Fox News Hourly Update: Lawmakers Attempt to Reopen Government

Date: November 8, 2025
Host: Paul Stevens, FOX News Podcasts
Theme: Congressional efforts to end the government shutdown, national impacts, and key legal updates.

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the ongoing government shutdown and renewed efforts in Congress to broker a deal that would fund the government and essential services. The broadcast highlights the political challenges, consequences for federal employees and travelers, recent Supreme Court and judicial interventions, and updates on major legal and international developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressional Stalemate: Weekend Push to End Shutdown

(00:01 - 00:45)

• Rare Weekend Senate Session:
  Senate convenes over the weekend, signaling urgency to end the shutdown, but a partisan impasse persists.
• Republican Proposal:
  Senate Republicans push a revised spending bill to fund the government through January, and finance Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and Congress through the next fall.
• Democratic Division:
  Democrats are split, many unwilling to compromise on subsidies for Obamacare.
• Schumer’s Counteroffer:
  Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduces a plan with a one-year extension of Obamacare tax credits.
• Republican Response:
  Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismisses Schumer’s proposal, calling it “a nonstarter.”

  “Senate Republicans have slammed the plan, Senate Majority Leader John Thune calling it a nonstarter.” — Madeleine Rivera [00:33]

2. Airlines & Air Traffic: Shutdown Fallout

(00:45 - 01:33)

• Widespread Flight Cuts:
  FAA reduces U.S. air traffic by 4%, announcing a daily increase in flight cuts. Currently, 10% of flights are reduced across 40 major airports.
• Air Traffic Controllers Unpaid:
  Thousands are working without pay, leading to mounting stress and absenteeism.

  “Thousands of air traffic controllers have worked weeks now without pay due to the government shutdown, triggering staffing shortages at some of the country’s busiest airports...” — Christina Coleman [01:05]

• New York Spotlight:
  Nearly 80% absenteeism among air traffic controllers at the New York area airports last week.
• Traveler Anxiety:
  Rise in passenger worry as the shutdown continues and transportation disruptions mount.

3. Supreme Court: SNAP Funding During Shutdown

(01:33 - 01:59)

• SNAP Program Uncertainty:
  Supreme Court temporarily blocks an order requiring the White House to fully fund the SNAP food assistance program amid the government shutdown.
• Legal Back-and-Forth:
  The decision comes soon after an appeal by the Trump administration was denied by a lower court.

4. Presidential Powers Curtailed: Portland National Guard Ruling

(02:15 - 02:59)

• Oregon Judge Blocks Guard Deployment:
  A federal judge permanently blocks President Trump’s prior deployment of the National Guard to Portland.

  “A U.S. district judge in Oregon finding there was neither a rebellion or danger of a rebellion in Portland when President Trump deployed the National Guard...” — Kristin Goodwin [02:21]

• Excess of Authority:
  Court rules that the deployment was not requested by local leaders or for defending federal property, and exceeded presidential authority.
• Trump Administration’s Stance:
  Government lawyers defend the deployment as necessary to protect federal property amid unrest.

5. Legal Battle: New York Attorney General Case

(02:59 - 03:32)

• Letitia James Moves to Dismiss:
  New York’s Attorney General, Letitia James, asks a federal judge to dismiss a mortgage fraud case against her.
• Political Overtones:
  James labels the case “vindictive and politically motivated,” referencing President Trump’s public remarks and broader political tensions.
• Charges:
  James is accused of lying on mortgage documents for favorable loan terms relating to a Virginia home purchase, pleading not guilty last month.

6. International Update: Gaza War Death Toll

(03:32 - End)

• Latest Casualty Figures:
  Gaza’s Health Ministry reports just over 69,000 deaths linked to the Israel-Hamas war, with recent increases tied to newly recovered bodies since the ceasefire.

  “The latest jump in deaths is attributed to more bodies being discovered under the rubble since the ceasefire was announced in the devastated strip…” — Paul Stevens [03:36]

• Return of Bodies:
  Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, described as progress in the U.S.-brokered truce.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Political Divides:

  "Democrats, though, are divided, with some not willing to give up the fight on Obamacare subsidies.” — Madeleine Rivera [00:22]

• On National Impacts:

  “They want the government shutdown to end and for all the air traffic controllers to get paid.” — Christina Coleman [01:14]

• On Judicial Limits:

  “The evidence demonstrates that these deployments...exceeded the president’s authority.” — Kristin Goodwin [02:36]

• On Legal Motivation:

  “Letitia James calls the case vindictive and politically motivated prosecution.” — Lisa Licera [03:08]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Senate Shutdown Negotiations: 00:01 – 00:45
• Flight Disruptions & Air Traffic Controller Impact: 00:45 – 01:33
• Supreme Court on SNAP Funding: 01:33 – 01:59
• National Guard Ruling in Portland: 02:15 – 02:59
• Letitia James Mortgage Fraud Case: 02:59 – 03:32
• Gaza Death Toll Update: 03:32 – End

This episode provides a concise but comprehensive update on the deadlock in Washington and its ripple effects across the nation, alongside key legal decisions and major international news.