Fox News Hourly Update – 10AM ET, 08/28/2025

Host: Therese Crowley, FOX News Podcasts
Date: August 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This hour’s FOX News update delivers the latest national headlines, focusing on ongoing community reactions to a Minneapolis church shooting investigated as a hate crime, crime statistics and federal interventions in Washington, D.C., high-level resignations at the CDC amid vaccine policy controversy, updates on new Covid vaccine guidelines, and a court hearing regarding release of crime scene photos in the Idaho murders case.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Church Shooting: Community Response & Ongoing Investigation

• Event Summary:

  • Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis was the site of a deadly shooting. The FBI is investigating as a hate crime against Catholics.
  • Community, leaders, and the Pope respond with vigils and calls for action.
  • Victims include children and elderly parishioners.

• Key Details:

  • Victims: Children (ages 8 and 10) killed, 14 other kids, and three elderly people injured.
  • Community Vigil: The community unites in prayer; support messages from Pope Leo.
  • Shooter Information: Robin Westman (formerly Robert), reportedly transitioned in 2019, with familial ties to the church.
  • Quote (Mayor Jacob Frey):

    “These were Minneapolis families. These were American families. And the amount of pain that they are suffering right now is extraordinary.”
    (00:36, Jacob Frey via Jason Chaffetz)

2. Crime & Law Enforcement Surge in Washington, D.C.

• President’s Federal Officer Surge:

  • D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expresses gratitude for President Trump’s increased federal officer presence, citing a dramatic crime drop.

• Crime Stats Cited:

  • 87% drop in carjackings, 19% decrease in burglaries, 33% decrease in homicides, 42% fewer assaults with dangerous weapons, 44% fewer robberies.

• Public Perception:

  • Presidential approval for crime handling at 53%.
  • 81% of Americans see crime as a major problem in big cities (AP poll).

• Mayor’s Nuanced View:

  • Bowser expresses gratitude but notes that the heavy federal presence could damage community trust.
  • She criticizes masked ICE agents and National Guard troops in neighborhoods as counterproductive.

• Quote:
  > “D.C. is now grateful to the president for the help. But she went on to say that she thinks that having all the federal law enforcement is hurting trust right now.”
  (01:36, Unidentified News Reporter)

3. Turmoil at CDC: Leadership Shake-Up over Covid Policy

• Firing of CDC Director Susan Minarez:

  • After just one month, CDC head Susan Minarez is out, despite having been chosen by Health Secretary RFK Jr.
  • Disagreement reportedly centered around vaccine policies, especially the federal recommendation for healthy children to receive Covid vaccines, which Kennedy dropped.

• Conflicting Statements on Firing:

  • HHS official post on X confirms Minarez departure and thanks her.
  • Minarez’s attorneys dispute her firing, claiming she was neither notified nor resigned.

• Quote (Attorneys for Dr. Minarez):
  > “When CDC Director Susan Minarez refused to rubber stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts, she chose protecting the public over serving a political agenda.”
  (02:47, via Jill Naito)

• Additional Resignations:

  • Four other senior CDC officials, including the chief medical officer, also resign.

4. Updated Covid Vaccine Guidelines

• RFK Jr.'s Policy Changes:

  • The Secretary of Health and Human Services (RFK Jr.) introduces a new framework, ending emergency vaccine authorizations.
  • Updated vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are approved specifically for seniors and at-risk youth/adults.
  • Millions of others might need additional steps (doctor consultation) and may face insurance uncertainty for vaccine coverage.

• Quote (RFK Jr.):
  > “A new framework for Covid vaccines meets a demand of science, safety and common sense.”
  (03:19, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.)

5. Court Hearing Over Idaho Murder Victim Photos

• Issue at Stake:
  • Convicted killer Brian Kohlberger in prison for the Idaho student murders.
  • Court to decide if crime scene photos from victims’ bedrooms should be permanently banned from release.
  • Victims’ families argue that publication would constitute a grave invasion of privacy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• (00:36, Jason Chaffetz quoting Jacob Frey):
  “These were Minneapolis families. These were American families. And the amount of pain that they are suffering right now is extraordinary.”

• (01:36, Unidentified News Reporter, on D.C. crime approach):
  “D.C. is now grateful to the president for the help. But she went on to say that she thinks that having all the federal law enforcement is hurting trust right now.”

• (02:47, Attorneys for Dr. Minarez, via Jill Naito):
  “When CDC Director Susan Minarez refused to rubber stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts, she chose protecting the public over serving a political agenda.”

• (03:19, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.):
  “A new framework for Covid vaccines meets a demand of science, safety and common sense.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:02–01:00] Minneapolis church shooting, community response, and suspect details
• [01:00–01:47] D.C. crime decline, statistical breakdown, official comments, and community trust concerns
• [02:16–03:08] CDC director firing, statements from involved parties, further resignations
• [03:19–03:52] Announcement of new Covid vaccine policies, eligibility, and insurance uncertainty
• [03:52–04:13] Idaho murders crime scene photos hearing, privacy concerns from victims’ families

Summary

This FOX News Hourly Update covers significant developments across the country: the collective mourning and calls for action after a Minneapolis church shooting; policy tensions and public safety statistics tied to a federal law enforcement surge in D.C.; turmoil at the CDC amid shifting vaccine policies led by RFK Jr.; new, more restrictive Covid vaccine guidelines; and ongoing privacy debates in the aftermath of the Idaho college student murders. The episode features direct reactions from officials, communities, and advocates, providing perspective on how these pressing issues affect people nationwide.