Fox News Hourly Update – 12PM ET 09/22/2025

Episode Overview

This episode covers significant national and international developments from the midday news cycle. Stories include the ongoing federal trial of Ryan Ruth in Florida, a major announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin about nuclear policy, breaking updates on political and social fronts including President Trump’s upcoming speech and a Turning Point USA event, communal grief in Pennsylvania following the fatal shooting of police officers, and local decisions on prospective casinos in New York City.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Federal Court in Florida: Ryan Ruth Trial

• [00:02–00:51]

  • Ryan Ruth is representing himself, accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump on a golf course last September.
  • Ruth’s first approved witness, Michael McKay, a sniper and firearms expert, testified that the rifle found only fired one round before jamming, implying limited operational potential.
  • Ruth argued the gun malfunction (not semi-automatic), suggesting Trump was never truly at risk as the target was 375 yards away—a difficult shot.
  • Ruth has also framed his actions as "attention seeking behavior, not attempted assassination.”

  “Ruth tried to suggest that because the gun malfunctioned, it wasn’t semi automatic. He suggested that a target 375 yards away would not be hit, suggesting that President Trump could not have been in danger.”
  — Dana Marie McNichol [00:35]

2. Russia’s Nuclear Posture and International Security

• [00:51–01:27]

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Security Council Russia will adhere to nuclear arms limits for only one more year after the last US-Russia pact expires in February unless the US reciprocates.
  • Putin warned against underestimating Russia’s readiness to respond to threats.

  “I emphasize, and no one should doubt this, Russia is capable of responding to any existing and emerging threats not with words, but by employing military technical measures.”
  — President Putin (via translator) [01:16]

  • The continuation of the New START arms control deal is tied to reciprocal US compliance.

3. President Trump’s Upcoming UN Speech and Autism Announcement

• [01:27–02:00]
  • President Trump is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly this week.
  • Later today, Trump and the Health Secretary are expected to make a controversial announcement about autism, purportedly linking it to acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy—a claim rejected by the drug manufacturer and the subject of prior lawsuits.

4. Turning Point USA’s First Event After Charlie Kirk’s Murder

• [02:31–02:55]
  • Turning Point USA holds a campus event in Minnesota, marking the first since founder Charlie Kirk’s murder less than two weeks ago.
  • Public reaction to Kirk’s death continues to affect political and organizational actions.

5. NYC Mayoral Candidate Stance Amid Kimmel Controversy

• [02:55–03:13]

  • NYC Democratic mayoral candidate Zoran Mandani withdrew from a town hall in protest over ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, criticizing government interference and FCC actions.

  “I will use my power as the mayor to fight those who seek to divide us, those who seek to abuse their power, those who who seek to take away our freedom. Because it is not the government’s job to bully talk show hosts off of the air.”
  — Zoran Mandani [02:55]

6. Pennsylvania Police Officers Memorial

• [03:13–04:01]

  • Community in Northern York mourns three police officers—Detectives Mark Baker, Cody Becker, and Isa Imanhiser—killed in an ambush while serving a warrant. The suspect, Matthew James Ruth, was also killed.
  • Rachel Dettinger, victim’s acquaintance, shared a poignant tribute to Detective Baker.

  “A man that would probably give us back to anybody. And he did. He was a father and a husband and just the sweetest person could have known.”
  — Rachel Dettinger [03:50]

  • Two injured officers are recovering.

7. New York City Casino Development Updates

• [04:06–04:18]
  • Another proposed casino (Mohegan Sun near the UN) was rejected by a community board, following last week’s Times Square casino denial.

8. Financial Markets

• [04:18–04:28]
  • Minor gains reported: Dow up six points, NASDAQ up 59.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Expert Witness on Gun Malfunction:
  Dana Marie McNichol details how the defense is arguing that the alleged threat to Trump was overblown based on gun malfunction evidence.
  [00:35]

• Putin’s Nuclear Warning:
  A chilling assertion of readiness from Russia’s President, heightening international tension.
  [01:16]

• Mayoral Candidate on Free Speech:
  Zoran Mandani frames media freedom as a central mayoral issue in response to a recent late-night TV controversy.
  [02:55]

• Community Mourning:
  Rachel Dettinger offers a personal remembrance, exemplifying the emotional weight on the Pennsylvania community.
  [03:50]

Additional Segments & Timestamps

• [00:02–00:51] Florida federal trial coverage (Ryan Ruth)
• [00:51–01:27] Russia’s nuclear policy update
• [01:27–02:00] Preview of President Trump’s UN address and autism-related announcement
• [02:31–02:55] Turning Point USA event post-Kirk murder
• [02:55–03:13] NYC mayoral race and broadcast censorship debate
• [03:13–04:01] Pennsylvania police memorial and community reaction
• [04:06–04:18] NYC casino development decisions
• [04:18–04:28] Market update

This episode delivered brisk, headline-driven reporting with a mix of national, international, political, and community stories, capturing a snapshot of the day’s most urgent events and debates.