Fox News Hourly Update: Detailed Summary of the 2AM ET 08/01/2025 Episode
Release Date: August 1, 2025
The Fox News Hourly Update delivered a comprehensive overview of the latest national and international developments in its 2AM ET episode on August 1, 2025. Hosted by Carmen Roberts and featuring contributions from Jimmy Phela and notable figures such as Former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, the episode covered a spectrum of topics ranging from international trade tensions and severe weather events to significant political commentary and notable deaths.
1. U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions
Canadian Prime Minister's Response:
The episode opened with a report by Carmen Roberts on the escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his disappointment over President Donald Trump's decision to increase tariffs on Canadian goods from 25% to 35%.
Trump Administration's Stance:
Responding to the tariffs, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt articulated President Trump's rationale:
"America's economic sovereignty by reducing our reliance on foreign countries, boosting investment in the US to the tune of trillions of dollars and creating hundreds of thousands of high paying jobs." [00:45]
Levitt further explained that the 35% tariff targets products not covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). Additionally, President Trump signed an executive order imposing levies on products from dozens of countries, set to take effect on August 7th.
Opposition and Economic Concerns:
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the tariff increases, warning that such measures would negatively impact the U.S. economy. Furthermore, Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell acknowledged the inflationary pressures caused by rising tariffs:
"These tariffs are starting to increase the prices in the U.S." [00:56]
2. Severe Weather and Public Safety
Flash Flooding on the I-95 Corridor:
A severe storm system swept across the I-95 corridor on Thursday, leading to flash flooding that tragically resulted in the death of a 13-year-old boy in Maryland. Fox 29 Philadelphia's Chris O'Connell provided an on-the-ground report from Reading, Pennsylvania:
"Flash flooding had streets underwater. Berks County first responders also reported dozens of water rescues in Chester County." [01:21]
Rescue Operations:
Emergency services were active in multiple areas, including a dramatic rescue where a driver was trapped inside a Tesla after a massive tree fell in Cowan Township. The driver was safely freed without injuries. The region also experienced numerous power outages due to fallen trees and downed power lines.
3. Crime News: Arkansas Murder Investigation
Murder of a Married Couple:
Carmen Roberts reported ongoing investigations in Arkansas regarding the murder of a married couple last weekend. Authorities have apprehended James McGahn, who confessed to the crime. DNA evidence confirmed his presence at the scene:
"Police in Arkansas say they're still trying to determine a motive for the murder of a married couple last weekend. But they say the man arrested, James McGahn, confessed and his DNA was found at the scene." [01:44]
4. National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles
Troop Withdrawals and Deployment Details:
The Pentagon is in the process of releasing over 1,300 California National Guard members from federal duty in Los Angeles. Approximately 250 troops will remain to safeguard federal properties and personnel. This decision follows President Trump's deployment of around 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to LA in early June to address unrest related to immigration enforcement operations.
Caroline Levitt provided context on the deployments:
"The Pentagon is releasing more than 1,300 California National Guard members from federal duty in Los Angeles, leaving roughly 250 members to protect federal property and personnel." [02:38]
The deployment sparked legal battles between the Trump administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom, with state and city leaders denouncing the move as a political stunt. Earlier, in mid-July, the Pentagon had released about 2,000 Guard members, and the Marines were subsequently withdrawn from LA.
Political Tensions:
Kristin Goodwin, representing Former President Joe Biden's commentary, criticized the Trump administration's actions:
"President Trump is engaging in an existential fight within minority communities." [03:21]
5. Political Commentary: Former President Obama's Critique
Undermining Civil Rights:
Former President Barack Obama addressed the National Bar Association, emphasizing his concerns over the Trump administration's policies:
"The Trump administration's undermining fundamental civil rights like being able to vote. Get ready, folks, this is just starting." [03:30]
He further elaborated on the administration's impact on marginalized groups:
"Marginalized groups are under attack as the Trump administration works to erase history rather than fairness, equality, to erase justice itself." [03:53]
Trump's Criticism of Biden:
Obama also touched upon President Trump's ongoing criticisms of President Joe Biden, including accusations related to inflation, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and even personal jabs at Biden's golf game.
6. Notable Death: Hulk Hogan
Passing of a Wrestling Icon:
Carmen Roberts reported the death of pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71. A medical report confirmed that Hogan died of a heart attack.
"A medical report shows and confirms he died of a heart attack." [04:14]
7. Additional Announcements
FOX Across America Invitation:
Jimmy Phela concluded the episode by inviting listeners to join him on the "FOX Across America" show, where discussions will revolve around Democratic policies.
"Join me for FOX Across America where we'll discuss every single one of the Democrats dumb ideas. Just kidding. It's only a three-hour show." [04:29]
Listeners can tune in live at noon Eastern or access the podcast online.
This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provided listeners with timely insights into significant events both domestically and internationally, underscored by expert commentary and firsthand reports. From trade disputes and natural disasters to critical political discourse and notable societal impacts, the update aimed to inform and engage its audience with comprehensive news coverage.