Fox News Hourly Update – 4PM ET 10/28/2025 Newscast

Episode Overview

This episode provides a snapshot of the day's most pressing national and international news. Covering topics ranging from the latest standoff over the federal government shutdown and its impact on social programs, to updates on international conflicts, severe weather affecting Jamaica, a lawsuit over Tylenol’s safety, U.S. military actions abroad, and the ongoing impact of automation and AI at UPS, the broadcast maintains its signature direct, urgent tone.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Government Shutdown and Legal Battles

• SNAP Benefits Lawsuit
  More than 20 Democratic-led states are suing to prevent the suspension of SNAP (food stamp) benefits, citing the Food Nutrition Act and asking a judge to enforce the use of contingency funds.
  Lisa Brady (00:02): “Another legal fight over the government shutdown... arguing it would violate the Food Nutrition act and asking a judge to order that contingency funds be used.”
• Political Tensions
  California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal government's policy regarding SNAP as cruel.
  Gavin Newsom (00:21): “Cruelty is the policy. That’s what this is about. It's intentional cruelty, intentionally creating anxiety for—” Will Kane (00:30) (completing thought): “Millions and millions of people.”
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s Response
  Blames Democrats for the failure to pass a spending bill to reopen the government.
  John Thune (00:39): “The Democrats have got to come to their senses and realize that while they may view this as leverage and… look at a ledger of who’s winning, who’s losing in the political world, this is the real world we’re talking about here. And in the real world, people are hurting.”
• Ongoing Negotiations and Legal Rulings
  Democrats want to negotiate, but Thune says talks must wait until after the shutdown. Meanwhile, a judge in San Francisco blocked the firing of federal workers during the shutdown as unions pursue legal action.

2. Global Affairs: Gaza Ceasefire

• Tensions in Gaza
  VP J.D. Vance states a ceasefire is expected to hold despite recent hostilities, with both Israel and Hamas trading accusations of violations.
  Lisa Brady (01:04): “Vice President J.D. Vance says a Gaza ceasefire is expected to hold even after an attack on Israeli forces in southern Gaza…”

3. Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica

• Hurricane Landfall
  Hurricane Melissa made landfall, now threatening Montego Bay and tourist areas with winds up to 165 mph.
  Gavin Newsom (01:33): “Now making its way up and its wrath. It’s now 165 miles per hour headed for the Montego Bay area.”
• Tourist Areas at Risk
  Fox Weather’s Robert Ray notes the threat to areas frequented by tourists.
  Lisa Brady (01:41): “Robert Ray in St. Anne Parish says that’s one of the areas popular with tourists.”

4. Economic Updates

• Stock Market
  Another record day on Wall Street, with all major indices reaching new highs.
  Lisa Brady (04:00): “Recapping stocks. The Dow up 161. S&P up 15. Nasdaq up 190, a record close for all three.”

5. Texas Lawsuit Against Tylenol Makers

• Texas Attorney General’s Suit
  Ken Paxton sues Johnson & Johnson and Kenview over allegations that Tylenol’s risks relating to autism for prenatal/early childhood use were hidden—though that link remains unproven.
  Ken Paxton (02:18): “…alleging they’re deceiving mothers about risks associated with autism and prenatal or early childhood use. That link is unproven.” Kenview denies scientific evidence shows a causal link, stating they will defend against the claims.

6. Pentagon Confirms Strikes in South America

• Drug Trafficking Operations
  Recent military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats off the South American coast have killed 57, with three survivors. The President does not plan to seek war authorization.

7. UPS, Automation, and Job Cuts

• AI Drives Downsizing
  UPS eliminated 48,000 jobs due to automation and AI enhancements but expects a surge in holiday package volume. Automated systems in 35 facilities are now handling increased operations, shifting the workforce landscape. UPS Representative (03:19): “UPS says it expects to see a jump in demand for deliveries around the holidays, but it doesn’t expect to hire as many seasonal employ. The shipper revealed… it has eliminated 48,000 jobs this year through layoffs and buyouts.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Cruelty is the policy. That’s what this is about. It's intentional cruelty…”
  — Gavin Newsom (00:21), denouncing the threatened SNAP suspension.
• “The Democrats have got to come to their senses… this is the real world we’re talking about here. And in the real world, people are hurting.”
  — Senate Majority Leader John Thune (00:39), urging a resolution to the shutdown.
• “UPS says automated systems were added to 35 facilities over the past year and they're handling more volume, which will help with holiday shipping.”
  — UPS Representative (03:19), highlighting the scale of automation.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – SNAP benefits lawsuit and Governor Newsom’s comments
• 00:31 – Blame game in Senate over government reopening
• 00:54 – Congressional negotiations and judge’s ruling on federal workers
• 01:04 – Update on Gaza ceasefire
• 01:33 – Hurricane Melissa’s trajectory through Jamaica
• 01:41 – Impact on tourist regions
• 04:00 – Wall Street closes at record highs
• 02:15 – Texas lawsuit against Tylenol makers
• 03:00 – Pentagon strikes in South America
• 03:19 – UPS job cuts, automation, and AI

Summary

This episode delivers swift updates on the intensifying government shutdown and its ripple effects, new litigation and legal maneuvers, continued global unrest, immediate regional threats from severe weather, the evolution of the logistics industry under automation, and a record-breaking day for markets. The tone is urgent, factual, and reflects the cable news style of rapid, broad-coverage reporting.