Fox News Hourly Update: 12AM ET 08/26/2025 Newscast

Date: August 26, 2025
Host: Carmen Roberts, FOX News Podcasts

Episode Overview

This midnight update covers a busy news cycle, with highlights including President Trump's firing of a Federal Reserve Governor, executive action on cashless bail, immigration developments, a missile strike on a Gaza hospital, a major U.S. dust storm, and shifting refugee numbers at the U.S.-Canada border. The broadcast features correspondents' contributions and notable direct quotes from those involved in the news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump Attempts to Fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook

[00:03-00:50]

• President Trump announced he sent a termination letter to Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, stating he lacks confidence in her integrity after allegations of mortgage fraud.
• The criminal referral originated from Bill Pulte, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director, who accused Cook of falsifying documents regarding primary residences on mortgage applications (dating back to 2021).
• Lisa Cook responded, asserting that the president has no legal authority to dismiss her and reaffirming she would not resign.
• Context: Cook was appointed by former President Biden and is serving a term ending in 2038.

Notable Quote:

"In light of your deceitful and potentially criminal conduct in a financial matter, I do not have such confidence in your integrity."
— President Trump's letter to Lisa Cook [00:34]

Cook's Response:

"President Trump purported to fire her for cause when no cause exists under the law."
— Lisa Cook statement via Carmen Roberts [00:50]

2. National Guard Considerations & End of Cashless Bail in D.C.

[00:50-01:20]

• Trump considers deploying the National Guard to major cities like Chicago and Baltimore as part of a broader crime-fighting effort.
• Announced signing an executive order ending cashless bail, starting in Washington, D.C. through federal authority.
• Supporters of cashless bail claim it equalizes pretrial freedom for rich and poor; opponents argue it enables crime by releasing defendants without bond.

Notable Quote:

"We're ending it, but we're starting by ending it in D.C., and that we have the right to do through federalization."
— President Trump [01:13]

3. Immigration Enforcement & Legal Dispute

[01:20-01:42]

• A previously wrongfully deported immigrant, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was released from a Tennessee jail and recaptured by ICE days later.
• He is now being processed for potential deportation to Uganda, though a judge has temporarily blocked this.

Notable Quote:

"A judge ruled that Kilmar Abrego Garcia cannot be deported for now."
— David Swan [01:42]

4. SpaceX Starship Test Flight Scrubbed Due to Weather

[01:42-01:59]

• The planned test flight of SpaceX's Starship was postponed because of adverse weather.

5. Israeli Missile Strike on Gaza Hospital

[02:31-03:16]

• A second missile strike targeted Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, killing emergency responders, medical workers, and journalists.
• Palestinian officials reported 20 deaths, including five journalists representing major news agencies (AP, Reuters, Al Jazeera).
• Israeli PM Netanyahu called it a tragic accident and said an investigation is underway; the IDF stated it regrets civilian harm and does not target journalists.

Notable Quote:

"Israeli forces hit the upper level of Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza—they're hit by another strike captured on live TV."
— Fox News correspondent [02:38]

"The IDF confirmed it carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital, adding it regrets any harm to civilians and does not target journalists."
— Fox's Jeff Paul [03:16]

6. Utah Congressional Redistricting Ruling

[03:16-03:40]

• A judge ruled the Utah legislature must quickly redraw congressional districts, finding that the GOP bypassed voter-approved safeguards to prevent partisan gerrymandering.

7. Phoenix Dust Storm and Power Outages

[03:40-04:03]

• Phoenix faced a massive dust storm—its largest monsoon storm this year—forcing a temporary halt at Sky Harbor Airport and leaving about 40,000 without power.
• Zero visibility and terminal damage were reported, but flights have resumed.

8. Americans Seeking Refugee Status in Canada

[04:03-04:19]

• The number of Americans applying for refugee status in Canada (245 in the first half of 2025) has already exceeded the number for all of 2024 (204).
• While reasons aren't specified in the data, reports suggest many applicants are seeking to leave due to discontent with President Trump's administration.

Notable Quote:

"Many reports suggest they want to get away from life under President Trump."
— Fox [04:17]

9. Stock Market Update

[04:19-04:28]

• The Dow Jones closed down by 349 points after Friday's rally.

Most Memorable Quotes

• President Trump to Lisa Cook:

  "In light of your deceitful and potentially criminal conduct in a financial matter, I do not have such confidence in your integrity." [00:34]

• Lisa Cook, via statement:

  "President Trump purported to fire her for cause when no cause exists under the law." [00:50]

• President Trump on cashless bail:

  "We're ending it, but we're starting by ending it in D.C. and that we have the right to do through federalization." [01:13]

• On Gaza strike:

  "Israeli forces hit the upper level of Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza—they're hit by another strike captured on live TV." [02:38]

• On refugee applications:

  "Many reports suggest they want to get away from life under President Trump." [04:17]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:03 — Trump seeks to fire Lisa Cook
• 00:50 — Cook rejects legal authority of firing
• 01:13 — Trump ends cashless bail in D.C.
• 01:38 — Immigration case update
• 02:31 — Second missile hits Gaza hospital
• 03:16 — Utah gerrymandering court ruling
• 03:40 — Phoenix dust storm and outages
• 04:03 — U.S.-to-Canada refugee trend
• 04:19 — Stock market close

Stay tuned for further hourly updates as these stories develop and new ones emerge.