Fox News Hourly Update – 2AM ET 10/08/2025

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers breaking news and key developments as of October 8, 2025. The episode centers on high tensions following the deployment of the Texas National Guard to Illinois amid anti-ICE protests, legal and political fallout over National Guard deployments nationwide, recent primary election results, the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact—particularly on air traffic controllers—and a significant rescue operation on Mount Everest.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Texas National Guard Deployment in Illinois

• Deployment Update:
  • Around 200 members of the Texas National Guard have arrived at a military facility near Joliet, Illinois (00:02-00:16).
  • This deployment is in response to anti-ICE protests and occurs amid stiff opposition from Chicago officials.
• Political and Legal Fallout:
  • Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul strongly opposes the move:
    • “President is determined to federalize the National Guard and to occupy our cities with the military. It’s unconscionable. It’s unthinkable.”
      — Kwame Raoul (00:26-00:35)
  • AG Raoul requested an immediate court injunction. U.S. District Judge April Perry declined to grant it but set a deadline for the Trump administration to provide deployment details by the next day (00:35-00:52).

2. Legal Challenges to National Guard Deployments

• Portland Ruling & Senate Judiciary Hearing:
  • A federal judge ruled the National Guard could not be sent to Portland, Oregon (00:52).
  • In DC, Oregon AG Pam Bondi testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about legal aspects of such deployments.
• Political Targeting Allegations:
  • Senator Josh Hawley and other Republicans expressed concern over potential political targeting during the Biden administration, specifically citing their communications being tracked during the Capitol riot investigation (01:04-01:40).
  • Senator Hawley is calling for a special counsel to probe the issue.

3. Tennessee GOP Special Election

• Primary Results:
  • Matt Von Epps, a former commissioner under Governor Bill Lee, has won the GOP primary for a congressional seat vacated by Mark Green. Eleven Republicans competed (01:40-01:59).

4. Federal Government Shutdown

• Deadlock and Demands:

  • The government shutdown enters its second week with both parties blaming each other.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican) favors a "clean" spending bill (no extra provisions), while Democrats insist on a permanent extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits (02:31-02:44).

• Tax Credit Debate:

  • Republicans view ACA tax credits as a separate issue and are pushing for reforms.
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed some openness:
    • “We have an open mind as it relates to an extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits based on the merits of what is presented in good faith.”
      — Hakeem Jeffries (03:03)

• Impact:

  • The impasse over ACA subsidies may affect 22 million Americans facing higher premiums if not extended (03:15).

5. Effects on Air Traffic Controllers and Airports

• Operational Challenges:
  • Air traffic controllers are unpaid during the shutdown but continue working, with notable delays and interruptions across multiple US airports:
    • Delays reported in Chicago, Boston, Houston, and extended disruptions in Nashville and Memphis (03:27-03:36).
    • Pilots had to seek airspace clearance from regional towers due to staffing issues.
• Workforce Morale:
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledges increased stress, noting a rise in sick calls. Some controllers are considering second jobs due to the uncertain pay situation (03:36-04:08).

6. International News: Mount Everest Rescue

• Rescue Update:
  • Chinese state media reports the safe evacuation of about 900 hikers, guides, and staff stranded since a severe snowstorm last weekend on Mount Everest’s Chinese side (altitude: 16,000+ ft) (04:08-04:28).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Illinois AG Kwame Raoul on Guard Deployment:
  “President is determined to federalize the National Guard and to occupy our cities with the military. It’s unconscionable. It’s unthinkable.”
  — Kwame Raoul (00:26–00:35)

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on ACA Tax Credits:
  “We have an open mind as it relates to an extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits based on the merits of what is presented in good faith.”
  — Hakeem Jeffries (03:03)

• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on impact of shutdown:
  “...the government shutdown is adding stress to air traffic controllers, leading to a rise in sick calls. He says some are even considering taking a second job as they worry about missing future paychecks.”
  — Paraphrased summary from Jeff Paul reporting (03:36-04:08)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Texas National Guard arrives in Illinois/Legal conflict – 00:02–00:52
• Portland ruling & Senate Judiciary Committee hearing – 00:52–01:40
• Tennessee GOP primary result – 01:40–01:59
• Government shutdown/ACA tax credits debate – 02:31–03:15
• Air traffic controller staffing and delays – 03:27–04:08
• Mount Everest rescue operation – 04:08–04:28

This episode delivers concise coverage of major political, legal, and operational developments across the U.S., touching on high-profile legal disputes, the continuing government shutdown and its ripple effects, and a significant international rescue effort, providing listeners with a timely snapshot of American and global news.