2AM ET 08/01/2025 Newscast

Summary

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.

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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]

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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.

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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]

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Carmen Roberts]

Canada reacts. I'm Carmen Roberts, Fox News. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he is disappointed by President Trump's decision to raise tariffs on many Canadian goods from 25% to 35%. President Trump explained they have to pay a fair rate.

[Jimmy Phela]

That's all.

[Former President Barack Obama]

It's very simple.

[Carmen Roberts]

The 35% tariff applies to products outside the scope of the U.S. mexico, Canadian trade agreement. And President Trump signed an executive order Thursday outlying levies for Dutch dozens of countries and extending the effective date until August 7th. That's when it will take effect. And President the White House press Secretary Caroline Levitt explained President Trump is restoring.

[Caroline Levitt]

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.

[Carmen Roberts]

But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says these deals will hurt the US Economy. And Fed Chairman Jay Powell said this week that tariffs are starting to increase the prices in the U.S. fierce storm swept across the I95 corridor Thursday, leaving at least one person dead. A 13 year old boy swept away by rushing waters in Maryland. Fox 29 Philadelphia's Chris OConnell has more on the flash flooding in the region in Reading.

[Jimmy Phela]

Flash flooding had streets underwater. Berks county first responders also reporting dozens of water rescues in Chester County. A driver was trapped inside a Tesla when a massive tree fell in Cowan Town. Rescue crews freed the driver who wasn't injured. It was one of many trees in power lines and power outages across the region.

[Carmen Roberts]

And 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. America's listening to FOX News.

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[Carmen Roberts]

Another 1000 National Guard troops depart Los Angeles weeks after being deployed to battle unrest over immigration raids.

[Caroline Levitt]

The Pentagon 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. President Trump deploying about 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 active duty Marines to LA in early June, citing unrest over immigration enforcement operations in the region. The move, which was against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom, sparking a string of legal battles between local officials in the Trump administration, with state and city leaders calling the deployments a political stunt, the Pentagon previously releasing about 2,000 Guard members in mid July, and the Marines were withdrawn from LA shortly after. Kristin Goodwin, Fox News Former President Biden.

[Carmen Roberts]

Blasted President Trump during an appearance Thursday night, warning that the current administration is engaged in an existential fight within minority communities.

[Former President Barack Obama]

The former president spoke to the National Bar Association, a historically black legal organization. He told the crowd that the Trump administration's undermining fundamental civil rights like being able to vote. Get ready, folks, this is just starting, he said. Marginalized groups are under attack as the Trump administration works to erase history rather.

[Jimmy Phela]

Than make it to erase fairness equality, to erase justice itself.

[Former President Barack Obama]

For his part, President Trump's been roasting Biden in the past month. Trump blamed the Biden administration for inflation, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the president even made fun of the former president's golf game till NATO. Fox News and the cause of death.

[Carmen Roberts]

For Hulk Hogan pro wrestling icon is unveiled a week after he died at 71. A medical report shows and confirms he died of a heart attack. I'm Carmen Roberts. This is Fox News.

[Jimmy Phela]

This is Jimmy Phela inviting you to 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. Listen live at noon Eastern or get the [e-mail].