Fox News Hourly Update – 12PM ET 10/20/2025

Main Theme
A fast-paced briefing of U.S. and international headlines: A rare earth agreement between the U.S. and Australia, a continued government shutdown, Supreme Court gun case, escalating tensions with Colombia, developments on Ukraine, progress in reducing peanut allergies in children, and a rally in the stock market.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.-Australia Rare Earth Agreement

• Historic White House Meeting: President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finalize a major agreement on critical minerals and rare earths.

  • President Trump explains the deal was months in the making and stresses the importance of U.S.-Australia alliance.
  • Albanese believes the agreement significantly deepens bilateral relations.

  Quote:

  • President Trump: “We are discussing critical minerals and rare earths. And we're going to be signing an agreement that's been negotiated over a period of four or five months. And it was sort of good timing that we got it done just in time for the visit.” [00:08]
  • President Trump: “We are great friends and we're great allies and this is a relationship that's been forged in the battlefields of the world. We have stood side by side for freedom and democracy.” [00:27]

2. Gaza Ceasefire & Ongoing U.S. Government Shutdown

• International Diplomacy: Australian PM congratulates Trump on a recent ceasefire deal in Gaza.

• Shutdown Stalemate:

  • 20 days into a federal government shutdown.
  • Republicans (per House Majority Whip Tom Emmer) accuse Democrats of taking Americans “hostage” over spending demands; Democrats focus on healthcare demands, particularly Obamacare tax credits.

  Quote:

  • Tom Emmer: “They've taken the American people hostage while pointing fingers at us for refusing to concede to their absurd wish list of demands.” [00:50]

3. Supreme Court Gun Rights Case – Focus on Drug Use

• Upcoming Case: Justices will review a lower court ruling striking down a gun ban for habitual drug users, specifically marijuana.

• Context:

  • The Fifth Circuit overturned a conviction of Ali Hamani, found to be a regular drug user in possession of firearms.
  • DOJ maintains habitual drug users with guns are a public safety risk.
  • Broader implications for gun laws and the interpretation of the Second Amendment.

  Quote:

  • Legal Analyst: “The Fifth Circuit determined such a ban on his ability to own a gun was unconstitutional under the Supreme Court's expanded view of gun rights.” [01:19]

4. U.S.-Colombia Diplomatic Tension

• Colombia’s Ambassador Recalled: Over accusations from President Trump referring to Colombian President Petro as a “drug leader.”

• Aid and Trade: Trump announces new tariffs and the cessation of U.S. aid to Colombia, pointing to ongoing drug production and ineffective anti-narcotics efforts.

• Background: Fuelled by a Colombian accusation about a U.S. hit on a fisherman during anti-drug operations.

  Quote:

  • President Trump: “They make drugs. They refine drugs. They make cocaine. They have cocaine factories. They have no fight against drugs. And I'm stopping all payments to Colombia because they don't have anything to do with their fight against drugs.” [02:49]

5. Russia-Ukraine Diplomatic Developments

• U.S.-Russia Preparations: State Department confirms a phone call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russia’s Foreign Minister, laying groundwork for a potential summit on ending the Ukraine war. [03:17]

6. Peanut Allergy Progress in Children

• Declining Allergy Rates: New research shows a major drop in peanut allergies among children aged 0–3, after guidance began to introduce peanuts earlier to infants.

  • Study findings: 27% decline post-2015 guidance for high-risk children; over 40% after recommendations broadened in 2017.
  • 60,000 fewer cases attributed to this approach.
  • Previous practice delayed introduction, but did not slow allergy rates.

  Quote:

  • Food Allergy Advocate: “Advocates for the 33 million people in the US with food allergies say it's proof that it's possible to reduce the incidence and prevalence of peanut allergies in children... The study shows peanut allergies in kids age 0 to 3 declined by more than than 27% after guidance for high risk kids was first issued in 2015, and by more than 40% after the recommendations were expanded in 2017.” [03:37]

7. Stock Market Update

• Rally: Both the Dow and the Nasdaq are up more than 300 points at midday. [04:17]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on the Australia agreement:
  “We are discussing critical minerals and rare earths. And we're going to be signing an agreement…” [00:08]
• Tom Emmer on the shutdown:
  “They've taken the American people hostage while pointing fingers at us...” [00:50]
• Legal Analyst on gun rights:
  “The Fifth Circuit determined such a ban on his ability to own a gun was unconstitutional…” [01:19]
• President Trump on Colombia:
  “They make drugs. They refine drugs. They make cocaine... And I'm stopping all payments to Colombia...” [02:49]
• Food Allergy Advocate on peanut allergy progress:
  “It's proof that it's possible to reduce the incidence and prevalence of peanut allergies in children…” [03:37]

Important Timestamps

• 00:08 | Trump & Australian PM – Rare earth deal
• 00:27 | Trump on US-Australia alliance
• 00:50 | Emmer on the government shutdown
• 01:19 | Legal Analyst on Supreme Court gun case
• 02:36 | Colombia’s ambassador recalled, Trump’s statements
• 03:17 | US-Russia call on Ukraine war
• 03:37 | Study: Drop in peanut allergies
• 04:17 | Stock market rally update

Summary Tone
The newscast is brisk and focused, with political and diplomatic updates reflecting FOX News’ signature direct and urgent tone. President Trump’s active foreign policy moves, congressional friction, and evolving health guidance stand out as the top stories.

This summary delivers the news highlights for quick, informed catch-up on the hour’s major events.