9PM ET 11/20/2025 Newscast - Fox News Hourly Update

Summary4 min read

Fox News Hourly Update — 9PM ET, November 20, 2025

Main Theme:

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers concise coverage of the latest developments in U.S government policies, international diplomacy, religious persecution, public health, conflict in South Asia, and financial markets.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Employee Bonuses during Shutdown

[00:03-00:56]
- The U.S. Transportation Department and FAA will award $10,000 cash bonuses to 776 air traffic controllers and technicians who reported to work every day during the record-length government shutdown.
  - “The bonuses were suggested by the president in a Truth social post last week for their commit during the country's longest ever government shutdown.” — [Host, 00:15]
- DOT Secretary Sean Duffy expressed that the money is “an appreciation for keeping the flying public safe.”
- FAA Administrator Brian Bedford praised recipients as representing “the highest level of public service.”
- The president also proposed that those who did not work should have their pay docked, but no such penalties have been announced.

2. U.S. Military and Diplomatic Initiative in Ukraine

[00:56-01:20]
- Top U.S. military officials met with Ukrainian President Zelensky to present a U.S. plan aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia.
- Reportedly, the plan includes controversial provisions:
  - Ceding territory to Russia.
  - Limiting Ukraine’s military size.
  - Barrings Ukraine from joining NATO or further NATO expansion.
- Quote:
  - "Peace is needed and we appreciate the efforts of President Trump and his team to return security to Europe.” — President Zelensky, via Fox News [01:09]
- Some Ukrainian officials contend the proposal is biased toward Moscow.

3. Upcoming White House Meeting: Trump & NYC Mayor

[01:20-01:45]
- President Trump is scheduled to meet with NYC Mayor Alex Zoramdani.
  - Mayor Zoramdani stated:
    - Quote: “I intend to make it clear to President Trump that I will work with him on any agenda that benefits New Yorkers. If an agenda hurts New Yorkers, I will also be the first to say so.” — Mayor Zoramdani [01:34]
  - White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt says the meeting "shows President Trump is willing to meet with anyone."

4. Violence Against Christians in Nigeria: Congressional Hearing

[02:31-03:19]
- A House hearing addressed violence against Christians in Nigeria by groups like Boko Haram.
  - A Catholic bishop testified to frequent attacks, accusing the Nigerian government of inadequate response.
  - Quote: “Churches burn. Mothers bury their children for the crime of singing Amazing Grace. Pastors are beheaded for preaching the Sermon on the Mount.” — Rep. Chris Smith [02:49]
- Representative Sarah Jacobs questioned the effectiveness of reduced USAID warning programs.
  - State Dept. official Jacob McGee claimed existing U.S.-funded warning systems should be adequate.
  - Quote: “Ultimately, the violence must be stopped by the Nigerian government.” — Rep. Chris Smith [03:07]

5. Cholera Warnings in Africa

[03:19-03:47]
- The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns of rising cholera cases as rainy season approaches.
  - Cases are three times those reported in 2022.
  - Five countries account for nearly 90% of the 300,000+ cases recorded so far.

6. Conflict on Pakistan-Afghanistan Border

[03:47-04:21]
- Pakistani security forces killed at least 23 Taliban militants in ongoing operations.
  - This follows another operation earlier in the week killing 38 militants.
- Pakistan blames Afghanistan and India for backing the Taliban, allegations both deny.
- Quote: “Last week, Pakistan blamed Afghan nationals for conducting two deadly suicide bombings.” — Jonathan Savage [04:13]

7. Markets Update

[04:21-04:24]
- The Dow lost 386 points on the day.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“The bonuses were suggested by the president in a Truth social post last week for their commit during the country's longest ever government shutdown.” — FOX News Host [00:15]
"Peace is needed and we appreciate the efforts of President Trump and his team to return security to Europe." — President Volodymyr Zelensky [01:09]
“I intend to make it clear to President Trump that I will work with him on any agenda that benefits New Yorkers. If an agenda hurts New Yorkers, I will also be the first to say so.” — NYC Mayor Alex Zoramdani [01:34]
“Churches burn. Mothers bury their children for the crime of singing Amazing Grace. Pastors are beheaded for preaching the Sermon on the Mount.” — Rep. Chris Smith [02:49]
“Ultimately, the violence must be stopped by the Nigerian government.” — Rep. Chris Smith [03:07]
“Last week, Pakistan blamed Afghan nationals for conducting two deadly suicide bombings.” — Jonathan Savage [04:13]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------------|:--------------:| | Federal Employee Bonuses | 00:03 – 00:56 | | Ukraine War Peace Plan | 00:56 – 01:20 | | Trump and NYC Mayor Zoramdani Meeting | 01:20 – 01:45 | | Violence Against Christians in Nigeria | 02:31 – 03:19 | | Africa CDC Cholera Warning | 03:19 – 03:47 | | Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Conflict | 03:47 – 04:21 | | Market Update | 04:21 – 04:24 |

Summary:
This Fox News newscast provided listeners with rapid updates on federal awards during the shutdown, the controversial U.S. plan for Ukraine, domestic political meetings, congressional focus on global religious persecution, emerging health threats in Africa, violent conflict in Pakistan, and a brief market recap—all in a direct and succinct style that caters to swift news consumption.

