Fox News Hourly Update — 2AM ET 09/20/2025

Host: Debra Valentine (with reporting by Kristen Goodwin, Ryan Schmelz, Chad Pergrim, Jessica Rosenthal)
Date: September 20, 2025
Theme: Key national and international news updates, with a focus on U.S. military action, congressional spending, vaccine controversy, tributes in Congress, a major criminal case, and U.S.-China diplomacy.

Main Theme or Purpose

This Fox News Hourly Update provides a rapid summary of crucial overnight and early morning news, highlighting recent U.S. military operations, developments in Congress regarding a looming government shutdown, controversy involving autism and vaccinations, tributes in Congress, progress in a high-profile criminal trial, and future U.S.-China diplomatic meetings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Strike on Drug Smuggling Vessel

• [00:02–00:53]
  • President Trump announced via Truth Social that U.S. military forces carried out a "fatal strike" against a vessel linked to a designated terrorist organization trafficking narcotics.
  • At least three men were killed; the location was unspecified but within the U.S. Southern Command's area (South/Central America, Caribbean).
  • No U.S. forces were harmed.
  • This follows recent strikes on similar boats from Venezuela.
• Notable Quote:
  • "The lethal kinetic strike took place in the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility." — Kristen Goodwin [00:23]

2. Looming Government Shutdown

• [00:53–01:35]
  • Congress is facing a government funding deadline of September 30.
  • Both Republican and Democratic proposals to extend funding failed in the Senate.
    • GOP: clean extension to November 21.
    • Democrats: included health care provisions.
  • Disagreement over whether health care additions should be addressed separately.
  • Another vote is planned for the week of September 29.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Why not do it now? People are hurting." — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, via Chad Pergrim [01:19]

3. President Trump Teases Autism Announcement Amid Vaccine Controversy

• [01:35–01:59]
  • Trump hinted at an imminent "very, very big" announcement regarding autism.
  • His comments come amid controversy surrounding HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s views on vaccines and a purported link to autism.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Very, very big coming up soon on autism. Autism is totally out of control." — Debra Valentine quoting Trump [01:42]

4. Congressional Tribute to Charlie Kirk

• [03:09–03:43]
  • The House passed a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, though 55% of Democrats did not support it (58 no, 38 present, 22 not voting).
  • Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned Kirk's killing as "horrific," but opposed the resolution due to his views (notably that the 1964 Civil Rights Act was a "huge mistake").
• Notable Quote:
  • "A staggering 55% of House Democrats failed to support the resolution." — Chad Pergrim [03:22]
  • "The assassination of Kirk [was] horrific and vile, but still voted nay." — Debra Valentine, re: Ocasio-Cortez [03:43]

5. Prosecution Rests in Trump Assassination Plot Case

• [03:43–04:44]
  • The prosecution closed its case against Ryan Ruth (accused of plotting to assassinate Trump).
  • Final witness detailed Ruth's movements, purchases, and a handwritten note admitting intent.
  • Evidence showed Ruth attempted to have someone track the president’s plane.
  • Ruth plans to call only three witnesses in his defense.
• Notable Quote:
  • "This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I'm so sorry I failed you." — Handwritten note from Ryan Ruth, read by Jessica Rosenthal [04:18]

6. U.S.-China Diplomacy: Summit and TikTok Deal Progress

• [04:44–end]
  • Trump announced plans to meet with President Xi Jinping at a summit in South Korea, with a subsequent China visit early next year.
  • Reports of "progress" on a deal allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S.
• Notable Quote:
  • "The leaders made progress on the approval of the TikTok deal to allow the popular social media app to keep operating in the U.S." — Debra Valentine [04:55]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S. strike on narcotics vessel: 00:02–00:53
• Congressional budget negotiations & shutdown risk: 00:53–01:35
• Trump teases autism announcement: 01:35–01:59
• House tribute to Charlie Kirk: 03:09–03:43
• Ryan Ruth prosecution rests in Trump assassination plot: 03:43–04:44
• Trump–Xi summit & TikTok deal update: 04:44–05:03

Memorable Quotes

• "The lethal kinetic strike took place in the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility." — Kristen Goodwin [00:23]
• "Why not do it now? People are hurting." — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, via Chad Pergrim [01:19]
• "Very, very big coming up soon on autism. Autism is totally out of control." — Debra Valentine quoting Trump [01:42]
• "A staggering 55% of House Democrats failed to support the resolution." — Chad Pergrim [03:22]
• "This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I'm so sorry I failed you." — Handwritten note from Ryan Ruth, read by Jessica Rosenthal [04:18]
• "The leaders made progress on the approval of the TikTok deal to allow the popular social media app to keep operating in the U.S." — Debra Valentine [04:55]

Closing Note

This fast-paced newscast covers significant developments shaping the U.S. political, judicial, and international landscape, interspersed with impactful direct quotations and critical facts for listeners who need to stay informed.