Fox News Hourly Update — 10AM ET 08/21/2025 Newscast

Host: Dave Anthony
Date: August 21, 2025
Episode: 10AM ET Newscast

Overview

This episode offers a concise roundup of major U.S. political developments, economic updates, and global news. Key stories include ongoing congressional investigations into former President Biden’s mental fitness, partisan redistricting maneuvers in California and Texas, updates on the war in Ukraine, U.S. economic data, and federal workforce cutbacks.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Congressional Probe: Biden’s Mental Fitness Cover-Up Allegations

• House Committee Investigation:
  • A Republican-led House committee continues investigations into former President Biden’s mental decline and whether former advisors participated in a cover-up.
  • Quote:
    • “Did he help a cover up to mislead us?” — Dave Anthony [00:03]
• Oversight Committee Chair James Comer References Special Counsel Report:
  • Comer highlights Robert Hur’s findings, describing Biden as “an elderly man with a poor memory.” [00:16–00:28]
  • Quote:
    • “Ian Sams was the one that came out and you know, was the first to attack the Hur report... when her stated the obvious that the president was in a deep decline.” — James Comer [00:16]

2. Federal Funding Cutoffs Over State Transgender Policies

• Trump Administration’s Policy:
  • President Trump announced federal funding will be withheld from California school districts not following federal transgender policies.
  • Assistant HHS Secretary Responds:
    • Andrew Gradison explains the cut to California’s sex ed funding.
    • Quote:
      • “If you continue to push radical ideology on our children, we will not pay for it anymore.” — Andrew Gradison [00:57]

3. Redistricting Showdown: California vs. Texas

• California’s Response to Texas Redistricting:
  • Lawmakers consider new congressional maps for a November vote, potentially giving Democrats five more House seats for 2026.
• Texas State Senate Moves:
  • The Republican Senate pushes maps projected to add five GOP House seats.
• Partisan Framing:
  • Quote:
    • “This is about the Democratic Party now punching back forcefully and very intentionally.” — James Comer [01:11–01:18]

4. Ukraine: Intensified Russian Attacks

• Large-Scale Russian Strikes:
  • Russia launches 574 drones and 40 missiles — one of the largest attacks of the year, targeting Western Ukraine, where Western military aid is stored.
  • Correspondent Report:
    • “It was one of the heaviest attacks of the year as Russia launched 574 drones and 40 missiles across Ukraine.” — Stephanie Bennett [01:40]

5. U.S. Economic Updates

Stock Market Movement

• The Dow drops 147 points, Nasdaq falls 57, and S&P 500 is down 14 points.
• Walmart stock slips 4–5% due to higher import costs tied to tariffs.
• Walmart’s Q2 profits slightly missed expectations, but stronger sales forecast for the future.
  • [02:16–02:41]

Labor Market

• Unemployment Claims:
  • “New claims for unemployment benefits rose by 11,000...a sign layoffs rose slightly, though still under the recent peak.”
    — Jenny Coselda [02:41]
  • Continuing claims at 1.97 million, near a 4-year high, indicating a tougher job market.
  • Federal Reserve Focus:
    • Jerome Powell to speak at the Jackson Hole Summit.
    • Interest rate changes hinge on job market and inflation data.

Federal Workforce Reductions

• Director of National Intelligence (Tulsi Gabbard):
  • Plans to reduce staff by 40%.
• CDC Layoffs:
  • At least 600 employees terminated, including workers in violence prevention and financial resources.
  • Cuts align with Trump administration's federal downsizing.
    • Quote:
      • “A union that represents CDC employees says at least 600 of them have been fired.” — Jill Nado [03:31]

Housing Market and Energy

• Home Sales:
  • Previously owned home sales up 2% in July versus June, higher than the prior year.
• Oil and Gas Prices:
  • Oil at ~$62/barrel; average gas at $3.13/gallon.
    [03:49–04:13]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Did he help a cover up to mislead us?” — Dave Anthony [00:03]
• “Ian Sams was the one that came out and...was the first to attack the Hur report...when her stated...the president was in a deep decline.” — James Comer [00:16]
• “If you continue to push radical ideology on our children, we will not pay for it anymore.” — Andrew Gradison [00:57]
• “This is about the Democratic Party now punching back forcefully and very intentionally.” — James Comer [01:11]
• “It was one of the heaviest attacks of the year as Russia launched 574 drones and 40 missiles across Ukraine.” — Stephanie Bennett [01:40]
• “A union that represents CDC employees says at least 600 of them have been fired.” — Jill Nado [03:31]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:03: House committee investigates Biden advisor over mental decline cover-up
• 00:16: Special counsel Hur’s report, pushback from Ian Sams and Oversight Chair Comer
• 00:28: Federal funding threats to California schools over transgender policy
• 01:11: California and Texas redistricting battle
• 01:40: Russian mass drone and missile attack on Ukraine
• 02:16: Stock market and Walmart’s financial performance
• 02:41: Rising unemployment claims, job market trends
• 03:22: Federal workforce layoffs, CDC employee cuts
• 03:49: Home sales, oil and gasoline updates

Conclusion

This packed newscast delivers a rapid-fire overview of high-stakes political conflicts in D.C. and between states, shifting economic trends, and impactful global events. Congressional probes, federal funding fights, economic data, and the evolving war in Ukraine all take the spotlight, providing listeners with critical developments from across the country and around the world.