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Transcript20 lines

[00:03]
A
Bonuses for some federal employees. I'm Lisa Licera, Fox News. The Transportation Department and FAA will hand out cash bonuses to air traffic controllers who came to work every day of the government shutdown.
[00:16]
B
The Transportation Department is singling out 776 air traffic controllers and technicians who didn't miss a day of work to get $10,000 cash awards. The bonuses were suggested by the president in a Truth social post last week for their commit during the country's longest ever government shutdown. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy said the money is an appreciation for keeping the flying public safe. Federal Aviation Administrator Brian Bedford added the recipient's work represents the highest level of public service. The president suggested in the same post that controllers who did not work should have their pay docked. No plans have been announced to penalize workers.
[00:56]
A
Fox's Coronal Scott Top US Military press in Ukraine meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the US Plan to end the war with Russia. The Associated Press reports it includes turning over land to Russia and limiting the size of Ukraine's military.
[01:10]
C
Zelensky sounded grateful, saying in part, peace is needed and we appreciate the efforts of President Trump and his team to return security to Europe. But other Ukrainian officials claim the plan is biased towards Moscow.
[01:20]
A
Fox's Greg Palkot the plan also reportedly bars Ukraine from joining NATO and prevents any expansion of the alliance. A White House meeting set for tomorrow between President Trump and New York City Mayor Alex Zoramdani, who says he's looking forward to it.
[01:34]
D
I intend to make it clear to President Trump that I will work with him on any agenda that benefits New Yorkers. If an agenda hurts New Yorkers, I will also be the first to say so.
[01:46]
A
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt says the meeting shows President Trump is willing to meet with anyone. America is listening to Fox News.
[02:01]
E
It's time to start businessing. LegalZoom is here to help whether you're registering as an LLC or keeping it compliant. When you need a legal hand, turn to the number one online legal services provider who's helped launch over 4 million businesses like yours. Visit legalzoom.com because life is more legal than you think. LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self service tools. LegalZoom is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Visit legalzoom.com.
[02:31]
A
A house hearing looking at violence committed by terror groups targeting Christians in Nigeria.
[02:37]
F
A Catholic bishop in Nigeria testified that Christians are being targeted by Islamist groups like Boko Haram, but that the Nigerian government reacts barely if at all. New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith chaired the subcommittee hearing.
[02:49]
G
Churches burn. Mothers bury their children for the crime of singing Amazing Grace. Pastors are beheaded for preaching the Sermon on the Mount.
[02:58]
F
Democratic ranking member Sarah Jacobs asked State department official Jacob McGee about cuts to USAID programs that have reduced systems, warning of impending attacks in Nigeria.
[03:07]
D
Ultimately, the violence must be stopped by the Nigerian government.
[03:11]
E
In terms of programming, will you recommend restarting this program?
[03:13]
F
To the secretary, he said, existing warning programs, the US Funds should be sufficient. Jessica Rosenthal, FOX News.
[03:20]
A
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns cholera remains a major battle on that continent as more cases are expected when the rainy season begins. The Africa CDC says the number of cases stands at three times higher than those reported in 2022. And five countries account for almost 90% of the more than 300,000 cases reported so far this year. Intense fighting near the Pakistan Afghanistan border leaves at least 23 dead.
[03:47]
H
Pakistan's security forces are taking action against the Pakistani Taliban militants who have been waging a war on the Pakistani state for 18 years. According to the military, 23 Taliban fighters were killed in this shootout. It followed another raid earlier this week, which the army said killed 38 militants. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan and India of supporting the Pakistani Taliban. Those two countries deny the claim. Last week, Pakistan blamed Afghan nationals for conducting two deadly suicide bombings. Jonathan Savage, Fox News, Wall street.
[04:22]
A
The Dow lost 386. I'm Lisa Lucera.
[04:25]
H
This is Fox.
[04:31]
E
Life is more legal than you think and LegalZoom is here to help. From setting up a will to secure your family's future to taking the next step with your business and registering as an LLC or sorting the permits to legally run it from home. Or maybe not. When you need a legal hand, turn to LegalZoom. Visit legalzoom.com LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self service tools. LegalZoom is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Visit legalzoom.com.