Fox News Hourly Update – 12PM ET 10/04/2025 Newscast

Host: Paul Stevens
Date: October 4, 2025
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update

Overview

This episode delivers a brisk roundup of the day's most pressing news stories, focusing on major international developments, political gridlock in Washington, a high-profile celebrity sentencing, and an unusual incident involving a government official. The dominant theme is ongoing global and domestic tension, from Middle East negotiations and US military actions abroad to sharp divides within Congress and high-stakes legal outcomes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gaza War: Breakthrough Negotiations

[00:02–01:30]

• President Trump announces the administration is "very close to ending the war in Gaza" and working to return the last 48 hostages.
• Peace Plan: Hamas has partially accepted a US-brokered 20 point plan, amid President Trump's warning of "all hell" if no agreement is reached by 6pm Sunday.
  • Hamas Statement: Expresses "readiness to immediately enter negotiations through mediators to discuss the details," but offers no firm agreement on disarmament.
  • Israeli Response: Israel has agreed to the "first stage" (hostage release). Conditional on:
    • Israel halting its military offensive
    • Allowing in large-scale humanitarian aid
    • Releasing some Palestinian prisoners
• Humanitarian Pause: Israel’s bombing is temporarily halted to give peace talks and the hostage release process a chance.
• Crucial Unanswered Questions: No confirmed agreement on Hamas disarmament or future governance.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump:

  “Everybody was unified in wanting this war to end and seeing peace in the Middle East. And we're very close to achieving that now.”
  (00:34)

• Steve Harrigan (Fox News):

  “Will they disarm? Will they agree not to be a part of future ruling plans inside of Gaza? They have not agreed to that yet.”
  (01:09)

2. U.S. Military Strike in Venezuela

[01:30–01:59]

• The U.S. launches a strike on what President Trump calls an “alleged drug boat” in Venezuela.
• The administration claims the vessel carried “enough drugs to kill thousands.”
• There is pushback from critics, who object to the use of military force against civilian criminal groups.

3. Federal Government Shutdown Continues

[02:15–02:57]

• The government remains closed for the weekend; the Senate again failed to advance a continuing resolution.

• Key breakdown:

  • Same three Democrat-caucusing senators voted for the GOP plan, along with one Republican defection.
  • Republicans warn of “grave shutdown consequences.”

• Partisan finger-pointing escalates:

  • House Speaker defends President Trump's social media jabs at Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries:

    “That's what President Trump does and people are having fun with this.”
    (Paul Stevens quoting)

  • Republicans blame Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for “driving Democrats into the shutdown.”
  • Jeffries blames Republicans.

• Next steps: Another Senate vote on Monday; the House will not be in session.

Notable Quotes

• Chad Pergram (Capitol Hill):

  "The third time wasn't a charm." (02:25)

4. Sean “Diddy” Combs Sentencing

[03:09–03:33]

• Hip hop mogul Sean Combs sentenced to just over four years in federal prison for transporting people across state lines for “drug-fueled sexual encounters.”
• After serving one year already, could be released in roughly three years.
• July conviction; also fined $500,000.
• In court, Combs apologized:

  “Disgusting and shameful.”

• He was acquitted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

5. Kristi Noem Denied Building Access in Illinois

[03:33–04:13]

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reports she and her staff were denied entry to a government building in Broadview, Illinois, when looking to use restrooms.
• Village of Broadview gave no reason for refusal. Incident occurs amid Federal agents clashing with anti-ICE protesters nearby.

Memorable Moments

• President Trump’s stark ultimatum to Hamas ("all hell" if the deal isn’t accepted).
• Sharp Congressional rhetoric and unusual social media taunting as described by congressional correspondents.
• The sensation of escalation and tension in all major headline stories: peace talks, government dysfunction, and high-profile legal consequences.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Gaza War/Hostage Negotiations: 00:02–01:30
• US Strike in Venezuela: 01:30–01:59
• Federal Shutdown Coverage: 02:15–02:57
• Sean Combs Sentencing: 03:09–03:33
• Kristi Noem Incident: 03:33–04:13

Tone & Language

• The episode maintains Fox News’ brisk, no-nonsense delivery.
• Politicians’ voices and statements are cited directly and neutrally by correspondents.
• Subtle partisan jabs and political tension surface throughout coverage, especially on shutdown and White House stories.

This summary distills the main developments and urgent tone of the broadcast, offering a complete picture for those unable to listen.