Fox News Hourly Update: 2AM ET 10/03/2025 Newscast

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: October 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers succinct coverage of the essential national and international news as of the early hours of October 3, 2025. Stories covered include day three of the U.S. government shutdown, new actions against drug cartels by the Trump administration, diplomatic tensions with Russia, a terror attack in the United Kingdom, severe weather alerts in Florida, and a significant FDA drug approval announcement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ongoing U.S. Government Shutdown

Main Theme: Congressional stalemate over budget and health care funding

• The government shutdown enters its third day as lawmakers fail to pass a spending bill.
• Democrats are holding firm on demands for a trillion-dollar increase in health care funding.
• Republicans call for a "clean resolution" to reopen government and criticize Democrats for their negotiating stance.
  • Quote:

    "They would rather deny health care to our veterans than deny health care to illegals. They want to give money to illegals so bad they will shut down the entire government to do it."
    — Republican Senator Josh Hawley [00:24]

• Senate poised to vote again on a Republican stopgap bill to fund the government through November 21.
  • White House Concern:
    • Press Secretary Caroline Levitt warns of "thousands of layoffs for the federal workforce if the shutdown continues." [00:39]
• To address the Senate filibuster, a handful of Democratic votes are needed, but many Democrats seek an extension of Affordable Care Act tax subsidies as a condition for their support.
• Reporter On Scene:
  • “A handful of Democrats will be needed to reach 60 votes and break the Senate filibuster, but so far many are demanding Republicans negotiate an extension of Affordable Care act tax subsidies in order to get their votes.”
    — Ryan Schmelz [00:56]

2. U.S. Military Action Against Narco-Terrorists

Main Theme: Escalating action against drug cartels

• President Trump announces that the U.S. is now in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels.
  • Recent strikes targeted four boats in Caribbean waters.
• The Trump administration designates these cartels as narco-terrorists.
• Support from Lawmakers:
  • Missouri Senator Eric Schmidt voices strong agreement:

    "These narco terrorist organizations have declared war on America. The drugs that they send here kill over 100,000 Americans every year."
    — Sen. Eric Schmidt [01:26]

3. International Affairs: U.S.-Russia Tensions Over Ukraine

Main Theme: Diplomatic warnings over arms supplies

• Russian President Putin warns the U.S. against supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine.
  • He claims it will "seriously damage relations" but asserts it "will not change the dynamic on the battlefield." [01:36]

4. Terror Attack in the UK During Yom Kippur

Main Theme: Security and anti-Semitism in Britain

• A terror attack occurred at a synagogue in the UK during Yom Kippur.
  • A man rammed his car into worshippers and then exited to stab others.
  • He attempted to enter the synagogue but was blocked; was shot dead by police.
  • The attacker wore what appeared to be an explosive belt—determined not viable.
• Casualties & Aftermath:
  • Two confirmed dead, several severely injured.
  • The suspect identified as a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent; three other arrests made.
• Quote:

  "Three suspects also arrested as King Charles says he is deeply shocked and saddened. Since October 7, anti Semitic attacks in the UK have more than doubled police protection now beefed up at synagogues."
  — Greg Palcott [03:16]

5. Severe Weather Threatens Florida

Main Theme: Tropical development and public safety

• National Hurricane Center monitors a potential tropical system from the northwest Bahamas to the Florida Peninsula.
  • While the chance of full tropical cyclone development is currently low, widespread significant rainfall, rip currents, and dangerous surfing conditions are expected.
  • Public Advisory:

    "It's going to be a really dangerous weekend, so I would advise everyone to avoid it. If you do come to the beach, just take a look, take pictures, but please stay out of the water."
    — Morgan Harmon, St. Lucie County Ocean Rescue Chief [03:59]

6. FDA Approves Generic Abortion Drug

Main Theme: Access to reproductive healthcare

• The FDA has approved a generic version of mifepristone.
  • This drug is one of two most widely used medications for abortion in the U.S.
  • Manufacturer Avita Solutions announced the approval. [04:12]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "They would rather deny health care to our veterans than deny health care to illegals."
  — Sen. Josh Hawley criticizing Democrats' shutdown stance [00:24]

• "These narco terrorist organizations have declared war on America."
  — Sen. Eric Schmidt on new anti-cartel military action [01:26]

• "Three suspects also arrested as King Charles says he is deeply shocked and saddened."
  — Greg Palcott reporting on the Yom Kippur synagogue attack [03:16]

• "It's going to be a really dangerous weekend, so I would advise everyone to avoid it."
  — Morgan Harmon on severe weather threats in Florida [03:59]

Important Timestamps

• [00:02] — Opening: Government shutdown coverage begins.
• [00:24] — Senator Josh Hawley's comments on Democrats and health care.
• [00:39] — Senate stopgap measure discussion and layoff warnings.
• [01:12] — President Trump addresses U.S. armed conflict with drug cartels.
• [01:26] — Senator Eric Schmidt's support for anti-cartel military action.
• [01:36] — Putin's warning over U.S. missile shipments to Ukraine.
• [03:16] — Greg Palcott reports on the UK synagogue terror attack.
• [03:59] — Florida safety warnings amid weather threat.
• [04:12] — FDA generic abortion medication approval.

Episode Tone & Delivery

The update maintains the urgent, direct tone characteristic of 24-hour news radio, with a clear focus on right-leaning perspectives and emphasis on the consequences of current political actions.

This summary captures all major events, essential context, and notable moments from the 2AM ET Fox News Hourly Update for October 3, 2025, providing listeners (and non-listeners) a comprehensive, timestamped overview of the episode’s stories.