Fox News Hourly Update – 10PM ET 08/20/2025 Newscast
Date: August 21, 2025
Host: Ted Lindner
Podcast: FOX News Hourly Update
Episode Overview
This episode delivers a fast-paced rundown of the day's most pressing national and international headlines. Major themes include Texas's partisan redistricting, law and order developments in Washington D.C. under President Trump's federal control, escalating legal and political disputes involving former President Bolsonaro, ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict, severe weather updates, and a tribute to the late Judge Frank Caprio.
Key Topics and Discussion Points
1. Texas Gerrymandering and Political Fallout
Segment Begins: 00:02
- The Texas House approved new congressional maps designed to give Republicans a stronger edge in the 2026 elections.
- The redistricting process was described as a “partisan gerrymander,” prompting significant opposition and legal preparation from Democrats and civil rights groups.
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- Quote [00:02] Ted Lindner: “The Texas House Wednesday approving redrawn congressional maps that would give Republicans a bigger edge in 2026, muscling through a partisan gerrymander. This is Democrats try to map out what's next.”
- Quote [00:16] Garrett Tenney: “Democrats have spent a lot of time laying the groundwork for their forthcoming lawsuits… arguing that it diminishes the voting power of people of color. And advocacy groups are also gearing up for legal battles… asking a federal court to set aside dates for a hearing on whether the map should be blocked ahead of next year's midterm elections.”
2. Federal Takeover in Washington D.C.: Crime and Policy
Segment Begins: 00:38
- Over a week into President Trump’s federal takeover, National Guard troops remain deployed in D.C.
- Statistically significant drops in violent crime and robberies are reported since the takeover began:
- Violent crime in D.C. reportedly fell 35% in nine days.
- Robberies reported down by 55%.
- The federal intervention remains highly politicized:
- Democrats in Congress continue to oppose the measure.
- Mayor Bowser, though critical, admits the president is within his rights.
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- Quote [00:38] Ted Lindner: “Vice President J.D. Vance joins Fox's the Ingram Angle saying that the president's takeover has made major changes… Violent crime has dropped in D.C. 35% in nine days. Robberies in D.C. have dropped 55% in nine days.”
- Quote [00:53] Ted Lindner: “Democrats on Capitol Hill remain opposed… Democratic Mayor Bowser has stated that although she believes this action is unnecessary, the president is acting within his power.”
3. Hurricane Erin Threatens the East Coast
Segment Begins: 01:22
- Hurricane Erin prompts a state of emergency in North Carolina; tropical storm warnings extend into Virginia.
- Most intense effects expected on the Outer Banks and other coastal areas; significant flooding and rip current risks for New England and the Mid-Atlantic heading into the weekend.
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- Quote [01:22] Adam Klotz: “No real landfall here… A lot of those outer bank islands are those kind of spots that are going to see the worst of this… flooding moving into some of these areas.”
- Quote [01:51] Ted Lindner: “North Carolina under a state of emergency. America's listening to FOX News.”
4. International News: Bolsonaro and Ukraine Peace Talks
Segment Begins: 02:32
a. Bolsonaro’s Possible Asylum Bid
- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro allegedly considered fleeing to Argentina for asylum, per newly revealed police documents.
- Bolsonaro faces possible charges related to obstruction of justice and an alleged coup attempt.
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- Quote [02:32] Ted Lindner: “Brazil's former president Bolsonaro considered fleeing to Argentina to seek asylum… drafted a letter to President Javier Milei in February claiming political persecution.”
b. Russia Pushes Back on Ukraine Security Guarantees
Segment Begins: 03:00
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rebuffs the idea of security guarantees for Ukraine that exclude Russia, dismissing Western progress toward a peace deal.
- Russia insists any such guarantees must come from all five permanent UN Security Council members, effectively giving Moscow a veto.
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- Quote [03:00] Jackie Heinrich: “Russia saying that they won't agree to security guarantees for Ukraine unless Russia is part of the group providing that security.”
- Quote [03:18] Ted Lindner quoting Lavrov: “Seriously discussing security issues without the Russian Federation is an utopia, a road to nowhere.”
- Quote [03:25] Jackie Heinrich: “Security guarantees should come from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, which also includes China, giving Moscow another lever to veto implementation.”
5. Obituary: Judge Frank Caprio (The “Nicest Judge in the World”)
Segment Begins: 03:37
- Judge Frank Caprio, famous for his compassion on the TV show “Caught in Providence,” passed away at 88 from pancreatic cancer.
- Lauded for empathetic rulings and uplifting exchanges, he became a viral figure and a local hero.
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- Quote [03:42] Monica DeLuca: “Frank Caprio… has passed away at the age of 88 due to complications from pancreatic cancer.”
- Quote [04:07] Frank Caprio (archive): “The fact that you said you want to give back to this country is very meaningful to me and I think you're going to be successful. Don't give up.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Texas Redistricting:
- Garrett Tenney: “Democrats have spent a lot of time laying the groundwork for their forthcoming lawsuits… arguing that it diminishes the voting power of people of color.” [00:16]
- On D.C. Law Enforcement Action:
- Ted Lindner: “Violent crime has dropped in D.C. 35% in nine days. Robberies in D.C. have dropped 55% in nine days.” [00:38]
- On Ukraine Talks:
- Sergey Lavrov (via Ted Lindner): “Seriously discussing security issues without the Russian Federation is an utopia, a road to nowhere.” [03:18]
- On Judge Caprio’s Legacy:
- Frank Caprio (archive): “The fact that you said you want to give back to this country is very meaningful to me and I think you're going to be successful. Don't give up.” [04:07]
Segment Timestamps
- Texas Redistricting: 00:02 – 00:38
- D.C. Federal Takeover & Crime: 00:38 – 01:22
- Hurricane Erin Update: 01:22 – 01:51
- (Ads skipped)
- Bolsonaro & Argentina Asylum: 02:32 – 03:00
- Ukraine Peace Talks & Russia Response: 03:00 – 03:37
- Judge Frank Caprio Obituary: 03:37 – 04:25
Summary
This FOX News Hourly Update moves briskly through a range of major stories with a clear, direct tone. Political divides in Texas, federal law enforcement actions, electoral controversies abroad, diplomatic standoffs between Russia and the West, extreme weather, and a poignant tribute to a beloved judge capture the breadth of the news cycle. The episode highlights shifting power dynamics in American politics, global security tensions, and human stories that resonate beyond the headlines.
