Fox News Hourly Update – 2PM ET 09/19/2025 Newscast

Main Theme This episode offers a concise roundup of major U.S. and international news stories, with a strong focus on the ongoing government shutdown negotiations, recent political and media controversies, shifts in California politics, an update on NATO and Russia, federal car safety regulations, and financial markets.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown Showdown

• Senate Stalemate: Two short-term spending bills failed to advance in the Senate after the House passed a Republican alternative. The primary division is over health care spending.
  • Lisa Brady explains:

    "A shutdown showdown. Two short-term spending bills just failing to advance in the U.S. senate after the House passed a Republican version. Democrats want higher spending for health care."
    (00:02)

• Partisan Rhetoric:
  • Jason Chaffetz criticizes Senate Democrats:

    “Chuck Schumer and the Democrats issued a counter offer. And the counteroffer is filled with poison pills and partisan demands that will break the system down. And Chuck Schumer knows that.”
    (00:15)

  • Lisa Brady details GOP objection to health care for undocumented immigrants:

    “House Speaker Mike Johnson says it would include taxpayer funded health care for illegal immigrants.”
    (00:24)

  • Chuck Schumer’s reported stance: Democratic leaders claim the Republican bill would result in coverage loss and higher premiums for Americans if cuts aren’t reversed.
  • Blame-game intensifies as the Oct 1 shutdown deadline looms.

2. TikTok, Trump, and China

• President Trump reportedly held a lengthy call with China's president and posted support for a TikTok deal. Details remain undisclosed for now.
  • Lisa Brady summarizes:

    "President Trump holding a lengthy call with China's president and posting approval of a TikTok deal, but no details yet."
    (00:24)

• TikTok faces a potential U.S. ban unless it separates from its Chinese parent company.

3. Media Controversy: Jimmy Kimmel, FCC & Politics

• Kimmel Suspension: Bipartisan concern over ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show following controversial comments related to MAGA and the killing of Charlie Kirk.
• FCC Warning:
  • Jason Chaffetz reports:

    “FCC Chairman Brendan Carr warned broadcasters the agency could act against their licenses after Kimmel distorted in his words a violation of FCC rules.”
    (01:09)

• Ted Cruz Criticizes FCC Chairman:
  • Lisa Brady notes:

    “Senator Cruz calling Carr's comments dangerous. But the network was also facing pressure from affiliates.”
    (01:21)

• Network & Advertiser Pressure:
  • Jason Chaffetz describes external pressures:

    “Viewers in red states complained. ABC got flooded with angry messages. Advertisers wanted out of the show. And this is key. America's two largest TV station owners wanted an apology.”
    (01:27)

• The show’s suspension is indefinite.

4. Trump’s Defamation Lawsuit

• A $15 billion lawsuit by President Trump against The New York Times was dismissed for now by a Florida federal judge due to the complaint being too lengthy and including irrelevant language. The judge has given Trump 28 days to file an amended complaint.
  • Lisa Brady:

    “President Trump's $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times tossed out for now. A federal judge in Florida ruling it's too long with language that has no bearing on the case.”
    (01:40)

5. California Politics – Redistricting and Polls

• Proposition 50:
  • The majority of California voters would currently support a temporary measure to alter congressional maps in favor of Democrats, aiming to counter pro-Republican redistricting in Texas.

    “A slim majority of California voters say they would approve a plan to temporarily change congressional district maps in Democrats favor next year.”
    (02:15)

  • Jason Chaffetz elaborates on the poll:

    “51% of respondents…say they’d vote yes if that election were held today. 34% say no, 15% say they’re undecided.”
    (02:25)

• Gubernatorial Approval & Election Landscape:
  • Governor Newsom’s approval rating is at 46% (up 2%).
  • Former House Democrat Katie Porter leads early polling, but 38% remain undecided.
  • Most important issues: Economy (30%), housing/affordability (22%), threats to democracy (13%), immigration (11%), crime (9%).

6. International: Estonia and NATO Article 4

• Estonia requests NATO Article 4 consultations following an alleged Russian fighter jet violation of its airspace.
  • Chris Foster reports:

    “Estonia's prime minister, just confirming the country is requesting NATO Article 4 consultations over a violation of its airspace today by Russian fighter jets.”
    (03:07)

7. U.S. Auto Safety Regulations Delayed

• NHTSA delays updates to the car assessment program for new safety features to the 2027 model year after automaker feedback that test procedures were not yet published.
  • Will Kane provides the rationale:

    “The delay of NHTSA's car ratings at the request of automakers who…said the agency failed to publish the necessary test procedures…”
    (03:29)

8. Financial Markets Update

• Wall Street rallies: Dow up 155 points, NASDAQ up over 100, S&P continues record streaks.
  • Lisa Brady:

    “The Dow is up 155 points. The NASDAQ also up more than 100. And the S and P also extending yesterday's records.”
    (04:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Shutdown Negotiations:
  Jason Chaffetz:

  “The counteroffer is filled with poison pills and partisan demands that will break the system down. And Chuck Schumer knows that.” (00:15)

• On FCC and the Kimmel Show:
  Jason Chaffetz:

  “FCC Chairman Brendan Carr warned broadcasters the agency could act against their licenses after Kimmel distorted in his words a violation of FCC rules.” (01:09)
  Lisa Brady:
  “Senator Cruz calling Carr's comments dangerous.” (01:21)

• Polling Data Snapshot:
  Jason Chaffetz:

  “51% of respondents in a new Emerson College poll say they'd vote yes if that election were held today. 34% say no, 15% say they're undecided.” (02:25)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Senate spending bill standoff: 00:02–00:24
• Health care and immigration debate: 00:24–00:40
• Trump, China, and TikTok: 00:24–00:40
• Kimmel, FCC controversy: 01:09–01:40
• Trump lawsuit update: 01:40–01:59
• California Proposition 50, polling: 02:15–03:07
• Estonia and NATO: 03:07–03:29
• NHTSA car safety standards delay: 03:29–04:01
• Market update: 04:01–04:13

This episode delivers rapid insight into the most pressing domestic and global headlines of the hour, featuring pointed political commentary, poll analysis, regulatory updates, and the latest from financial markets.