Fox News Hourly Update – 10PM ET 08/28/2025 Newscast

Date: August 29, 2025
Host: Lisa Licera (FOX News Podcasts)
Episode Purpose:
To deliver fast-paced updates on major U.S. and global news events, with a focus on the Minneapolis church shooting and key developments in international politics, public safety, and pop culture.

Main Theme Overview

This newscast centers on the aftermath of a tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, exploring the emotional impact on victims’ families and the ongoing investigation. Other top stories include European action on Iran nuclear sanctions, U.S. government moves to combat Chinese-linked money laundering for drug cartels, upheaval at the CDC, and a pop culture controversy involving Will Smith and AI-generated video content.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Church Shooting: Community Grieves, Investigation Underway

• Victim Reactions and Statements

  • Jesse Merkel, father of victim Fletcher Merkel, publicly condemns the shooter and expresses the profound grief of his family and community.
    • Quote (Jesse Merkel, 00:17):
      “We ask not for your sympathy but your empathy as our family and the Annunciation community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence.”
  • The other victim identified was 10-year-old Harper Moisky, described by her family as “a bright, joyful and deeply loved 10 year old whose laughter, kindness and spirit touched everyone who knew her.” (00:30)
  • Families express the struggle to find healing, emphasizing holes that “will never be filled.”

• Suspect Developments

  • The shooter’s mother, Mary Westman, has hired legal counsel, with her attorney reporting she is “completely distraught” but has “no culpability.” (00:47)
  • Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirms multiple search warrants and extensive evidence collection.
    • Quote (Brian O’Hara, 01:11):
      “Literally hundreds of pieces of evidence have been recovered thus far, which include electronic devices that will be further searched and processed.”
  • The investigation’s focus is now on determining a motive, with police sifting through suspect’s writings that suggest he “idolized mass shooters and had hatred for just about every group.” (01:20)
  • Federal authorities are involved, citing disturbing ideological themes in suspect materials.

2. CDC Leadership Shakeup: Vaccine Policy Dispute

• Susan Minarez ousted as CDC Director due to disagreements over vaccine policy.
• Minarez’s attorneys claim she refused to “rubber stamp directives” they called “unscientific and reckless.” (01:46)
• Jim O’Neill, deputy to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., becomes acting CDC director.

3. International: European Nations Reimpose Iran Nuclear Sanctions

• Developments:
  • France, Germany, and the UK initiate “snapback” of sanctions on Iran, suspended since the 2015 deal. (02:36)
    • Quote (Tanya J. Powers, 02:39):
      “These sanctions would again freeze Iranian assets abroad, stop arms deals with Tehran, and impose penalties on any development of Iran's ballistic missile program.”
  • The decision starts a 30-day countdown for sanctions’ return.
  • Iran’s foreign minister slams the action as “unjustified and illegal”; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomes sanctions but signals willingness for diplomacy.

4. Domestic: U.S. Fights Chinese-Linked Fentanyl Money Laundering

• Treasury Department directs banks to watch for suspicious Chinese money laundering networks supporting fentanyl smuggling. (03:20)
• The Trump administration urges banks to flag individuals, including Chinese nationals with “unexplained wealth,” as potential cartel facilitators.

5. Pop Culture: Will Smith AI Music Video Controversy

• Will Smith accused of using AI to fake crowds in his latest music video “You Can Make It.”
• Viewers spot “melting faces” and unnatural crowd movements—capturing attention and derision.
  • Memorable moment via fan online (03:53):
    "Pause at the sign that says from West Philly to West Swiggy. Look at these faces, bruh. They're literally melting."
• The backlash is described as “equal parts embarrassing and hilarious.” (04:05)
• Smith had captioned his post: “My favorite part of the tour is seeing you all up close. Thank you for seeing me too.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 00:17 | “We ask not for your sympathy but your empathy as our family and the Annunciation community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence.” | Jesse Merkel | | 01:11 | “Literally hundreds of pieces of evidence have been recovered thus far, which include electronic devices that will be further searched and processed.” | Brian O’Hara (Minneapolis Police Chief) | | 01:46 | “She refused to rubber stamp directives they called unscientific and reckless.” | Lisa Licera on attorneys for Susan Minarez | | 02:39 | “These sanctions would again freeze Iranian assets abroad, stop arms deals with Tehran, and impose penalties on any development of Iran's ballistic missile program.” | Tanya J. Powers | | 03:53 | "Pause at the sign that says from West Philly to West Swiggy. Look at these faces, bruh. They're literally melting." | Anonymous Will Smith fan (online) |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minneapolis shooting victim’s father speaks: 00:02 – 00:30
• Update on evidence and investigation: 01:11 – 01:20
• CDC director ousted, vaccine policy conflict: 01:40 – 01:59
• European sanctions on Iran explained: 02:30 – 03:20
• Ban on Chinese-linked fentanyl money laundering: 03:20 – 03:48
• Will Smith AI video backlash: 03:48 – 04:23

Tone and Style

Consistent with Fox News’ fast-paced, matter-of-fact reporting style, the episode quickly provides essential facts with direct quotations and sound bites from those involved, maintaining a serious tone when reporting on tragedies and a lighter, more incredulous tone in the pop culture segment.

Summary Takeaway

This hourly update delivers brisk, impactful news coverage, combining urgent local tragedy and investigation with sweeping global stories (Iran, China), significant bureaucratic turmoil (CDC), and even viral entertainment scandals. The segment’s power comes from its emotional directness (victims’ families), access to official law enforcement updates, concise political analysis, and inclusion of pop culture pulse—all in roughly four content-packed minutes.