Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: 4AM ET 10/03/2025 Newscast
Date: October 3, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts

Overview

This episode provides a rapid-fire update of major national and international news stories as of early October 3, 2025. The main themes include the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, recent military actions against drug cartels, U.S.–Russia tensions over Ukraine, a protest in Los Angeles, a large refinery fire, and developments in abortion medication approvals.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown Enters Day Three

[00:03–01:13]

• Congress remains at an impasse over a spending bill, with the government shutdown stretching into its third day.
• Democrats insist on a significant increase in healthcare funding, particularly related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Republicans push for a "clean resolution" and accuse Democrats of misplaced priorities.

Quote (Sen. Josh Hawley):
"They would rather deny health care to our veterans than deny health care to illegals. They want to give money to illegals so bad they will shut down the entire government to do it."
(00:26, via Fox's Hannity)

• The Senate plans another vote on a Republican-backed stopgap measure to keep the government funded until November 21st.
• White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt warns of imminent federal workforce layoffs if the shutdown persists.

Quote (Caroline Levitt):
"These meetings would not be happening if the Democrats had voted to keep the government open."
(00:53)

• A filibuster remains in place with a few Democrats needed to reach 60 votes in the Senate; Democratic holdouts demand more ACA tax subsidy extensions.

2. U.S. Military Action Against Drug Cartels

[01:13–01:44]

• President Trump confirms the U.S. is in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels after attacks on four boats considered "narco terrorists."
• Sen. Eric Schmidt (R-MO) voices strong support for the action.

Quote (Sen. Eric Schmidt):
"These narco terrorist organizations have declared war on America. The drugs that they send here kill over 100,000 Americans every year."
(01:26, via Fox's The Ingraham Angle)

3. International Relations: U.S., Russia, and Ukraine

[01:44–01:59]

• Russian President Vladimir Putin warns the U.S. against supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine.
• Putin asserts that, while it may worsen Moscow–Washington relations, it won’t change the battlefield dynamic.

4. Pro-Palestinian Protest in Los Angeles

[02:31–03:11]

• Pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupy Wilshire Boulevard outside the Israeli consulate (closed for Yom Kippur).
• Many protesters condemn Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and U.S. involvement.
• The event coincides with Jewish prayer services for Yom Kippur.

Quote (Ed Lasko, Fox 11 Los Angeles):
"All with their signs, all condemning Israel and the US... on this night, it's a crowd of hundreds instead."
(02:40)

• As the demonstration continues, Israel prevents an aid flotilla from reaching Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas weighs a peace proposal from the U.S. and Israel.

5. Chevron Refinery Fire in Los Angeles County

[03:11–04:04]

• A major fire erupts at Chevron's El Segundo refinery; flames and smoke visible for miles.
• No deaths or injuries reported, but locals advised to stay indoors; traffic diverted.
• The refinery is a crucial fuel supplier in Southern California.

Quote (Fox's Chanley Painter):
"People living in the area are urged to stay home and traffic has been diverted away from the scene... so far there are no reports of deaths or injuries."
(03:25)

• City officials confirm no direct threat to the general public.

6. FDA Approves Generic Mifepristone

[04:04–04:18]

• The FDA gives clearance for a generic form of mifepristone, a drug central to most U.S. abortions.
• Generic manufacturer Evita Solutions announces the availability of the cost-effective pill.

7. Financial Markets Update

[04:18–04:28]

• Stock market closes higher: Dow Jones up by 78 points on Thursday.

Memorable Quotes

• Sen. Josh Hawley:
  "They would rather deny health care to our veterans than deny health care to illegals."
  (00:26)
• Sen. Eric Schmidt:
  "Drugs that they send here kill over 100,000 Americans every year."
  (01:26)
• Ed Lasko:
  "On this night, it's a crowd of hundreds instead, all with their signs, all condemning Israel and the US."
  (02:40)
• Chanley Painter:
  "Flames from the Chevron refinery in El Segundo can be seen for miles."
  (03:25)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Government Shutdown Updates: 00:03–01:13
• U.S. vs. Drug Cartels: 01:13–01:44
• Russia–U.S.–Ukraine Developments: 01:44–01:59
• L.A. Pro-Palestinian Protest: 02:31–03:11
• Chevron Refinery Fire: 03:11–04:04
• FDA Approves Generic Abortion Pill: 04:04–04:18
• Stock Market Wrap-up: 04:18–04:28

Summary Conclusion

This news briefing delivers concise but impactful updates on pressing U.S. political battles, international developments, public protests, emergency events, and regulatory news, all framed with the high-stakes tone typical of Fox News radio. For listeners needing an early-morning briefing, the episode synthesizes several complex issues into a series of urgent soundbites and field reports, with ample attention to political rhetoric and dramatic developments.