Fox News Hourly Update Episode: 12PM ET 08/03/2025 Newscast Release Date: August 3, 2025
Presidential Nominees and Senate Deadlock
In the early segment of the broadcast, Jack Callahan (00:02) reports on the ongoing political impasse surrounding President Trump's nominee confirmations. Following a rare weekend session, the Senate struggled to advance several of the president's nominees due to disagreements between Senate Democrats and Republicans.
Madeline Rivera (00:17) elaborates on the situation, stating that Senate Democrats sought the White House's assistance in unfreezing federal funding to facilitate the passage of President Trump's non-controversial nominees. However, President Trump dismissed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (from what seems to be the Democrats' side) proposal as "political extortion" (00:17), urging Republicans to reject the offer. Rivera reports that Senate Majority Leader John Thune (00:17) indicated that despite numerous offers between him and Schumer, the Democrats remained "too dug in." Consequently, the Senate managed to conduct rapid-fire votes on seven nominees before entering an August recess, postponing further negotiations until September.
Special Counsel Investigation into Jack Smith
Jack Callahan (01:00) transitions to legal matters, highlighting statements from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who accused President Trump of abandoning negotiations rather than seeking a compromise. The discussion shifts to former special counsel Jack Smith, known for his attempt to prosecute then-candidate Donald Trump. Senate Minority Leader Schumer (01:00) criticizes the president's approach, claiming that "the president threw in the towel instead of making a deal."
Further expanding on the legal turmoil, Tom Cotton (01:13) reports that Arkansas Senator Cotton has requested the appointment of a Special Counsel to investigate whether Jack Smith, acting under Attorney General Merrick Garland, engaged in "unlawful political actions" aimed at influencing the 2020 election against Donald Trump. Although the specific scope of this investigation remains unclear, it is anticipated that the probe will examine potential violations of the Hatch Act by Smith during his investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents and alleged attempts to subvert the 2020 election. It's noteworthy that Trump has pleaded not guilty in both cases, which were ultimately dismissed following the 2024 election.
Earthquake in New York and New Jersey
Jack Callahan (02:32) shifts focus to a natural event affecting the Northeast. Deborah Valentine reports on a seismic activity where the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a 3.0 magnitude earthquake near Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, at 10:18 PM Eastern Time (02:37). Although the borough is approximately 13 miles west of Midtown Manhattan, residents across parts of upper Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island experienced tremors lasting about 10 seconds. Valentine notes that while the 2025 quake caused no reported injuries or damage, a similar event occurred last April with a rare 4.8 magnitude earthquake near Lebanon, New Jersey.
Midwest Wildfires and Air Quality Warnings
Returning to broader national concerns, Jack Callahan (03:15) addresses the ongoing wildfire situation in the Midwest. Several states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, eastern Nebraska, and parts of Indiana and Illinois, are grappling with smoke-induced air quality issues for the third consecutive day. The unhealthy air warnings have now extended to most of New York State and several New England states, highlighting the extensive reach and severity of the wildfires' impact on public health and daily life.
Tennessee Bomb Threats and Arrest
In a significant law enforcement update, Jack Callahan (03:40) reports on a disturbing incident in Tennessee where police discovered 14 improvised explosive devices during a search warrant execution at a 54-year-old man's residence in Old Fort. The suspect, who had previously threatened to kill public officials, attempted to detonate the explosives. As officers apprehended him, they identified a smoldering device in his bedroom, prompting an immediate evacuation of the home. Bomb squad units and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were dispatched to the scene. The suspect now faces 11 counts of attempted first-degree murder along with numerous other charges, underscoring the ongoing threats to public safety and the government's commitment to addressing domestic terrorism.
Fuel Shortages in Gaza Affecting Hospitals
Concluding the news round-up, Jack Callahan (04:09) highlights international concerns in Gaza. According to Egypt's state-affiliated television, two fuel trucks carrying 107 tons of diesel fuel have entered Gaza. However, Gaza's health ministry, which is under Hamas control, reports that fuel shortages are severely impeding the operation of hospitals. The lack of adequate fuel supply threatens critical healthcare services in the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflicts.
This comprehensive update encapsulates the key political struggles in the U.S. Senate, legal battles involving high-profile figures, natural disasters impacting major metropolitan areas, significant law enforcement actions against domestic threats, and international humanitarian issues affecting Gaza's healthcare system. For those seeking detailed insights into these pressing matters, the Fox News Hourly Update provides timely and relevant information.