Fox News Hourly Update – 2PM ET 10/23/2025

Episode Overview

This newscast delivers a rapid-fire roundup of significant national news stories, focusing on developments at the White House, federal policing initiatives, high-profile legal cases, state-level responses to federal actions, a troubling incident in Texas, and financial market updates. The tone is urgent and factual, with short direct statements from correspondents and major newsmakers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. White House Demolition and Ballroom Project

• [00:02–00:13] The East Wing of the White House has been demolished as part of President Trump’s remodel plans.
  • Purpose: To make room for a privately funded ballroom.
  • Context: The modernization originally included the East Wing.
  • Assurance: White House Spokeswoman Caroline Levitt stresses that "it's not costing the taxpayers anything. The president is privately funding this ballroom addition" (Levitt, 00:17).
  • Historical References: Levitt compares the project to previous White House renovations.
  • Legal Basis: Demolition permitted even before construction plans are fully submitted.

2. Federal "Surge" in San Francisco Called Off

• [00:39–01:07] President Trump cancels a planned federal law enforcement operation in San Francisco.
  • Reason: Influenced by a call with the city's mayor, who reportedly is making progress in crime reduction.
  • Possible Motivation: Hints that the mayor is open to new law enforcement strategies, including possible immigration enforcement.
  • Notable Quote: "Stay tuned," indicating potential future developments (Correspondent, 01:07).
  • Background: The San Francisco mayor had publicly opposed federal intervention.

3. NBA Scandal: Illegal Betting and Mafia Ties

• [01:07–01:54] Federal indictments involve over 30 people, among them NBA personalities.
  • Notable Names: Portland Trailblazers Coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
  • Charges: Illegal sports betting, conspiracy, wire fraud, and mafia-backed poker game rigging.
  • Federal Operation: "The years of investigative work...seem reminiscent of a Hollywood movie." (Homeland Security Special Agent Ricky Patel, 01:28)
  • NBA Response: Both Billups and Rozier put on leave.
  • Players’ Union: Concern over "the integrity of the game and presumption of innocence...hindered with player popularity misused" ([spokesperson], 01:51).

4. Illinois Pushes Back on Federal Immigration Tactics

• [02:15–02:56] Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker establishes an accountability commission to document alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents in Chicago.
  • Quote: "It is imperative that none of the impropriety, brutality and harassment perpetrated upon our people goes unnoticed." (Pritzker, 02:32)
  • Ongoing Litigation: Federal courts have temporarily blocked National Guard deployments; the case is before the Supreme Court.
  • White House Stance: Administration insists agents act in public safety interests.

5. Scuba Shop Scandal in Texas

• [03:02–03:55] A tragic incident at The Scuba Ranch in Kaufman County, TX, after a 12-year-old student dies during dive instruction.
  • Key Revelation: Shop owner Joe Johnson is caught on video making light of student deaths:
    • Quote: "All I know is we killed more people. We've never even done a deposition. My insurance company just says..." (Joe Johnson, 03:29)
  • Allegation: Johnson allegedly said his company is told "they can kill two people a year."
  • Investigation: The instructor who recorded the video sent it to oversight organizations; no evident follow-up action.

6. Financial Markets Update

• [03:55–end] Market indices rise amid volatile oil prices.
  • Dow Jones: Up 185 points.
  • Nasdaq: Up 1% (227 points).
  • Oil: Surges over 5%, but stays under $62/barrel.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Caroline Levitt, White House Spokeswoman [00:13]:

  "Trust the process. This is going to be a magnificent addition to the White House for many years to come, and it's not costing the taxpayers anything. The president is privately funding this ballroom addition..."

• Homeland Security Special Agent Ricky Patel [01:28]:

  "The years of investigative work that culminated with this morning's operation seem reminiscent of a Hollywood movie."

• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker [02:32]:

  "It is imperative that none of the impropriety, brutality and harassment perpetrated upon our people goes unnoticed."

• Joe Johnson, Scuba Shop Owner [03:29]:

  "All I know is we killed more people. We've never even done a deposition. My insurance company just says..."

Segment Timestamps

• 00:02–00:39: White House Ballroom and Renovation Update
• 00:39–01:07: San Francisco Federal Law Enforcement Surge Canceled
• 01:07–01:54: NBA Legal Troubles—Illegal Betting Indictments
• 02:15–02:56: Illinois Fights Federal Immigration Tactics, Legal Battle
• 03:02–03:55: Texas Scuba Shop Under Fire for Casual Attitude After Death
• 03:55–end: Market Rally and Financial Update

This update delivers a mix of politics, law enforcement, scandal, public accountability, and economic news, all with the signature brisk, direct style of the Fox News fast hourly format.