Fox News Hourly Update - 8PM ET 09/19/2025 Newscast
Release Date: September 20, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Summary Prepared by Podcast Summarizer
Episode Overview
This episode delivers the day's top headlines and developments from the national and international stage, with a special focus on U.S. military action against drug trafficking, Department of Justice personnel changes, international tensions involving Russia, federal appointments, infrastructure rebuilding controversies, university leadership shakeups, and U.S. auto safety regulations. The tone is urgent and factual, true to Fox News’ style of swift information delivery.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. US Military Strike on Drug Boat (00:01)
- Headline: President Trump announced a U.S. military strike on a “suspected drug boat” in the Southern Command area, stating that intelligence confirmed the boat was transporting illicit narcotics.
- Casualties: Three individuals were reported killed in the operation.
Notable Quote:
“President Trump says the US has carried out the strike in the Southern Command area, adding intelligence confirmed the boat was carrying illicit narcotics and he says three people were killed.”
— Lisa Lucera (00:01)
2. DOJ Shakeup in New York Mortgage Fraud Probe (00:13)
- Details: Eric Siebert, U.S. Attorney for Virginia, is resigning after his investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James regarding mortgage fraud produced no criminal charges.
- Context: Siebert’s resignation comes amid pressure from the Trump administration. His top deputy is also leaving. No successor named yet.
- Trump’s Rationale: President Trump expressed he withdrew support for Siebert based on the senators who supported his appointment.
Notable Quote:
“When I saw that he got two senators, two gentlemen, that are bad news as far as I'm concerned. When I saw that he got approved by those two men, I said pull him because he can't be any good.”
— President Trump (00:42-00:56)
3. Tensions Over Russian Airspace Incursion (00:56)
- Incident: Estonia accused Russia of a “brazen incursion” after three Russian fighter jets entered Estonian airspace for at least 12 minutes.
- Response: Estonia’s Foreign Minister described the breach as unprecedented; Russia denies violating Estonian airspace.
- Regional Context: Comes shortly after NATO planes intercepted Russian drones over Poland, raising concerns about the potential spillover of the Russian-Ukraine conflict.
4. Senate Confirms Michael Waltz as UN Ambassador (01:29)
- Confirmation: Michael Waltz, Trump’s former national security adviser, was confirmed as UN Ambassador with support from three Democrats.
- Controversy: Waltz faced criticism for adding a journalist to a sensitive national security Signal chat.
- Strengths: His relationships with House Republicans during his congressional tenure were highlighted as key assets.
Notable Quote:
“Waltz served as President Trump’s national security adviser and faced pushback from Democrats ... President Trump and Republicans touted Waltz’s experience and his strong relationships with House Republicans.”
— Fox’s Ryan Schmelz (01:29)
5. Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Concerns (03:09)
- Challenge: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued warnings to Maryland Governor Wes Moore concerning rebuilding costs, timelines, and “unconstitutional DEI practices.”
- DEI Controversy: The state’s goals to award contracts to women- and minority-owned businesses were labeled unconstitutional.
- Financing: Questions raised about how Maryland will fund its $1.8 billion responsibility for the repairs, despite a federal funding bill. Trump suggested reconsidering federal support.
Notable Quote:
“Secretary Duffy’s letter ... highlights budget and timeline concerns in addition to quote, unconstitutional DEI practices.”
— Tonya J. Powers (03:16)
6. Texas A&M University President Resignation (04:01)
- Event: President Mark A. Welsh III announced his resignation following viral footage of a student challenging a professor about gender content in a children’s literature course.
- Reasoning: No specific cause was given; Welsh suggested recent days made it clear it was time for him to leave.
7. Auto Safety Ratings Delay (04:27)
- Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Action: Postponed updates to new car assessment ratings from 2026 to 2027 at automakers’ request. Automakers cited missing test procedure publications.
- Affected Areas: Crashworthiness, pedestrian protection, blind spot warning, lane keeping, automatic braking.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
"When I saw that he got two senators, two gentlemen, that are bad news as far as I'm concerned... I said pull him because he can't be any good."
— President Trump on Eric Siebert appointment (00:42-00:56) -
"Estonia's Foreign minister calls the incident unprecedently brazen."
— Lisa Lucera (00:56) -
"Secretary Duffy's letter ... highlights budget and timeline concerns in addition to quote, unconstitutional DEI practices."
— Tonya J. Powers (03:16)
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 00:01: US strike on suspected drug boat
- 00:13: DOJ shakeup—Virginia US attorney resigns
- 00:56: Estonia accuses Russia of airspace incursion
- 01:29: Michael Waltz confirmed as UN Ambassador
- 03:09: Concerns over Baltimore bridge rebuild
- 04:01: Texas A&M president steps down
- 04:27: NHTSA postpones auto safety rating updates
Summary Notes
- Episode was dense with breaking political and international news.
- Focus remained on government actions, accountability, and security themes.
- Tone was urgent, sticking to Fox News’ hallmark rapid-fire reporting with sharp, direct soundbites.
- Detailed context for each topic was provided, making it easy for listeners to catch up quickly on important developments.