Fox News Hourly Update — 12AM ET 09/16/2025

Host: Sue Guzman (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: September 16, 2025

Main Theme

This episode delivers a concise, high-impact roundup of breaking national news, focusing on crime crackdowns, the investigation into Charlie Kirk's murder, developments in federal governance, ongoing legal cases, and updates on U.S. military action abroad.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National Guard Deployed to Memphis in Crime Crackdown

• [00:02-00:32]
  • President Trump approves the deployment of a federal task force—including the National Guard and law enforcement agencies—to Memphis, targeting rising crime.
  • The strategy is to “deploy the full powers of federal law enforcement agencies…to restore public safety and get dangerous career criminals off of our streets.”

    President Trump: “This team will deploy the full powers of federal law enforcement agencies and enforcement generally to restore public safety and get dangerous career criminals off of our streets.” [00:21]

  • Trump announces the next cities targeted will be Chicago and St. Louis.
  • Notably, Illinois Governor rejects a similar National Guard deployment in Chicago.

2. Investigation into the Murder of Charlie Kirk

• [00:46-01:31]
  • Federal officials intensify investigations into the assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
  • FBI Director Kash Patel outlines a broad investigation, including seizure of “dozens of electronic devices” and analysis of suspect Tyler Robinson’s communications, not limited to Discord.

    Kash Patel (FBI Director): “We are going to be interviewing scores of people on not just these chats on Discord, but any communications.” [00:46]

  • A critical piece of evidence: an alleged text from Robinson stating intentions to “take out” Charlie Kirk.
  • Vice President JD Vance guest-hosts Charlie Kirk’s show, delivering a powerful tribute and call to action.

    JD Vance: “The way to honor him is to shine the light of truth like a torch in the very darkest places. Go do it. We owe it to our friend to ensure that his killer is not just prosecuted but punished. And the worst punishment is not the death penalty, but the knowledge that Charlie's mission continues after he's gone.” [01:31]

3. Federal Reserve Updates and Legal Challenges

• [03:19-04:03]
  • Appeals court allows Lisa Cook to remain a Fed governor for now. President Trump’s attempts to remove her have been temporarily blocked.
  • Cook is under investigation for alleged mortgage fraud.
  • Senate approves Stephen Myron as a new Fed governor, filling a term until January 2026.

4. High-Profile Legal Proceedings: Trump Assassination Attempt Case

• [04:03-04:45]
  • The trial for Brian Ruth, who attempted to assassinate then-candidate Trump at his South Florida golf course, continues.
  • Ruth is representing himself. Judge Cannon questions Ruth about plans to call his son, currently incarcerated, as a witness—a complicated issue due to logistics and his son’s charges.
  • First testimony comes from an FBI evidence technician, who details evidence found in Ruth’s car: a fake Hawaii driver’s license, US passport, six cell phones, debit card, and notes regarding flights to South America.

5. U.S. Military Targets Venezuelan Drug Boat

• [04:45-05:16]
  • U.S. military strikes another suspected Venezuelan drug boat, killing three. President Trump labels those aboard as “narco terrorists.”
  • This follows a similar fatal strike two weeks prior.
  • No official statement yet from the Venezuelan government.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on law enforcement powers:

  “This team will deploy the full powers of federal law enforcement agencies…and enforce generally to restore public safety and get dangerous career criminals off of our streets.” [00:21]

• FBI Director Kash Patel on the investigation:

  “We are going to be interviewing scores of people on not just these chats on Discord, but any communications.” [00:46]

• JD Vance guest-hosting the Charlie Kirk show:

  “Go do it. We owe it to our friend to ensure that his killer is not just prosecuted but punished. And the worst punishment is not the death penalty, but the knowledge that Charlie’s mission continues after he’s gone.” [01:31]

Important Timestamps

• 00:02–00:32 | New crime crackdown: National Guard to Memphis
• 00:46–01:31 | Details and tribute regarding Charlie Kirk’s murder
• 03:19–04:03 | Federal Reserve appointments and legal battles
• 04:03–04:45 | Trump assassination attempt trial updates
• 04:45–05:16 | U.S. military strike on a Venezuelan drug boat

Tone and Style Notes

The episode is fast-paced, fact-driven, and focused on the decisive actions of law enforcement and government officials in response to national crises. The reporting style is direct, relying on official statements and notable quotes to summarize breaking news without editorializing.