Fox News Hourly Update – 2PM ET 09/26/2025

Overview
This Fox News Hourly Update delivers concise national and international news highlights, focusing primarily on the looming U.S. government shutdown, geopolitical tensions involving Israel and Gaza, the death of a notorious U.S. fugitive, legal actions against former FBI Director James Comey, and a school shooting tragedy in Georgia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Impending U.S. Government Shutdown

• Countdown: With five days left before a potential U.S. government shutdown, gridlock continues in Washington.
• Partisan Blame:
  • Democrats' Position: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticizes Republicans for "gutting health care."
  • Republicans' Counter: President Trump accuses Democrats of "unreasonable demands" in negotiations for a short-term spending deal.
  • "Each side accusing the other of wanting a shutdown." (Lisa Brady, 00:20)
• Current Activities: President Trump departs for the Ryder Cup but tells reporters he anticipates a deal will be reached regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.

2. Israel, Gaza, and the International Response

• Prime Minister's Defense at the UN:
  • Israel's Prime Minister addresses the UN, defending military actions in Gaza, denying genocide, and criticizing international recognition of Palestinian statehood.
  • "The leaders who recognize a Palestinian state this week sent to the Palestinians. It’s a very clear message… murdering Jews pays off." (Will Kane/Lisa Brady, 00:48–00:57)
• UN Reaction: Many delegates walk out during Israel’s speech.

3. Death of Joanne Chesimard (Assata Shakur)

• Background:
  • Convicted for the 1973 killing of NJ State Trooper Werner Foerster.
  • Escaped prison in 1979 with alleged help from Black Liberation Army (BLA) members; granted asylum in Cuba.
• Recent Development:
  • Cuban government announces her death at age 78 due to health issues and age.
  • "In 2013, she became the first woman added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist list." (Lisa Brady, 01:39)

4. Indictment of Former FBI Director James Comey

• New Charges:
  • Comey is indicted for allegedly making a false statement during 2020 Senate testimony.
• Political Fallout:
  • President Trump critiques prior U.S. Attorney for lack of prosecution; replacement Lindsey Halligan, a personal defense attorney, signed off on the indictment.
  • House Democrats, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, demand transparency, accusing the president of orchestrating a "revenge prosecution."
  • "The president got a subservient replacement to carry out his revenge prosecution. The president says it’s not revenge, that Comey lied to Congress." (Jessica Rosenthal/Jamie Raskin, 02:41–03:04)
  • Comey asserts his innocence.

5. Georgia School Shooting Lawsuits

• Incident Recap:
  • 14-year-old Colt Gray accused of the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting, with four fatalities and nine injuries.
• New Lawsuits:
  • Families of victims allege negligence: ignored FBI warnings, inadequate investigation of threats, and lack of timely lockdown.
  • _"Lawyers for the families filing notice of lawsuits claim the school government and law enforcement ignored the warning signs." (Therese Crowley, 03:20)
• Legal Proceedings:
  • Gray faces more than 50 counts, charged as an adult; his father also charged. Both plead not guilty.

6. Financial Markets

• Wall Street Rally:
  • Dow Jones up more than 300 points. (Lisa Brady, 04:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Congressional Stalemate:
  "Democrats are not going to go along to get along." – Lisa Brady, 00:10
  "Each side accusing the other of wanting a shutdown." – Lisa Brady, 00:20

• On Gaza and Global Politics:
  "Murdering Jews pays off, many delegates walking out during his address to the UN General Assembly." – Lisa Brady, 00:57

• On Government Accountability:
  "The president got a subservient replacement to carry out his revenge prosecution. The president says it's not revenge, that Comey lied to Congress." – Jessica Rosenthal quoting Rep. Jamie Raskin, 03:00

• On School Safety Failures:
  "Lawyers for the families...claim the school government and law enforcement ignored the warning signs." – Therese Crowley, 03:20

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:03 – Update on government shutdown gridlock
• 00:48 – Israel PM’s speech to UN and international response
• 01:11 – Death of Joanne Chesimard highlighted
• 02:15 – Indictment of James Comey and political reactions
• 03:13 – Georgia school shooting lawsuits and allegations of negligence
• 04:10 – Stock market rally update

Tone:
The reporting maintains FOX's signature brisk, urgent delivery, layering concise reporting with pointed attributions and strong political narratives from all sides. Direct quotes punctuate the segment, reflecting the contentious climate in national and international politics.

For those who missed the episode, this summary covers all major developments, notable moments, and controversies as presented, providing clarity on the hour's top headlines.