Fox News Hourly Update - 4AM ET 09/20/2025 Newscast

Date: September 20, 2025
Host: Debra Valentine, FOX News Podcasts

Episode Overview

This concise newscast covers key political and national developments as of September 20, 2025. The episode’s main focus is the potential federal government shutdown and related congressional maneuvering, high-profile news about President Trump’s actions on national security and foreign affairs, and major legal and community stories making headlines across the U.S.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Looming Government Shutdown

[00:02-00:51]

• Current Situation:
  Congress left Washington without a funding agreement, risking a government shutdown with a September 30 deadline looming.
• Senate Dynamics:
  Senate Majority Leader John Thune proposes a funding extension to November 21, awaiting a vote when lawmakers return on September 29.
• Partisan Disagreements:
  • Democrats: Object to lack of healthcare provisions in the bill.
  • Republicans: Insist these provisions be debated separately; their proposal includes extensive security funding for former Trump administration officials, members of Congress, and judges.
• Notable Quote:
  “All it takes is a handful of Democrats to join the Republicans in keeping the government open and funded.”
  – Ryan Schmelz, [00:26]

2. Trump Orders Lethal Strike on Drug Trafficking Vessel

[00:51-01:16]

• Action Taken:
  President Trump orders a “lethal kinetic strike” on a vessel suspected of international drug trafficking.
• Aftermath:
  Three killed in the strike. Trump issues a stern warning to future “narco terrorists.”
• Context:
  This announcement was made via Trump’s Truth Social platform.

3. Community Response to the Assassination of Charlie Kirk

[01:16-01:54]

• Vigil at Utah Valley University:
  Several thousand gather for a unity vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on campus the previous week.
• Legislative Response:
  Utah lawmakers are discussing ways to honor Kirk permanently, including a possible campus memorial.
• Upcoming Funeral:
  Kirk’s public funeral is scheduled at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ; tens of thousands are expected to attend.
• Notable Quote:
  “This vigil for unity was a chance for students, staff and members of the community to heal and, as one speaker put it so eloquently, find a way to see the light despite all the darkness.”
  – Claudia Cohen, [01:19]

4. Trump’s Remarks on Russian Jets Violating NATO Airspace

[03:09-03:51]

• Incident:
  Three Russian military jets violated Estonian (NATO) airspace, sparking sharp U.S. response.
• President Trump’s Reaction:
  “I don't love it. I don't like when that happens. It could be big trouble, but I'll let you know later.”
  – President Trump, [03:22]
• International Context:
  Estonia calls the incursion “unprecedentedly brazen.” This follows an incident just over a week earlier when Russian drones entered Poland’s airspace.
• Diplomatic Efforts:
  The U.S. is “working very hard” to settle the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

5. Legal Update: Prosecution Rests in Trump Assassination Plot Case

[03:51-04:39]

• Case Overview:
  Prosecution concludes in the trial of Ryan Ruth, accused of plotting to assassinate President Trump in 2024.
• Key Evidence:
  Testimony included receipts, surveillance, cell phone data, and a handwritten note from Ruth confessing to the attempt and soliciting others.
• Defense Plans:
  Ruth, representing himself, plans to call only three witnesses.
• Notable Quote:
  “...he wrote, this was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I'm so sorry I failed you. He goes on to offer money to someone who would be successful.”
  – Jessica Rosenthal, [04:13]

6. Trump’s $15 Billion Defamation Case Against NYT Dismissed

[04:39-04:56]

• Legal Ruling:
  A federal judge tossed Trump’s massive defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, citing its length and “tedious and burdensome language.”
• Next Steps:
  Trump’s attorneys have 28 days to submit an amended complaint if they choose.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ryan Schmelz [00:26]:
  “All it takes is a handful of Democrats to join the Republicans in keeping the government open and funded.”

• Claudia Cohen [01:19]:
  “This vigil for unity was a chance for students, staff and members of the community to heal and, as one speaker put it so eloquently, find a way to see the light despite all the darkness.”

• President Trump [03:22]:
  “I don't love it. I don't like when that happens. It could be big trouble, but I'll let you know later.”

• Jessica Rosenthal [04:13]:
  “...he wrote, this was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I'm so sorry I failed you. He goes on to offer money to someone who would be successful.”

Episode Highlights by Timestamp

• [00:02] — Government shutdown standoff updates from Capitol Hill
• [00:51] — Trump announces kinetic strike on drug-trafficking vessel
• [01:16] — Utah community mourns Charlie Kirk; plans for memorial
• [01:54] — Preview of Charlie Kirk’s public funeral
• [03:09] — Trump comments on Russian jets in NATO airspace
• [03:51] — Trial update: Prosecution rests in Trump assassination plot case
• [04:39] — Federal judge dismisses Trump’s defamation suit vs. NYT

Fox News Hourly Update delivers a succinct snapshot of urgent national events, with a focus on political tension, major legal stories, security issues, and moments of community mourning and resilience.