Fox News Hourly Update – 4AM ET 09/28/2025 Newscast

Host: Debra Valentine (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: September 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid, comprehensive roundup of major breaking news across the US, centering on a deadly shooting in North Carolina, fatal flash floods in Arizona, federal government shutdown concerns, new troop deployments by President Trump, and an impending tropical storm threatening Florida’s coast. The episode blends first-hand witness accounts, official statements, and field reporting to keep listeners updated on fast-evolving stories.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Southport, North Carolina Shooting

[00:02–00:53]

• Incident Summary: At least three people died and six were injured after a gunman opened fire at a dockside restaurant—the American Fish Company at Southport Yacht Basin (near the SC border).
  • Key Details: The suspect approached by boat, fired multiple shots, and fled.
  • Investigation: A person of interest is being questioned; police believe there is "no additional threat" to the community.
• Insights:
  • The rapid response and assurance by local police suggest control over the immediate situation but leave many questions on motive and victim conditions.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • “I'm comfortable to say that...we don't feel like there's any additional threats to the community.”
      —Southport Police Chief Todd Coring [00:44]

2. Arizona Flash Floods

[00:53–01:59]

• Incident Summary: At least four dead in Gila County, Arizona, after heavy rainfall triggered flash flooding.
  • State Response: Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency, mobilizing resources for search, rescue, cleanup, and recovery.
  • Federal Response: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem notified Arizona that FEMA is ready to help; several people are still unaccounted for.
  • Notable Moment: The swift, coordinated federal and state response underscores the severity and unpredictability of weather disasters.

3. Federal Government Shutdown Looms

[03:18–04:04]

• Context: Congress faces a deadline to fund the government by October 1st; a shutdown appears imminent.
• Capitol Hill Effects: During shutdowns, lawmakers keep getting paid due to the 27th Amendment, while:
  • Congressional staff are selectively deemed ‘essential’
  • Public access (tours, restaurants, barbershops) is suspended, and trash accumulates in the building
  • Historical context provided: Previous shutdowns ended due to either severe workforce walkouts or security incidents.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • “Congress meets and lawmakers never miss a paycheck. That's because the Constitution's 27th Amendment prohibits an immediate 'varying in compensation' for members.”
      —Chad Pergram [03:25]

4. President Trump Deploys National Guard

[01:59–03:18]

• Deployment Summary: President Trump announced National Guard deployment to Portland, Oregon, to address crime and illegal migration.
  • State vs. Federal: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek stated:
    • “I have been abundantly clear with them that Portland and the state of Oregon believe in the rule of law and we can manage our own local public safety needs.” [02:25]
  • Trump also signs order to send military officials to Memphis.
  • Notable Insight: Showcases ongoing tensions over federal intervention in state governance.

5. Tropical Storm Imelda Brewing Off Florida Coast

[04:04–05:04]

• Weather Update: A cluster of thunderstorms between Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas developed into Tropical Depression #9, likely to soon become Tropical Storm Imelda.
  • Impacts: Tropical storm watches along the Florida coast (Palm Beach up through Daytona Beach).
  • Expected Conditions:
    • Winds: 39 mph+ (gusts up to 60–70 mph possible)
    • Path: Not expected to make landfall soon, but stalling could bring prolonged impacts.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • “The trend…has been that it's going to not make landfall, which is a good thing at this point.”
      —Mike Sidel [04:52]

6. Federal Leadership Update

[04:04]

• White House Summit: President Trump and congressional leaders to meet to try to avert shutdown before the October 1 deadline.

Notable Quotes and Speaker Attribution

• On NC Shooting:

  • “I'm comfortable to say that...we don't feel like there's any additional threats to the community.”
    —Southport Police Chief Todd Coring [00:44]

• On Arizona Floods:

  • “My state of emergency declaration directs critical state resources to support ongoing search and rescue operations as well as cleanup and recovery.”
    —Governor Katie Hobbs, as reported [01:05]

• On Shutdown Procedures:

  • “Congress meets and lawmakers never miss a paycheck. That's because the Constitution's 27th Amendment prohibits an immediate 'varying in compensation' for members.”
    —Chad Pergram [03:25]

• On Federal-State Tensions:

  • “I have been abundantly clear with them that Portland and the state of Oregon believe in the rule of law and we can manage our own local public safety needs.”
    —Governor Tina Kotek [02:25]

• On Storm Track:

  • “The trend…has been that it's going to not make landfall, which is a good thing at this point.”
    —Mike Sidel [04:52]

Segment Timeline

• [00:02] Southport, NC shooting update
• [00:53] Gila County, AZ flash floods
• [01:59] President Trump orders National Guard to Portland/Memphis
• [03:18] Looming government shutdown analysis
• [04:04] White House meeting scheduled to avert shutdown
• [04:23] Tropical Storm Imelda threatens Florida

Overall Tone and Style

The episode maintains an urgent yet composed tone, emphasizing factual reporting and updates from both on-the-ground sources and official statements. The hosts and reporters speak authoritatively, prioritizing swift, clear information for a broad national audience.