Fox News Hourly Update
Episode: 2PM ET 08/03/2025 Newscast
Release Date: August 3, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts
1. Senate Stalemate Over President Trump’s Nominees
Jack Callahan opens the newscast by addressing the collapse of negotiations surrounding President Donald Trump's nominees. Efforts to secure Senate approval faltered, leading to a recess without an agreement.
Madeleine Rivera reports that Republicans attempted to broker a deal with Democrats during a rare Saturday session. Democrats sought the unfreezing of federal funds for programs like the NIH and foreign aid in exchange for approving several of the president's non-controversial nominees. However, President Trump dismissed these demands, likening them to "political extortion."
“He told Republicans to reject the offer and to tell Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to quote, go to hell.”
— President Trump (00:14)
President Trump took to social media, accusing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of demanding over $1 billion to approve a small number of highly qualified nominees. Schumer countered, asserting that it was President Trump who derailed the negotiations.
“It’s the president who pulled the plug on the negotiations.”
— Chuck Schumer (00:45)
2. Pope Leo XIV’s Inspiring Address to Youth
A significant moment in the newscast highlights Pope Leo XIV delivering a message of hope to over one million young Catholics gathered in Rome.
“My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible, a world of fraternity and friendship where conflicts are not resolved with weapons, but with dialogue.”
— Pope Leo XIV (01:01)
The Pope addressed the assembly during the closing mass of a week-long jubilee focused on youth, alongside 7,000 priests and 450 bishops. He also expressed sorrow over the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasizing the need for peace and dialogue.
“...they have an opportunity to set a new tone on earth.”
— Pope Leo XIV (01:10)
3. Texas Advances Redistricting Efforts Amid Political Tensions
Jack Callahan transitions to political developments in Texas, where an effort to redraw congressional maps is progressing, potentially securing additional Republican seats. Gronell Scott elaborates on the implications:
California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla criticized the move, stating it could undermine the democratic foundations of the United States by impacting institutional health and the balance of power.
“The effort to create districts for a midterm advantage for Republicans can impact what makes America the state of our democracy...”
— Alex Padilla (02:26)
California Governor Gavin Newsom is considering strategies to counteract potential GOP gains in Texas by possibly increasing Democratic seats in his state.
4. Minor Earthquake Shakes New York and New Jersey
A small earthquake struck near Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, at 10:18 PM Eastern Time, measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale. Deborah Valentine reports that tremors were felt across parts of upper Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, lasting approximately ten seconds. The US Geological Survey confirmed no injuries or significant damage.
“Residents in parts of upper Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten island reported hearing a loud boom followed by tremors that lasted a few seconds.”
— Deborah Valentine (03:11)
This incident follows a rare 4.8 magnitude earthquake in April near Lebanon, New Jersey, which was also felt in New York.
5. Smoke from Canadian Wildfires Affects Midwest and Beyond
Jack Callahan updates on environmental concerns as several Midwestern states grapple with smoke from Canadian wildfires. States including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, eastern Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois issued warnings of unhealthy air quality for the third consecutive day. The smoky conditions have now spread to most of New York State and parts of New England.
Residents in these regions are advised to limit outdoor activities and stay informed about air quality updates.
Note: The episode concluded with a brief promotional segment for additional FOX News Podcasts, which has been excluded from this summary per guidelines.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Fox News Hourly Update episode aired on August 3, 2025, providing listeners with a clear overview of the day’s major news topics.