Fox News Hourly Update Episode: 2PM ET 08/07/2025 Newscast Release Date: August 7, 2025

1. Israel-Gaza Conflict Intensifies

Chris Foster opens the broadcast with updates on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Fox News that Israel aims to establish complete military control over Gaza. At [00:03], Foster reports:

  Benjamin Netanyahu ([00:13]): "We want to have a security perimeter. We don't want to govern it. We want to hand it over to Arab forces that will govern it properly without threatening us and giving Gazans a good life. That's not possible with Hamas."

• Despite Netanyahu's statements, there is reported pushback from Israeli military leadership. Additionally, Hamas accuses Netanyahu of using the offensive to endanger hostages for his own interests.

2. Potential U.S.-Russia Diplomatic Engagement

Fox’s Caroline Levitz provides insights into the strained relations between the U.S. and Russia.

• Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed a desire to meet with President Trump next week. However, Levitz notes that this meeting is contingent upon Putin agreeing to include Ukraine’s President Zelensky in the discussions.

  Caroline Levitz ([00:49]): "...a Kremlin aide indicating a meeting has been agreed to in principle and would be President Trump's first sit down with Russian President Putin since the start of his second administration... President Trump is open to a meeting with both Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky."

• Progress has been highlighted following a recent meeting between Putin and special envoy Steve Witkoff, suggesting potential diplomatic thaw.

3. Implementation of New U.S. Tariffs

Ryan Schmelz reports from Washington on significant changes to U.S. trade policy.

• New tariffs are now in effect, impacting imports from over 60 countries within the European Union, with rates of 10% or higher.

  Ryan Schmelz ([01:19]): "Products from dozens of countries imported to the US will now be hit by tariffs... The administration believes the tariffs will steer companies to step up investing and manufacturing in the US."

• The administration's goal is to encourage domestic investment and reduce reliance on foreign imports, potentially reshaping international trade dynamics.

4. Political Tensions in Texas

Chris Foster delves into the escalating political friction within Texas.

• Texas Senate Republican John Cornyn announced that the FBI has approved his request to assist in locating Texas state House Democrats who have fled the state, primarily to Illinois.

  John Cornyn ([01:38]): "The FBI has granted my request to help track down Texas state House Democrats who fled the state..."

• Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois responds by questioning the FBI's involvement, asserting that the Democrats have not violated federal laws by relocating to delay votes on new congressional maps that favor Republicans.

5. President Trump Honors Purple Heart Recipients

Chris Foster highlights an event at the White House honoring military heroes.

• President Trump is set to honor over 100 recipients of the Purple Heart, an award given to those wounded or killed during military service.

  Among the honorees are three men who previously sent Trump their Purple Hearts after he was shot in the air at a rally in Pennsylvania last year. These were returned at the event, signifying a moment of reconciliation and respect.

6. Severe Weather Threatens the Southeastern United States

Tanya J. Powers reports on the looming threat of flash floods in the Southeast.

• Forecasters predict additional heavy rain for Georgia and the Carolinas, exacerbating existing flooding that has already resulted in fatalities.

  Tanya J. Powers ([02:33]): "More heavy rain could be on the way for Georgia and the Carolinas... Two individuals were swept away by rushing water near Raleigh, North Carolina."

• Rainfall is expected to continue through the weekend, with some areas potentially experiencing double-digit rainfall totals. High-risk zones include Charleston and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, and Wilmington in North Carolina.

7. United Airlines Resolves Flight Disruptions

Chris Foster updates listeners on the status of airline operations.

• United Airlines has addressed and resolved issues stemming from a recent disruption to its flight information system, which caused over a thousand delays and several hundred cancellations. The airline assures passengers that normal operations have resumed.

8. Passing of Musician Eddie Palmieri

Carmen Roberts mourns the loss of a pioneering artist in the music industry.

• Eddie Palmieri, a trailblazing Latin musician and the first Latino to win a Grammy Award, has passed away at the age of 88.

  Carmen Roberts ([03:24]): "Musician Eddie Palmieri, considered one of the most innovative artists of rumba and Latin jazz as the pianist, composer, and bandleader, died Wednesday at his home in New Jersey after a long illness."

• Palmieri's illustrious career spanned nearly 40 albums, including the acclaimed "Masterpiece" recorded with Tito Puente. His contributions significantly shaped the landscape of Latin music.

9. Stock Market Fluctuations

Chris Foster provides a brief overview of the current state of the stock market.

• The stock market experienced a rally earlier in the day but has since fizzled out, with indices now trading lower. This fluctuation highlights ongoing volatility in financial markets.

Closing Note:
Chris Foster concludes the update by reaffirming Fox News' commitment to delivering the latest news. Listeners are reminded to stay tuned for continuous coverage.

This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the Fox News Hourly Update aired on August 7, 2025, providing a comprehensive overview for those who did not tune in.