WSJ What’s News — September 18, 2025

Episode Focus:
The episode centers on Disney’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel after controversial remarks about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as well as significant updates on weight loss drugs, US-Mexico-Canada trade relations, central bank rate cuts, and President Trump’s state visit to the UK.

1. Disney Suspends Jimmy Kimmel for Comments on Charlie Kirk

[00:45–01:14]

• Headline:
  Disney has indefinitely suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel from ABC following remarks he made about the shooting of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist.

• Background:
  The move followed public backlash and pressure from regulatory bodies. Brendan Carr, FCC chair, criticized Kimmel on a conservative podcast and suggested potential action against ABC's broadcast licenses.

• Decision Dynamics:

  • Disney CEO Bob Iger and other senior leaders made the call to suspend Kimmel.
  • Kimmel declined to comment.
  • The issue is highly divisive: public discourse over Kirk’s rhetoric, the reaction to his death, and the White House response has been heated.

• Political Fallout:

  • In Washington, Republicans moved to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar for reposting a disparaging video about Kirk; the effort failed as Democrats blocked it.

• Memorable Quote:

  • Santiago Perez on the polarization:

    "The MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to to score political points from it."
    — (01:15)

2. Exclusive: Legal Concerns over Military Actions Against Drug Cartels

[01:57–02:36]

• Report:
  Some US military lawyers and Defense Department officials are concerned about the legal justification for President Trump’s recent military strikes on boats suspected of moving drugs in international waters.
  • Concerns over legal exposure for military personnel have reportedly been “ignored or sidelined.”
  • Pentagon spokesperson denied any lawyers had raised concerns, citing adherence to US and international law.

3. US-Mexico-Canada Trade: Canada’s PM Meets Mexico’s President

[02:41–04:11]

• Context:
  Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visits Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as both countries prepare for a review of the USMCA (North American free trade agreement).

  • Over 75% of Canada’s and 80% of Mexico’s exports go to the US.

• Integration & Stakes:
  Santiago Perez underscores shared interests, particularly in the auto and auto parts sectors, emphasizing the importance of a unified trade approach.

  • Quote:

    "We're talking about millions of jobs at stake."
    — Santiago Perez (03:51)

4. Breakthrough in Weight Loss Drugs: Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Pill

[04:11–06:31]

• Development:
  Novo Nordisk announces its experimental daily Wegovy pill matches the efficacy of its weekly injectable in late-stage trials.

  • Patients lost an average of 16.6% body weight; one-third lost 20%+ over 64 weeks.

• Market Implications:
  Peter Loftus reports high demand for pill alternatives to injectables, both for consumer preference and lower production costs.

  • Quote:

    "There's a demand from people who don't like needles, who might like the cadence of taking something once a day rather than a weekly injectable."
    — Peter Loftus (04:43)

• Pricing & Competition:
  Pills may be cheaper (~$1000/month now for injectables; pills could be lower due to simpler manufacturing).
  Loftus notes rivals like Eli Lilly are close behind, meaning Novo Nordisk’s lead may be short-lived.

• Regulatory Timeline:
  Neither Novo Nordisk nor Eli Lilly weight loss pills are FDA-approved yet; decisions expected by year-end.

5. Central Banks & Rate Cuts: Uncertainty Ahead

[06:31–09:59]

• US Federal Reserve:
  Following an anticipated quarter-point interest rate cut, markets are volatile due to uncertain guidance on future cuts.

• Bank of England:
  Paul Hannon explains the BoE is likely to hold rates steady, torn between rising inflation and a cooling jobs market.

  • BoE's approach contrasts with the Fed; investors expect more Fed cuts this year, but UK's central bank might wait until early 2026.

• Bank of Japan:
  No major changes expected soon following the recent resignation of PM Shigeru Ishiba; a small rate rise possible later in the year.

• Tariffs & the Global Economy:
  US tariffs are affecting prices and labor; Europe appears less affected for now due to a stable 15% tariff level.

  • Quote:

    "It's a difficult moment, I think, for central banks to be making decisions about anything."
    — Paul Hannon (09:45)

6. President Trump’s Second State Visit to the UK

[10:08–12:12]

• Visit Overview:
  Trump visits the UK, meeting with PM Keir Starmer (“Europe's Trump Whisperer”), praised for deftly handling negotiations with the unpredictable US president.

• Diplomatic Pageantry:
  The UK hosted a lavish dinner at Windsor Castle (51-yard table, 139 candles, attended by tech CEOs Tim Cook and Sam Altman).

  • Quote:

    "The table itself measured 51 yards, had 139 candles and 1,452 pieces of cutlery for the 160 guests. The table took a week to put together."
    — WSJ White House reporter Tarini (11:00)

• Trade & Investment Wins:

  • The UK has secured:
    • An early US trade deal with better tariff terms than the EU
    • Special treatment on steel/aluminum tariffs
    • Over $200 billion in new US investments (including $40 billion in AI infrastructure)

• Upcoming Engagements:
  Trump and Starmer scheduled for discussions at Checkers, PM’s countryside retreat.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Kimmel Suspension:

  "The MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to to score political points from it."
  — Santiago Perez (01:15)

• On North American Trade:

  "We're talking about millions of jobs at stake."
  — Santiago Perez (03:51)

• On Pill vs. Injectable Weight Loss Meds:

  "There's a demand from people who don't like needles, who might like the cadence of taking something once a day rather than a weekly injectable."
  — Peter Loftus (04:43)

• On Central Bank Uncertainty:

  "It's a difficult moment, I think, for central banks to be making decisions about anything."
  — Paul Hannon (09:45)

• On State Visit Diplomacy:

  "The table itself measured 51 yards, had 139 candles and 1,452 pieces of cutlery for the 160 guests. The table took a week to put together."
  — Tarini (11:00)

Episode Flow & Tone

• Concise, fast-paced, and information-rich—true to WSJ’s journalistic style
• Sharp division in the political coverage, careful to reflect both direct reporting and the rhetoric/controversy involved
• Economic analysis is sober and nuanced, with recurring emphasis on uncertainty
• International segments highlight the high stakes and details (e.g., trade, weight-loss drug race, state visit extravagance)
• Primary focus on stories with major economic or political impact, minimal editorializing

This episode delivers a rapid, multidimensional update encompassing political controversy, global economics, pharmaceutical innovation, and high-stakes diplomacy—a comprehensive snapshot for anyone following current business and world affairs.