Fox News Hourly Update – 8AM ET, September 20, 2025

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers breaking stories on recent US military action against drug smuggling vessels, community response to the killing of Charlie Kirk, a major cyberattack on European travel infrastructure, protests at an ICE facility in Chicago, and key legal developments involving the USDA and President Trump. The update is brisk, fact-driven, and oriented around high-impact national and international news items.

Major News Highlights

1. US Military Sinks Suspected Drug Vessel

• [00:02–00:53]

  • President Trump announced a US military strike on a vessel suspected of smuggling drugs and affiliated with a designated terrorist organization.
  • The lethal strike took place in the US Southern Command’s area of responsibility (covering South and Central America, and the Caribbean).
  • Three men were killed on board; no US forces injured.
  • Recap of two earlier strikes:
    • Earlier this week: Boat from Venezuela struck; 3 killed.
    • Two weeks ago: Another Venezuelan boat struck; 11 killed.

  Notable Quote:

  "President Trump taking to Truth Social to say on his orders US Forces carried out a strike targeting a ship affiliated with a designated terrorist organization found to be trafficking illicit narcotics, killing at least three men on board."
  — Kristin Goodwin, [00:13]

2. Vigil for Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University

• [00:53–01:42]

  • Thousands gathered for a unity vigil after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on campus.
  • The event featured calls for healing and unity; plans under discussion for a permanent campus memorial.
  • Charlie Kirk’s public funeral is scheduled for Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, with tens of thousands expected to attend.
  • President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Kirk's widow slated to speak at the service.

  Notable Quote:

  "...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 Cowan, [01:04]

3. European Air Travel Disrupted by Cyberattack

• [01:42–02:02]

  • Widespread flight delays across Europe due to a cyberattack on airline check-in systems.
  • Brussels Airport operated on manual check-in only.

  Notable Moment:

  "Cyberattack on check in systems causing major flight delays across Europe yesterday. Brussels airport says only manual check in was possible."
  — Jack Callahan, [01:42]

4. Protests and Clashes Outside Chicago ICE Facility

• [02:31–03:16]

  • Continued protests outside a Chicago ICE facility, with confrontations between demonstrators and ICE agents.
  • Protesters used chalk slogans and shouted “shame” and “let them go.”
  • ICE agents fired pepper balls in response; a loudspeaker warned protesters of arrest for interfering with federal operations.
  • At least 10 protesters were arrested.
  • Ramp-up in deportation activity in Chicago follows Trump’s statements about deploying the National Guard to address crime.

  Notable Quote:

  "Protesters shouting shame and let them go. They've been drawing in chalk on the street right outside of the facility..."
  — Casey Cronus, [02:40]

5. Federal Judge Blocks USDA Collection of SNAP Data

• [03:16–04:05]

  • A judge halted the USDA from collecting personal info on SNAP (food stamp) recipients in 21 states and DC.
  • Ruling cites privacy concerns and potential misuse of data for mass deportations.
  • The Trump administration argued for expanded data to fight fraud and abuse.
  • The USDA had threatened to withhold SNAP funds if states didn’t comply.

  Notable Quote:

  "The judge said collecting the data would violate the SNAP Act's privacy rules and agreed with states who fear the data will be used for mass deportations."
  — Carmen Roberts, [03:34]

6. Trump’s Defamation Suit Against NYT Dismissed

• [04:05–04:28]

  • Trump’s $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times was tossed out by a Florida judge for being “too long and full of tedious and burdensome language.”
  • Trump has 28 days to file an amended complaint.

  Notable Moment:

  "A federal judge in Florida tossing out a $15 billion defamation suit by President Trump against the New York Times..."
  — Jack Callahan, [04:05]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• US Military Strike on Drug Vessel: [00:02–00:53]
• Charlie Kirk Vigil: [00:53–01:42]
• European Air Travel Cyberattack: [01:42–02:02]
• Chicago ICE Facility Protests: [02:31–03:16]
• USDA SNAP Data Blocked: [03:16–04:05]
• Trump–NYT Lawsuit Dismissed: [04:05–04:28]

Memorable Moments and Tone

The episode maintains a brisk, urgent, and authoritative tone consistent with Fox News radio bulletins. Quotations from reporters provide both factual updates and a glimpse into the emotional gravity of certain stories (e.g., the Kirk vigil). Updates on policy decisions and legal battles are presented with a focus on action, conflict, and governmental authority.

This summary offers a comprehensive guide for listeners, capturing the episode’s main stories, essential details, and key quotes while providing easy navigation via timestamps.