Fox News Hourly Update – 10 PM ET, September 30, 2025
Main Theme
This episode centers on urgent national developments: the impending U.S. government shutdown, Capitol Hill negotiations, legal and safety incidents, and noteworthy scientific discoveries. FOX News reporters deliver breaking updates on each story, capturing the tense political climate and events unfolding across the country.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Countdown to Government Shutdown
- Partial Shutdown Imminent: The government is set to partially shut down in under two hours due to stalled funding negotiations.
(00:02, Lisa Lacera) - Senate Vote on Funding Bill:
- Republicans failed to pass a continuing resolution with a 55-45 vote (short of the required 60); three Democratic-aligned senators broke with their caucus.
- Notable: Only John Fetterman (D-PA) had previously supported the bill (about 10 days prior).
- Tensions mount as Senate Majority Leader John Thune confides that some Democrats are dissatisfied with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s handling of negotiations.
- Quote:
“Some Democrats are unhappy with the situation. They don’t like how Chuck Schumer is handling this.”
— Chad Perkham (00:29)
- Healthcare Tax Credit Dispute:
- Senate Democrats demand the continued extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credit; Republicans argue it serves insurance companies more than individuals.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Nomination:
- The White House withdraws E.J. Antoni’s nomination, with no specific reason, describing him only as a “talented economist.”
- President Trump is poised to nominate a replacement soon.
2. Turning Point USA Tour Returns Amid Security Incident
- Event Returns to Utah:
- Turning Point USA's college tour comes back to Utah for the first time since founder Charlie Kirk was shot.
- Event proceeds at Utah State University with heightened security following a suspicious package report.
- Incident Details:
- Staff at Utah State’s main administration building spotted a package; police evacuated and conducted a controlled detonation.
- Authorities determined it was not a threat or connected to the event.
- Quote:
“They called police who responded fast and evacuated that building for about 45 minutes while they did a controlled detonation.”
— Claudia Cowan (01:23)
3. Universal Studios Orlando Roller Coaster Death Sparks Broader Concerns
- Fatal Incident:
- Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died on the Stardust Racers coaster.
- Attorney Ben Crump, representing Zavala’s family, reveals new reports of failing restraints and blunt force injuries from other riders.
- Medical examiner rules death due to blunt force impact, suggesting the issue may be systemic.
- Regulatory Oversight:
- Florida’s largest theme parks (Universal/Disney) self-regulate, exempt from state safety inspections.
- Crump urges more government oversight; Universal maintains the ride “worked as intended,” and has not addressed subsequent complaints.
- Quotes:
“Others are now reporting failing restraints and blunt force injuries on that ride.”
— Ben Crump (02:42)
“This shows that Kevin’s case was not an isolated incident.”
— Eben Brown (02:53)
4. Florida Teen Fakes Abduction
- False Amber Alert:
- A 17-year-old boy staged his own kidnapping, sending texts to his family claiming he was shot and abducted.
- Sheriff’s department discovers the teen shot himself in the leg and hid in a tent after abandoning his truck.
- He now faces possible charges for false reporting.
- Quote:
“Who had a handgun with him since the beginning of all of this, chose to shoot himself in the leg. The wound wasn’t life threatening, but the boy is now believed to have abandoned his truck and was hiding out in a tent.”
— Eben Brown (03:38)
5. Ancient Animal Rock Carvings Discovered in Saudi Arabia
- Archaeological Breakthrough:
- Researchers discover 12,000-year-old life-size rock carvings of camels, gazelles, and other animals.
- Findings push back evidence of human occupation in the region by 2,000 years.
- Published in Nature Communications.
- Quote:
“The art and tools show that people lived in the area about 2,000 years earlier than previously thought, though it’s not yet clear how they survived.”
— Lisa Lacera (04:05)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Chad Perkham (on Senate tensions):
“Some Democrats are unhappy with the situation. They don’t like how Chuck Schumer is handling this.”
(00:29) -
Claudia Cowan (on Utah incident):
“They called police who responded fast and evacuated that building for about 45 minutes while they did a controlled detonation.”
(01:23) -
Ben Crump & Eben Brown (on Universal death):
“Others are now reporting failing restraints and blunt force injuries on that ride.” — Ben Crump (02:42)
“This shows that Kevin’s case was not an isolated incident.” — Eben Brown (02:53) -
Eben Brown (on teen’s fake abduction):
“Who had a handgun with him since the beginning of all of this, chose to shoot himself in the leg… now believed to have abandoned his truck and was hiding out in a tent.”
(03:38) -
Lisa Lacera (on archaeological find):
“The art and tools show that people lived in the area about 2,000 years earlier than previously thought.”
(04:05)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:02 – Government shutdown countdown and Capitol Hill vote coverage
- 00:45 – Health care tax credits and Labor Statistics nomination withdrawal
- 01:14 – Turning Point USA college tour and campus evacuation
- 02:30 – Universal Studios fatality and attorney’s call for oversight
- 03:21 – Florida teen’s staged abduction
- 04:01 – Saudi Arabia prehistoric rock carvings discovery
Tone and Delivery
The updates maintain a brisk, authoritative news tone, with reporters presenting facts quickly and succinctly. The seriousness of the shutdown is balanced by the urgency in security, legal, and scientific news, never straying into sensationalism but ensuring the gravity of incidents is clear.
Useful for:
Listeners wanting a concise yet comprehensive update on overnight U.S. politics, national incidents, and scientific news, with context and direct quotes for deeper understanding.