Fox News Hourly Update – 6PM ET, October 31, 2025

Main Theme

This episode delivers a brisk, information-packed update on key national and international stories as October closes. Coverage centers around the ongoing U.S. government shutdown's impact—especially on SNAP benefits, military families, and critical services—alongside breaking news on a thwarted terror plot, hurricane disaster relief efforts, and a somber update from the Israel-Gaza conflict. The tone is urgent, factual, and direct, in classic Fox News radio style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. SNAP Benefits Threatened by the Shutdown

• Host Tom Graham opens by warning about the looming cutoff for SNAP (food stamp) recipients.
  • "The Trump administration has warned food stamp or SNAP benefits would run dry November 1st due to the ongoing government shutdown. However, two court orders could force the White House to keep the program funded." – Tom Graham [00:02]
• Jared Halpern reports: Two federal judges ruled the administration must continue at least partial SNAP funding with contingency funds.
  • "Funding begins to lapse for nearly 42 million SNAP recipients beginning Saturday." – Jared Halpern [00:15]
  • Over two dozen states have sued, challenging the USDA’s position. Judges demand updates by Monday; appeals from the administration are expected.

2. Military Families Struggle Amid Furloughs

• Despite most federal workers being unpaid, the military received pay on schedule through emergency funds.
  • “The Trump administration managed to make sure that the military was paid today because today was payday. They tapped into different funds to make this happen, but it might not be sustainable.” – Brooke Taylor, reporting near Fort Hood, TX [01:02]
• The Armed Services YMCA reports an overwhelming surge in food pantry demand among military families.
  • “Demand at their food pantry has jumped 30 to 70% since the government shutdown began.” – Brooke Taylor [01:27]
• Vivid scenes: long lines of soldiers with children waiting for assistance.

3. Shutdown Stalemate & Economic Update

• The shutdown has now lasted 31 days.
  • Senate Democrats have blocked a GOP funding bill, holding out for health care subsidies.
  • Wall Street manages modest gains despite uncertainty: Dow up 41, Nasdaq up 144. [01:40]

4. FBI Disrupts Halloween Terror Plot in Michigan

• The FBI arrested multiple suspects, foiling a planned violent attack over Halloween weekend.
  • “Multiple people in Michigan arrested are now in federal custody accused of plotting a violent terror attack over Halloween weekend.” – Jeff Manasso [02:21]
  • The FBI’s Cash Patel promises more details will be released. Dearborn police and the FBI stress there is no ongoing threat.
• Context: In May, the FBI arrested another suspect for plotting an IS-inspired attack near Detroit.

5. Air Travel Disrupted by Staffing and Weather

• Shutdown worsens staffing shortages at airports; air traffic controllers and TSA agents working without pay.
• Simultaneously, severe winds prompt FAA restrictions at Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia airports, leading to widespread delays. [02:58]

6. Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Relief Efforts Underway

• U.S. mobilizes aid following Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in Jamaica (185 mph winds).
• On-the-ground voices offer a plea for help:
  • “We are pleading to the regular authorities, to the member of parliament... come and have a look. We are not saying that everything can be fixed in a minute or in a mom, but the people need some level of assistance.” – Jamaican resident [03:33]
• At least 19 dead in Jamaica, with more casualties expected. Cuba and Haiti also impacted.

7. Israel-Gaza: Ceasefire Exchange

• Israel hands over bodies of 30 Palestinians following the return of two Israeli hostage remains—a move tied to a fragile, U.S.-led ceasefire.
  • “The move comes after Palestinian militants return the remains of two hostages to Israel. The exchange is part of that US Led ceasefire agreement that has been shaky as of late.” – Tom Graham [03:46]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Funding begins to lapse for nearly 42 million SNAP recipients beginning Saturday.”
  – Jared Halpern, Fox News Government [00:15]

• “The Trump administration managed to make sure that the military was paid today...but it might not be sustainable.”
  – Brooke Taylor, reporting near Fort Hood [01:02]

• “Demand at their food pantry has jumped 30 to 70% since the government shutdown began.”
  – Brooke Taylor [01:27]

• “Multiple people in Michigan arrested are now in federal custody accused of plotting a violent terror attack over Halloween weekend.”
  – Jeff Manasso, Fox News [02:21]

• “We are pleading...come and have a look. We are not saying that everything can be fixed in a minute...but the people need some level of assistance.”
  – Jamaican resident impacted by Hurricane Melissa [03:33]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – SNAP benefits at risk, government shutdown context
• 00:15 – Court rulings to sustain SNAP funding, legal battles explained
• 01:02 – Military pay workaround, surge in food pantry demand
• 01:40 – Shutdown day 31, Senate deadlock, Wall Street update
• 02:16 – FBI foils Michigan terror plot, community reassurance
• 02:58 – Airport disruptions: shutdown & severe weather
• 03:33 – Hurricane Melissa aftermath in Jamaica: on-the-ground pleas
• 03:46 – Israel-Gaza body exchange and ceasefire update

Overview

This episode captures the wide-ranging fallout from the government shutdown, highlights significant safety and disaster developments, and offers a cross-section of domestic hardship and global flashpoints. The tone is brisk and urgent, mirroring the gravity and breadth of the news covered. Each story is conveyed with punchy, direct reporting and first-hand accounts, making it an essential listen for listeners seeking a snapshot of a consequential news day.