend it."
      — Sen. Adam Schiff (00:18)

• Political Responses:

  • Republicans claim the protests are a "distraction" from the government shutdown.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson: Labeled the protests "hate America rallies."
  • High-profile Democrats, including Sens. Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders, are attending the D.C. protest.

2. Government Shutdown Drags On

• Current Situation:

  • Shutdown continues, with lawmakers "deadlocked over next year's federal budget."
  • GOP considers "drastic measures" if the shutdown persists.

• NEC Director Kevin Hassett on Republican Leverage:

  • Quote:

    "We can stop virtually anything that we want other than defense and so on and national security matters. The president could pick the Democrats' favorite things and stop them forever legally. And he's yet to do that. He's hoping for an amicable solution."
    — Kevin Hassett (01:23)

• Democratic Counterpoint:

  • Dems say they are blocking the bill due to concerns over health care funding cuts, notably to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.

3. Middle East Update: Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

• Current Developments:

  • UN facility in Yemen was raided by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels (no casualties or injuries reported).
  • Under an active ceasefire, Hamas has handed over the remains of 10 Israeli hostages; 18 remain unaccounted for.

• Stated Commitments & Pressures:

  • Hamas says it's committed to the ceasefire terms but is challenged by the devastation on the ground.
  • President Trump warned that he would "greenlight Israel to resume the war if Hamas doesn't live up to its end of the deal."

• Humanitarian Updates:

  • Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza (total now 135).
  • Funerals held, highlighted by the mention of Inbar Heyman, abducted from the Nova Music Festival and who died in Hamas captivity.

• Hostage Families Forum Statement:

  • Families of remaining hostages vow to "not rest until the remaining 18 come home."

4. John Bolton Indictment

• Legal News:

  • Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton pled not guilty to an 18-count indictment regarding mishandling top secret documents.
    • Allegations: Emailed classified info to family members and kept documents at home.
    • Bolton has been released after initial court appearance.
    • This is the third recent DOJ case against Trump’s perceived political opponents.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Reporter (Chanley Painter):

    "John Bolton is accused of emailing classified information to family members and keeping classified documents at his Maryland home." (03:19)

  • Bolton’s response: Called indictment "an intimidation effort from the president."

  • President Trump responded simply, calling Bolton "a bad guy."

5. Commutation of George Santos

• Presidential Action:
  • President Trump has commuted the sentence of former Congressman George Santos (NY) after his conviction for deceiving donors and identity theft.
    • Santos admitted guilt for stealing identities (including family members) to funnel money into his campaign.
    • Was sentenced in April 2025.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sen. Adam Schiff (00:18):

  "This incredible legacy of ours, our democracy is not inevitable. ... We have to defend it."

• NEC Director Kevin Hassett (01:23):

  "We can stop virtually anything that we want other than defense... The president could pick the Democrats' favorite things and stop them forever legally."

• Fox's Stephanie Bennett (02:28):

  "Hamas says it is committed to the terms of the ceasefire deal, but the retrieval of those remains is hampered by the scope of the devastation."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• No Kings Day protests begin: 00:02
• Adam Schiff’s remarks: 00:18
• Republican & Democratic responses: 00:30 - 00:55
• Government shutdown update: 01:02
• Kevin Hassett on shutdown strategy: 01:23
• Middle East developments (Israel/Hamas): 02:16
• Stephanie Bennett on hostage remains: 02:28
• John Bolton indictment coverage: 03:09
• Chanley Painter reporting on Bolton: 03:19
• George Santos commutation: 03:43

Summary

This newscast briskly covers nationwide “No Kings” protests against President Trump, ongoing government budget stalemates, diplomatic turbulence in the Middle East, a high-profile indictment of a former national security adviser, and a controversial presidential commutation. Notable political voices and rapid updates keep listeners informed on the fast-evolving national and international headlines.