Fox News Hourly Update – 12AM ET, September 20, 2025

Main Theme / Purpose

This newscast covers major breaking news from the U.S. and global arenas, focusing on recent anti-drug military actions, an impending government shutdown, developments in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination, ongoing federal prosecution related to an attempted presidential assassination, and updates on U.S.-China diplomatic relations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Boat Strikes on Suspected Drug Smugglers

• Summary: President Trump announced another fatal strike against a vessel linked to a terrorist organization and illicit narcotics trafficking.
• Details:
  • The strike occurred in the U.S. Southern Command’s jurisdiction (South & Central America, Caribbean).
  • At least three men on board were killed; no U.S. forces were harmed.
  • This follows previous strikes on boats from Venezuela in recent weeks, with similar lethal outcomes.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Debra Valentine [00:03]: “President Trump says the US Military carried out another fatal strike against an alleged drug smuggling vessel.”
  • Kristen Goodwin [00:13]: “The president not sharing specific details about the exact location, but posting the lethal kinetic strike took place in the U.S. southern Command's area of responsibility.”

2. Looming U.S. Government Shutdown & Congressional Standoff

• Summary: There is an ongoing impasse in Congress over passing a spending bill, with a shutdown possible as of October 1.
• Details:
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune called for bipartisan cooperation following the congressional recess.
  • The conflict centers around health care funding cuts embedded in President Trump’s proposed legislation.
  • Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, threaten a shutdown unless those cuts are restored and have accused Republicans of refusing to negotiate.
• Notable Quotes:
  • John Thune (via Jason Chaffetz) [01:11]: “All it takes is a handful of Democrats to join the Republicans in keeping the government open and funded...”
  • Debra Valentine [01:27]: “Senate Democrats, meanwhile, are threatening to shut the government down unless health care funding cuts contained in the president's one big beautiful bill are actually restored.”
  • Chuck Schumer (via Debra Valentine paraphrase) [01:47]: “The theater must end. … Democrats will not vote for any resolution that does not restore health care funding cuts by President Trump and Republicans.”

3. Congressional Resolution Honoring Charlie Kirk

• Summary: The House passed a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk and condemning his assassination, but it was not unanimously supported.
• Details:
  • Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and leading Democrats voted yes; 58 Democrats voted no, drawing fire from Republicans.
  • The division reflected concerns about political discourse and the ability for open debate.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Jason Chaffetz [03:26]: “It's a shame that that's where their party has moved. It's not where America is. I mean, my gosh, we've seen such an outpouring of love for Charlie... the idea that we should... debate freely even when we disagree.”

4. Trial of Ryan Ruth – Alleged Attempted Assassination of President Trump

• Summary: Prosecutors have rested their case against Ryan Ruth for allegedly attempting to assassinate President Trump, presenting substantial evidence.
• Details:
  • Thirty-eight witnesses testified, including law enforcement and Ruth’s former associates.
  • Evidence presented includes Secret Service radio calls and surveillance showing Ruth buying a prepaid phone under a fake name.
  • Ruth is expected to begin his defense soon, intending to call three witnesses.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Dana Marie McNichol [03:59]: “It's been a busy week for prosecutors who laid out a mountain of evidence they say connects Ryan Roof Truth to the sniper's nest at President Trump's golf course...”
  • Debra Valentine [04:17]: “Style rifle.” (between coverage of evidence and court proceedings)
  • Dana Marie McNichol [04:18]: “Some testimony highlights include an AT&T employee who testified Ruth paid cash for for a prepaid line under a fake name, all captured on surveillance footage.”

5. U.S.-China Diplomacy and TikTok Deal

• Summary: President Trump plans diplomatic meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, amid ongoing negotiations over the TikTok social media app’s U.S. operations.
• Details:
  • Trump and Xi held a lengthy phone call, reportedly making progress on TikTok’s approval in the U.S.
  • A summit is scheduled next month in South Korea, with Trump also planning a visit to China next year.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Debra Valentine [04:38]: “President Trump says he'll meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a regional summit next month in South Korea. He will also visit China early next year. Trump and Xi had a lengthy phone call today. In a Truth Social post, Trump noted the leaders made progress on the approval of the TikTok deal...”

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• “We've seen such an outpouring of love for Charlie, what he represented, the idea that we should ... debate freely even when we disagree.” – Jason Chaffetz [03:26]
• “Democrats will not vote for any resolution that does not restore health care funding cuts by President Trump and Republicans.” – Debra Valentine [01:49, paraphrasing Schumer]
• “Prosecutors made their way through 38 witnesses, a mixture of Secret Service, FBI agents and weapon experts, as well as Rue's former employees.” – Dana Marie McNichol [04:18]

Important Timestamps

• [00:03] US military strike against drug traffickers
• [00:53] Government shutdown looming and Senate leadership remarks
• [01:27] Democratic demands regarding healthcare funding
• [03:10] Congressional resolution to honor Charlie Kirk
• [03:40] Legal update: Attempted assassination trial of President Trump
• [04:38] Trump-Xi Jinping call and TikTok negotiations

Tone and Language

• The episode took a serious and urgent tone, reflecting on sensitive matters (military actions, political standoffs, national security events, and diplomatic talks).
• Reporting remained concise, direct, and factual, occasionally incorporating the rhetoric of politicians and officials in their own words.
• The program maintained a brisk pace, moving quickly between segments to deliver a comprehensive update.