Fox News Hourly Update – 12AM ET 09/21/2025
Host: Debra Valentine
Airs: September 21, 2025
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Episode Overview
This episode delivers succinct updates on several major national and international stories: preparations for the public memorial of Charlie Kirk in Arizona, heightened security concerns and protest warnings, a shooting at a New Hampshire country club, renewed Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, and security ramp-ups around New York for the United Nations General Assembly and Jewish High Holidays. The episode also briefly touches on U.S.-China tech negotiations regarding TikTok and future addresses from world leaders.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Final Preparations for Charlie Kirk’s Memorial
[00:02 – 01:45]
-
Event Details:
Preparations are underway for a large public memorial tomorrow at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona for the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point. -
Crowd Expectations:
Anticipation of major crowds, both local and from across the country—even internationally. -
Dignitaries Speaking:
Both former President Trump and Vice President Vance plan to speak at the event. -
Security Concerns:
Authorities are preparing for protests and possible disruptions. -
Guest Quote:
“A lot of the folks we’ve talked to are locals... But there's still a big portion of folks who are coming in from all over the country, from coast to coast and in some cases around the world... they feel that it's a fitting honor that both President Trump and Vice President Vance will be speaking."
— Jeff Paul [00:15] -
Arrest Before Memorial:
- Incident: Joshua Runkles was arrested at the venue, allegedly impersonating law enforcement and carrying weapons.
- Explanation: Turning Point USA describes Runkles as part of an advance security detail for a guest, but admits protocol wasn’t followed.
- Organizer Stance:
“They don't believe Runkles was trying to do anything nefarious.”
— Unnamed Reporter [01:02] - Security Scale: Up to 100,000 attendees expected, with very high security protocols.
2. Shooting in Nashua, New Hampshire
[01:45 – 01:59]
- A shooting at a country club resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.
- Police report the suspect is in custody.
- Brief update; no further detail provided.
3. Ukraine Defends Against Russian Missiles and Drones
[03:10 – 03:46]
- Scale of Attack:
Ukraine defended against a combined offensive of 40 missiles and 580 drones. Most were intercepted. - Impact:
Several high-rise buildings in Dnipro damaged. - Notable Quote:
“Every strike is not a military necessity, but deliberate strategy. Russia to terrorize civilians and destroy our infrastructure.”
— President Zelensky, quoted by Stephanie Bennett [03:32] - Russian Claims:
Russia asserts it captured two new villages; counteroffensive activity continues near two eastern cities. - Additional Tensions:
Russian jets were intercepted after entering Estonian airspace, though Russia denies incursion.
4. Heightened Security in New York for the UN General Assembly
[03:46 – 04:47]
- Security Posture:
No credible threats, but vigilance heightened due to international tensions. - Operational Details:
- Heavily armed police teams, drones, helicopters, and harbor units in place.
- Armored vehicles on standby to escort world leaders.
- Enhanced police presence at synagogues due to the upcoming Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and the escalating situation in Gaza.
- Notable Quote:
“Heavily armored teams patrolling the streets, drones and helicopters in the sky, harbor units on the water and armored vehicles that will be used to move world leaders around the city.”
— CB Cotton [04:04] - Schedule:
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will address the General Assembly.
5. U.S.–China Negotiations Over TikTok
[04:47 – 05:06]
- White House Statement:
Press Secretary Caroline Levitt says a new deal under discussion will ensure U.S. companies get control over the video feed algorithm. - Implication:
This could address longstanding national security and data privacy concerns around TikTok.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Kirk’s Memorial:
“They feel that it's a fitting honor that both President Trump and Vice President Vance will be speaking.”
— Jeff Paul [00:27] -
On Advance Security Incident:
“They don’t believe Runkles was trying to do anything nefarious.”
— Unnamed Reporter [01:20] -
On Ukraine Air Defenses:
“Every strike is not a military necessity, but deliberate strategy. Russia to terrorize civilians and destroy our infrastructure.”
— President Zelensky, via Stephanie Bennett [03:32] -
On NY Security Operations:
“Heavily armored teams patrolling the streets, drones and helicopters in the sky... armored vehicles that will be used to move world leaders...”
— CB Cotton [04:16]
Key Timestamps
- 00:02 – Coverage begins on Charlie Kirk memorial preparations
- 00:15 – Crowd build-up, dignitaries and expected disruptions at the memorial (Jeff Paul)
- 01:02 – Security incident and arrest at State Farm Stadium (Unnamed Reporter)
- 01:45 – Breaking: Shooting in Nashua, NH (Debra Valentine)
- 03:10 – Ukrainian defense against Russian attack (Stephanie Bennett)
- 03:46 – Security preparations in New York for UNGA and Jewish holidays (CB Cotton)
- 04:47 – U.S. and China TikTok negotiations (Debra Valentine)
- 05:06 – End of content, transition to podcast promotion
Tone & Language
- The reporting is concise, direct, and fact-focused, consistent with the FAST-PACED news update format.
- Quotes from correspondents, officials, and sources are delivered objectively, with an emphasis on clarity and brevity.
