Fox News Hourly Update: 2AM ET 08/26/2025 – Episode Summary
Date: August 26, 2025
Host: Carmen Roberts
Notable Contributors: Kristen Goodwin, Christy Noem, Jeff Paul, Ryan Schmelz, John Saucier
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Episode Overview
This newscast delivers breaking news on U.S. political and legal developments, immigration clashes, an extraordinary criminal indictment, international crisis coverage, and Congressional campaign updates. The tone is urgent, matter-of-fact, and focused on the latest headline news.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Legal Battle over Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
[00:02–00:57]
- President Trump has removed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud.
- Legal controversy: Presidents cannot fire Fed governors at will; only cause and official charges justify removal, but as of the report, Cook only faces allegations, not formal charges.
- Kristen Goodwin reports: Trump’s action was based on a criminal referral from Bill Pulte (Federal Housing Finance Agency) that claims Cook falsified documents in 2021 by declaring two different properties as her primary residence to obtain mortgages.
- President Trump’s letter (shared on Truth Social) cites “deceitful and potentially criminal conduct in a financial matter” and a lack of “confidence in your integrity.” Cook was appointed by President Biden for a term expiring in 2038.
- Cook’s response: She refuses to leave her post, indicating a likely legal confrontation.
Notable Quote:
”A president cannot fire a federal governor without cause. And in this case, there are no charges, only allegations.”
— Carmen Roberts [00:07]
2. Immigration and Deportation: The Case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia
[00:57–01:27]
- A federal judge blocks the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant, at least temporarily.
- Garcia was detained by ICE during a court check-in in Maryland; the Trump administration is pushing for his deportation to Uganda.
- Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem criticizes Democrats for defending Garcia:
“These Democrats and liberals stand beside him. They sing for him. They chant for him to be released so that he can perpetuate more crimes on our communities.” [01:17]
- Garcia had previously been wrongly deported to El Salvador. He is now indicted for human smuggling but denies the charges.
3. Disturbing Discovery: Human Cremains Found Near Las Vegas
[01:27–01:59]
- Authorities are investigating the discovery of around 70 piles of human cremated remains (cremains) on a dirt road south of Searchlight, NV.
- The discovery was made by a passerby and is under federal investigation.
4. Gaza Hospital Airstrike
[03:09–03:33]
- Airstrike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza killed at least 20 people, including five journalists.
- Sequence: First strike hit the top of the hospital; a second strike occurred as rescue teams and journalists arrived.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a “tragic mishap,” with promises of a full investigation.
Notable Quote:
”There was that first strike that looked like it hit the top or near the top of Nasser hospital in southern Gaza. But then as crews, rescue teams and journalists started to go assess the damage, there was a second strike.”
— Jeff Paul [03:15]
5. Texas Redistricting and Congressional Race
[03:33–04:19]
- Greg Casar, Progressive Caucus Chair, announces campaign for the new Texas 37th District after redistricting.
- Casar has represented the 35th District since 2023; new map prompts this bid.
- Rep. Lloyd Doggett (age 78) retires, sparing Democrats a potential primary clash.
- Doggett was notable as the first House Democrat to call for Biden to drop out of the 2024 race.
- Quote from Casar:
”You didn’t elect me to go learn the same broken playbook Democrats have used for decades. You sent me to write a new.” [03:46]
6. Tennessee Man Named “George Herman Ruth” Indicted in Massive Fraud
[04:19–05:00]
- George Herman Ruth, age 79, is indicted on 91 counts for allegedly using the names of hundreds of deceased or retired pro baseball players to file fake claims and class-action settlements.
- Charges include: mail fraud, ID theft, fraudulent use of Social Security numbers, money laundering, false statements to a probation officer, and illegal firearm possession.
- The accused attempted to obtain over $500,000; in contrast, the “original” Babe Ruth earned a total of $850,000 in his entire career.
Memorable Moment:
”A Tennessee man has the same name as baseball legend Babe Ruth, but far from the same rep.”
— Carmen Roberts [04:19]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- President Trump attempts to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook: 00:02–00:57
- Deportation battle over Kilmar Abrego Garcia: 00:57–01:27
- Discovery of human cremains near Las Vegas: 01:27–01:59
- Gaza hospital airstrike: 03:09–03:33
- Texas redistricting and Greg Casar’s campaign: 03:33–04:19
- George Herman Ruth indicted in fraud case: 04:19–05:00
Conclusion
This update rapidly scans top U.S. and world stories, spotlighting breaking developments in national governance, immigration, global conflict, and criminal justice. The tone is brisk, direct, and information-packed, ideal for listeners needing a succinct and thorough rundown of overnight events.