Fox News Hourly Update

4PM ET Newscast – November 1, 2025

Host: Daria Albinger (A)
Reporters: Alexandria Hoff (B), Jonathan Serry (D), Rich Edson (C)

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers the latest headlines on November 1, 2025. Key topics include government struggles over SNAP benefits during an ongoing shutdown, a foiled terrorist plot in Michigan, legal maneuvers surrounding the Trump administration, heated gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, U.S.-China tensions in the South China Sea during the APEC summit, and developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Ongoing Government Shutdown & SNAP Benefit Delays

[00:02–00:55]

• SNAP Funding in Jeopardy:
  President Trump is seeking legal ways to keep SNAP benefits flowing after two court decisions mandate their funding during the protracted government shutdown (now in its second month).
• Delays Expected:
  Alexandria Hoff reports from the White House that even if legal hurdles are cleared, there will be lags in benefit distribution.
• Blame Game Over Funding:
  White House Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett criticizes Democrats, calling the use of emergency funds “risky.”

  “The idea that they’re going to take our rainy day fund and spend it—like, what happens at three weeks, yes.” — Kevin Hassett [00:32]

• Impact:
  Over 40 million Americans rely on SNAP for food. Additional delays may worsen hardships.

2. FBI Foils Halloween Terror Plot in Michigan

[00:55–01:45]

• Thwarted Attack:
  The FBI, after round-the-clock surveillance, arrested at least five suspects allegedly plotting a Halloween terrorist attack, dubbed internally as a “pumpkin day” assault.
• Possible International Ties:
  Law enforcement suggests suspects may have connections to international terrorism, but those arrested are described as “homegrown radicals”; one as young as 16.
• Unclear Readiness:

  “Authorities busted at least five people…plotters [were] discussing plans for a, quote, ‘pumpkin day’ end quote, assault, but they could not agree on whether they were ready to carry out the attack on Halloween.” — Jonathan Serry [01:04]

3. Legal Battle: NY Attorney General vs. Trump Administration

[01:45–01:59]

• Subpoena Block Attempt:
  New York Attorney General Letitia James moves to block the Trump Administration’s subpoenas, according to newly unsealed court documents.

4. Politics: Obama Stumps for Democrats in Key Gubernatorial Races

[02:16–03:09]

• Virginia:
  Former President Obama campaigns for Democrats.
  • Abigail Spanberger (D), former congresswoman, highlights her bipartisan work and critiques Republicans on cost-of-living issues.
  • Her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winston Earl Sears, attacks Spanberger’s position regarding “biological boys in girls' locker rooms.”

  “Spanberger refuses to support banning biological boys from girls locker rooms.” — Rich Edson [02:25]

• New Jersey:
  • Democrat Mikie Sherrill faces Republican Jack Cittarelli in a tight race.
  • Early voting ends today; both states seen as bellwethers for 2025.

  “New Jersey is a blue state.” — Daria Albinger [03:02]

5. International: U.S. Pressures and China’s Actions in South China Sea

[03:09–03:38]

• ASEAN & APEC:
  Secretary of War Pete Hegseth criticizes China’s increased aggression (ramming, water cannon blasts) at an informal ASEAN meeting.

  “Blasting water cannons at ships and baselessly…claiming jurisdiction over waters that are not theirs to claim.” — Rich Edson and Jonathan Serry [03:27–03:34]

• Philippines & China:
  Ongoing diplomatic tension: the Philippines critiques Chinese actions, while China blames the Philippines for “trespass.”
• Trade Deal:
  China signed an expanded free trade deal with ASEAN despite regional disputes.

6. Middle East: Remains Handed Over by Hamas Not Israeli

[03:38–End]

• Humanitarian Exchanges:
  Israel confirms that the three bodies returned by Hamas were not Israeli.
  • Exchange came after Israel returned 330 Palestinian bodies to Gaza.
  • Remains examined overnight to confirm identities.

  “The remains of three people handed over by Hamas were not Israeli.” — Daria Albinger [03:38]

Notable Quotes

• Kevin Hassett (White House Economic Council Director):

  “The idea that they’re going to take our rainy day fund and spend it—like, what happens at three weeks, yes.” [00:32]

• Jonathan Serry (on FBI arrests):

  “Authorities busted at least five people… discussing plans for a, quote, ‘pumpkin day’ end quote, assault, but they could not agree on whether they were ready to carry out the attack on Halloween.” [01:04]

• Rich Edson (on Virginia race):

  “Spanberger refuses to support banning biological boys from girls locker rooms.” [02:25]

• Rich Edson & Jonathan Serry (on China/ASEAN tensions):

  “Blasting water cannons at ships and baselessly… claiming jurisdiction over waters that are not theirs to claim.” [03:27–03:34]

Important Timestamps

• 00:02 — SNAP benefit delays & government shutdown update
• 00:55 — FBI thwarts Halloween terrorist attack plot
• 01:45 — NY AG Letitia James moves to block Trump subpoenas
• 02:16 — Obama campaigns in gubernatorial races (Virginia, New Jersey)
• 03:09 — U.S.-China tensions at APEC and ASEAN
• 03:38 — Update on remains returned by Hamas to Israel

This fast-paced newscast encapsulates the day’s major domestic and international stories, emphasizing political friction, national security, and ongoing global tensions.