Fox News Hourly Update – 4PM ET 09/30/2025 Newscast

Host: FOX News Podcasts (Lisa Brady)
Date: September 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire update of major national headlines as the U.S. government faces a potential shutdown, tens of thousands of federal workers brace for impact, courts rule on high-profile political and legal contests, and figures from both the political and entertainment worlds make news. The tone is direct and urgent, with key quotes from political leaders and coverage of headline-making court decisions, lawsuits, and celebrity events.

Key News Topics & Discussion Points

1. Looming Government Shutdown

• Deadline: Only 8 hours remain to avert a shutdown.
• Both Democrats and Republicans blame each other for the stalemate.
• Senate Activity: Senate set to consider two short-term spending bills—Democratic (4 weeks) and Republican (7 weeks) versions.
• Impact on Services: If shutdown occurs, 11,000 FAA employees to be furloughed; air traffic controllers would have to work without pay.

Notable Quotes:

• "Democrats do not want a shutdown. We stand ready to work with Republicans to find a bipartisan compromise. And the ball's in their court."
  — Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader [00:09]
• "Democrats are holding Americans hostage to try and get a laundry list, a wish list, a Christmas list of their left-wing priorities attached... Ours is seven weeks."
  — John Thune, Senate Majority Leader [00:24]

2. Court Rulings on Immigration and Protest

A. Crackdown on Campus Gaza Protests

• Context: Federal judge in Massachusetts finds Trump administration exceeded its authority with attempts to deport Gaza noncitizen protesters.
• Ruling: Judge says actions violate First Amendment rights.
• Arguments: Government denies any policy targeting political speech; insists enforcement of immigration law.

Notable Quotes:

• "So called ideological deportations are a violation of the First Amendment.”
  — Judge William Young [01:03]
• "[Action] creates fear in noncitizens who attend schools.”
  — Argument referenced by Judge Young [01:03]

B. Block on Cutting Counterterrorism Funds

• Context: Rhode Island judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from withholding counterterrorism grants from Democrat-led, so-called sanctuary jurisdictions.
• Ongoing: The move is a temporary measure as legal battles continue.

3. Justice Department Lawsuit: Gun Permits in California

• Accusation: DOJ sues LA County Sheriff's Department for violating Second Amendment rights by excessively delaying concealed carry licenses.
• Allegations: Only 2 out of 8,000+ applications processed in 15 months; average 281-day wait to start applications (California law requires 90-day review).
• Remedy Sought: Court order to expedite licensing process.

4. Corporate News: FTC Antitrust Suit Against Zillow & Redfin

• Allegation: FTC sues real estate giants for anti-competitive practices.
• Details: Zillow allegedly paid Redfin $100 million to suppress competition in online apartment listings.
• Status: Companies have yet to respond.

5. Entertainment Highlights

A. Wrestling: John Cena Announces Retirement Match

• WWE legend John Cena will wrestle his final match December 13, 2025, at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena—opponent TBD.
• Match will stream on Peacock.
• Cena retires after a year-long farewell tour; career highlights include 17 WWE World Championships and a shift into acting.

B. Celebrity Divorce: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban

• Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman files for divorce from Keith Urban after 19 years.
• Breaking entertainment news with no further details provided.

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:02] – Shutdown deadline and blame game; Schumer and Thune's statements
• [00:35] – Potential impact on FAA and air traffic controllers
• [00:50] – MA judge’s ruling on deportation for Gaza protests
• [01:34] – RI judge blocks funding cuts to sanctuary states
• [02:30] – DOJ lawsuit against LA County Sheriff (gun permits)
• [03:12] – FTC antitrust suit against Zillow & Redfin
• [03:35] – John Cena retirement match set
• [04:16] – Nicole Kidman files for divorce from Keith Urban

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode’s urgency is encapsulated in Lisa Brady’s opening: "Just eight hours left to avoid a government shutdown." [00:02]
• Bipartisan frustration peaks with dueling accusations over spending bills and priorities.
• Judicial autonomy and First Amendment rights are defended in the wake of intense campus activism.
• Brief but impactful personal news—John Cena's retirement and Nicole Kidman’s divorce—wrap the newscast with human touches.

Overall:
This episode offers a concise, high-energy rundown of critical political, legal, financial, and pop-culture stories shaping the national conversation as September draws to a close, maintaining the brisk pace and no-nonsense tone characteristic of the Fox News Hourly Update format.