Fox News Hourly Update – 2PM ET Newscast (October 11, 2025)

Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update underscores crucial developments in global diplomacy, U.S. economic policy, and major domestic stories. Lead topics include the first phase of a Gaza peace deal, escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, an unprecedented federal worker layoff during a government shutdown, a deadly explosion in Tennessee, and former President Joe Biden’s cancer treatment. The briefing maintains a rapid pace and factual tone, condensing dense breaking news for quick listening.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gaza Peace Deal Initiated

• [00:02–00:53]

  • Israel redeploying troops and enacting a ceasefire as the first phase of a Gaza peace deal takes effect.
  • U.S. military involvement, particularly by CENTCOM Commander Admiral Cooper, is highlighted as pivotal.
  • Negotiators were encouraged by both U.S. monitoring commitments and indications Hamas now sees Israeli hostages as a liability.
  • Human Impact: 500,000 Palestinians have reportedly returned home; thousands moving up the coast in a mass exodus.
  • Hostage crisis remains unresolved with 48 hostages still in Gaza (20 believed alive); a swap is anticipated soon.

  “Negotiators became convinced that a breakthrough was possible because they had indications Hamas was beginning to view the Israeli hostages as a burden.”
  — Jennifer Griffin [00:31]

2. Rising U.S.-China Economic Tensions

• [00:53–01:50]

  • The S&P 500 saw its sharpest drop since April.
  • President Trump reportedly threatens a 100% tariff on Chinese imports plus export controls on critical software—retaliation for China's new export curbs on rare earth minerals and mining equipment.
  • The trade truce between the U.S. and China remains, but is set to expire soon.
  • President Trump also suggests canceling a planned meeting with President Xi.
  • Economic analysts warn of collateral damage to U.S. businesses and consumers.

  “The president threatening new tariffs on China on social media, saying he would implement a 100% tariff on Chinese imports plus export controls on all critical software.”
  — Alexandria Hoff [01:15]

3. Historic Federal Layoffs Amid Shutdown

• [02:16–03:04]

  • President Trump orders layoffs for over 4,000 federal workers during an ongoing government shutdown, breaking from the norm of temporary furloughs.
  • White House Budget Office says layoffs are substantial; unions are suing to block the move, alleging misuse of executive power.
  • The situation marks a stark shift from previous shutdown protocols, with lasting employment consequences.

  “The Trump administration has warned of layoffs if the government shutdown continued, a departure from previous shutdowns when federal workers were furloughed but brought back to work once a spending bill was passed.”
  — Jared Halpern [02:36]

4. Deadly Explosion in Tennessee

• [03:04–03:52]

  • An explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems, an explosives plant near McEwen, Tennessee, leaves many dead and 18 still missing.
  • The blast—heard from miles away—devastated the small community; even local officials personally know victims.
  • Local accounts highlight the severity: only rubble and car skeletons remain at the site.

  “The sheriff said he’s taking this loss especially hard because he personally knew some of the victims…it’s not much besides rubble and the skeletons of a few cars in the parking lot.”
  — Caroline Elliott [03:21]

5. Joe Biden's Health Update

• [03:52–end]

  • Former President Joe Biden is undergoing radiation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer.
  • In addition, Biden had surgery in September to remove cancerous skin cells.

  “Former President Joe Biden now reportedly undergoing radiation therapy for an aggressive form of prostate cancer that was diagnosed in May.”
  — Roger Stern [03:53]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Negotiators became convinced that a breakthrough was possible because they had indications Hamas was beginning to view the Israeli hostages as a burden.” (Jennifer Griffin, [00:31])
• “The president threatening new tariffs on China...100% tariff on Chinese imports plus export controls on all critical software.” (Alexandria Hoff, [01:15])
• “The Trump administration has warned of layoffs if the government shutdown continued, a departure from previous shutdowns...” (Jared Halpern, [02:36])
• “The sheriff said he’s taking this loss especially hard because he personally knew some of the victims...” (Caroline Elliott, [03:21])

Key Segment Timestamps

• Gaza Peace Deal Coverage: [00:02–00:53]
• U.S.-China Trade Developments: [00:53–01:50]
• Federal Layoffs During Shutdown: [02:16–03:04]
• Tennessee Plant Explosion: [03:04–03:52]
• Biden Health Update: [03:52–end]

Conclusion

This concise but comprehensive newscast delivers the latest on evolving global peace efforts, U.S.-China economic brinkmanship, disruptive national policy, a local tragedy, and health news on a prominent political figure. Each segment provides headline-driven facts, punctuated by the human impact and high-level quotes from Fox News correspondents.