Summary of Fox News Hourly Update – August 12, 2025, 2PM ET

Hosted by FOX News Podcasts

1. U.S.-Russia Relations and the Ukraine Conflict

The episode opens with a focus on the tense upcoming meeting between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt describes the meeting as a "listening exercise" ([00:02] Chris Foster).

Alexandria Hoff provides a critical perspective on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, attributing its escalation to what she terms "Joe Biden's incompetent leadership." She highlights President Trump's determination to end the conflict, stating, "President Trump is determined to try and end this war and stop the killing" ([00:11] Alexandria Hoff).

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that Russian forces are advancing in eastern Ukraine ahead of the Trump-Putin talks. Hoff elaborates on the potential for territorial disputes to surface during negotiations: "President Trump foresees that territory is going to be kind of up for debate and that's something that President Putin is going to bring to the table" ([00:29] Alexandria Hoff). She notes Zelensky's emphasis on maintaining territorial integrity, expressing skepticism about Putin's willingness to make concessions.

Trump acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the meeting, suggesting that "it could go good or it could go bad" ([00:38] Alexandria Hoff). He believes that a potential land swap could be beneficial for both Ukraine and Russia but expresses frustration over Zelensky's limited authority to make such decisions.

2. Domestic Affairs: Crime and Public Safety in Washington D.C.

Addressing domestic concerns, Chris Foster reports on the increasing activation of National Guard troops in Washington D.C. by President Trump, citing a surge in crime rates. Mayor Muriel Bowser commits to cooperating with a temporary Federal Police Department takeover, assuring effective deployment: "We have the best in the business, an MPD and Chief Pamela Smith to lead that effort" ([01:13] Alexandria Hoff).

The episode touches on economic indicators, noting that the Consumer Price Index remains steady at 2.7%, while "core inflation stripping out food and energy is up 3.1% annually, the highest pace in five months" ([01:01] Chris Foster).

3. International Legal Developments: South Korean First Lady Arrested

In international news, former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been arrested on charges of bribery, stock manipulation, and political influence peddling. Her husband, Yun Suk Yeol, is currently incarcerated on insurrection charges, marking a significant political scandal in South Korea ([01:29] Chris Foster).

4. Local Crisis: Flooding in Germantown, Wisconsin

The podcast highlights severe weather conditions affecting Germantown, Wisconsin. Fire Chief John Delane describes the flooding as "a life-threatening situation," with rising waters reaching knee-high levels in neighborhoods. Rescue operations are ongoing, with boats evacuating residents: "You could be swept away on those waters. You could become trapped in your house" ([02:19] John Delane).

Despite the dangers, some residents have chosen to stay in their homes following record rains and flooding across southeast Wisconsin over the weekend ([02:28] Chris Foster).

5. Economic Updates: Cannabis Industry and Stock Market

Jeff Manasso reports that cannabis company stocks are experiencing an uptick, influenced by President Trump's hints at regulatory changes. Trump suggests that marijuana could be "reclassified as a less dangerous drug," potentially moving it from a Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 controlled substance. He acknowledges opposition within his own party: "Some people hate the whole concept of marijuana because if it does bad for the children, it does bad for people that are older than children" ([03:03] Chris Foster).

John Delane discusses the potential economic benefits of this reclassification, emphasizing increased availability for purchase and sale: "Removing marijuana from the list of Schedule 1 controlled substances and moving it to Schedule 3 could have a positive economic impact" ([03:10] John Delane).

Additionally, the stock market showed positive movements with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up by 509 points, the NASDAQ increasing by 67 points, and the S&P 500 gaining 66 points ([03:26] Tony Genu).

6. Legal Battles in Sports: Jon Gruden vs. the NFL

Tony Genu covers a significant legal development in the sports world. The Nevada Supreme Court has allowed former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden's lawsuit against the NFL to proceed. Gruden alleges that the league coerced the Raiders into firing him by leaking emails containing racist, misogynistic, and homophobic remarks. The NFL's attempt to dismiss the suit was deemed "unconscionable" by a 5-2 majority in the court ([03:24] Tony Genu).

Notable Quotes

• Alexandria Hoff ([00:11]): "The brutal war between Russia and Ukraine broke out under Joe Biden's incompetent leadership."

• Alexandria Hoff ([00:29]): "President Trump foresees that territory is going to be kind of up for debate and that's something that President Putin is going to bring to the table."

• John Delane ([02:38]): "You could be swept away on those waters. You could become trapped in your house. I would absolutely say this is a life-threatening situation."

• Chris Foster ([03:03]): "Some people hate the whole concept of marijuana because if it does bad for the children, it does bad for people that are older than children."

• Tony Genu ([03:24]): Describing the court's decision as "unconscionable."

Conclusion

The Fox News Hourly Update for August 12, 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of pressing international relations issues, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict and high-stakes diplomatic meetings. Domestically, concerns over crime in Washington D.C. and economic indicators such as inflation and the cannabis industry's potential growth are highlighted. The episode also delves into significant legal developments both internationally and within the sports sector, offering listeners a detailed account of current events shaping national and global landscapes.