Fox News Hourly Update: 2AM ET 10/01/2025 Newscast

Date: October 1, 2025
Host: Angelo Bavaro (FOX News Podcasts)
Episode Overview:
This episode covers breaking overnight developments, including the U.S. government shutdown, political stalemates in Washington, major defense policy shifts, presidential directives on childhood cancer, and international actions in Haiti. The report brings timely updates and direct quotes from key policymakers, offering listeners a comprehensive snapshot of the hour’s headlines.

1. U.S. Government Shutdown: Political Deadlock and Consequences

• Government Shutdown Triggered

  • The U.S. government has officially shut down after lawmakers failed to pass a funding bill by the midnight deadline.
  • Main sticking point: Democrats demand any funding bill includes extensions for Obamacare tax credits, while Republicans offer a "clean" continuing resolution.

• Key Comments and Speaker Quotes

  • Sen. Chuck Schumer (D), Senate Minority Leader:
    • "The bottom line is we're not going to negotiate this bill in public. We need to come to a bipartisan solution that protects America's health care." (00:21)
  • Sen. John Thune (R), Senate Majority Leader:
    • "They can choose to keep the government open by voting for a short term nonpartisan, clean continuing resolution, 24 pages long, or they can vote to shut the government down." (00:33)

• Standoffs and Threats

  • No negotiations are currently scheduled between Democrats and Republicans.
  • Chad Pergram (Capitol Hill Correspondent):
    • "No talks are even planned. Democrats accused the GOP of lying when it comes to health care demands. In order to avoid a shutdown. President Trump is threatening to eliminate jobs and programs important to Democrats." (00:54)
  • Ross Vogt, Budget Director:
    • "We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them and irreversible by them." (01:09)
    • Vogt does not specify how many federal workers might be affected by job cuts.
  • National parks and museums will close, mail delivery will continue. Furloughs for federal workers, with only national security and military personnel remaining at work.

• Legislative Outlook

  • Senate Republicans' short-term funding extension was blocked by Democrats.
  • Another vote on the same bill is expected on Wednesday, with more attempts planned through the week.

Key Segment

• Government Shutdown Declared (00:02–01:38)
• Notable Quotes: Chuck Schumer (00:21), John Thune (00:33), Ross Vogt (01:09)

2. Defense Department: Renewed Focus & Policy Announcements

• War Department Renamed and Refocused
  • Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed top military commanders, emphasizing a singular mission.
  • Pete Hegseth:
    • "War and preparing to win. Unrelenting and uncompromising in that pursuit." (02:47)
    • "Should our enemies choose foolishly to challenge us, they will be crushed by the violence, precision and ferocity of the War Department." (02:56)
    • All combat positions will require qualifications set at "the highest male standards because this job is life or death." (03:12)
  • President Trump reaffirmed his support for military commanders, vowing to "always have their back."

Key Segment

• Military Briefing and Announcement (02:32–03:23)
• Notable Quotes: Pete Hegseth (02:47, 02:56, 03:12)

3. White House Order: AI Against Childhood Cancer

• Executive Action
  • President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to utilize artificial intelligence to combat childhood cancer.
  • Health and technology officials are to collaborate on improving diagnoses, prevention, and treatment.
  • Ross Vogt:
    • "For years, we've been amassing data about childhood cancer, but until now, we've been unable to fully exploit this trove of information and apply it to practical medicine." (03:41)
  • Additional funding for AI is mandated within the Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Pediatric cancer cases have risen over 50 years, but survival rates also improved.

Key Segment

• AI in Childhood Cancer Battle (03:23–04:08)
• Notable Quote: Ross Vogt (03:41)

4. International Focus: UN Security Council on Haiti

• UN Initiative
  • The Security Council, with U.S. and Panama sponsorship, authorized a robust multinational force in Haiti.
  • The force, led by Kenya, now possesses stronger powers to suppress gangs, including the authority to arrest suspected gang members.

Key Segment

• UN Security Council Moves on Haiti (04:08–04:28)

5. Memorable Moments & Tone

• The broadcast is terse, urgent, and authoritative, emphasizing both partisan tension and significant policy pivots.
• Hegseth’s “crushed by the violence, precision and ferocity of the War Department” (02:56) stands out for its uncompromising militaristic tone.
• The persistent referencing of “irreversible” impacts during the shutdown hints at a high-stakes, zero-sum political atmosphere.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02–01:38: Government shutdown explained—key quotes and political impasse
• 02:32–03:23: War Department announcements, military preparedness, Trump’s support
• 03:23–04:08: AI initiative for childhood cancer, federal health policy
• 04:08–04:28: UN and Haiti—multinational gang suppression force

Summary Sentiment:
This episode captures the seriousness of a government shutdown, signaling lasting consequences and heated political exchanges while also spotlighting aggressive new defense posturing and a scientifically ambitious initiative from the White House. The global scope is rounded out with decisive United Nations action in Haiti.