AM update with Megyn Kelly—a rapid-fire run of media, policy, and global stagecraft:
ABC has pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live” indefinitely after backlash to Kimmel’s on-air comments about the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing. The decision followed Nexstar’s announcement that its stations would preempt the show. Critics said Kimmel mischaracterized early facts; as of the update, no apology had aired. An FCC commissioner publicly urged broadcasters to “push back” on programming that, in their view, fails community standards, while stopping short of prescribing a specific penalty.
On Capitol Hill, former CDC Director Susan Monarez—recently fired—testified before the Senate HELP Committee. She said she was asked to pre-approve Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations “regardless of the scientific evidence” and to dismiss career staff, and that refusing to do so cost her the job. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s team countered that sweeping changes are intended to restore public trust and address conflicts of interest, pointing to a reconstituted ACIP and broader transparency goals. Senators from both parties pressed on vaccine policy: some argued CDC missteps fueled hesitancy; others focused on the process for updating childhood schedules, including COVID-19 and hepatitis B.
The Federal Reserve delivered its first rate cut of the Trump era, trimming the target range by 25 basis points to 4.00%–4.25%. Chair Jerome Powell cited weaker-than-expected job growth revisions and signaled two additional cuts could come this year, depending on data. Markets finished mixed: the Dow up, S&P 500 and Nasdaq down. One governor dissented in favor of a larger cut.
At a House Judiciary hearing, FBI Director Kash Patel fielded pointed questions about releasing the bureau’s Epstein files. Patel said protective court orders prevent a wholesale public dump and that the FBI is releasing what it lawfully can. He also faced questions about rising political violence and the bureau’s priorities; Patel emphasized “following the money,” public-private cooperation with platforms, and legal safe harbors that allow companies to flag threats.
Overseas, the UK rolled out an unusually lavish welcome for President Trump’s second state visit—carriage procession at Windsor, a wreath-laying for Queen Elizabeth II, a “beating retreat” ceremony with military bands and flyover, and a state banquet hosted by King Charles. The visit pairs symbolism with substance: meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to focus on tech investment, trade, and the war in Ukraine. Protests formed outside Windsor as the pageantry unfolded.
Taken together, the update captures a volatile news cycle: a late-night institution sidelined over a high-profile tragedy; a fresh fight over how public health decisions are made; a central-bank pivot aimed at a slowing economy; a transparency tug-of-war at the FBI; and a diplomatic showcase in Britain with policy stakes behind the ceremony.
Source: Megyn Kelly/YouTube, Jimmy Kimmel Pulled Indefinitely, Fired CDC Chief Testifies, Trump Honored in UK: AM Update 9/18
