Fox News Hourly Update – 2PM ET 08/21/2025 Newscast

Host: Lisa Brady, FOX News
Date: August 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode presents a concise roundup of national news with a focus on President Trump’s crime crackdown efforts in Washington D.C., updates on his legal battles in New York, progress on Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks, parole hearings for the Menendez brothers, new charges in a New York City corruption probe, and a quick snapshot of the day’s economic news.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump’s Participation in D.C. Crime Crackdown

[00:02 – 00:56]

• President Trump plans to patrol with federal law enforcement and National Guard members in the nation’s capital as part of ongoing crime crackdown efforts.
  • Lisa Brady reports this high-security operation, emphasizing the increased patrols and attention.
  • Peter Doocy highlights extraordinary security concerns whenever the president is in public:

    “There are obviously extreme security concerns anytime that the president even comes out on the lawn behind a tall fence and with a small army of Secret Service.” (Peter Doocy, 00:16)

  • Significant drop in crime stats:

    “[M]ajor crime stats, they're all down in Washington, D.C. for the last couple of days. And so President Trump wants to go out there and talk about how it is safe enough even for a president to go where no president has gone before, which would be some of these very dangerous areas at night if there is not an event going on.” (Peter Doocy, 00:29)

  • Some D.C. leaders argue that violent crime was already on the decline before these efforts.

2. Update on Trump’s New York Civil Fraud Case

[00:56 – 01:34]

• Appeals court overturns a major penalty against Trump in a New York civil fraud case, calling it a “total victory” per the President.
  • Details of the Ruling: Some judges cited trial errors and Eighth Amendment violations for excessive fines.
  • However, the majority still found Trump, his sons, and his organization liable for business fraud (falsifying financial forms for business advantages).
  • Letitia James, New York’s AG, plans to appeal the penalty reversal.
  • Trump maintains the lawsuit amounts to election interference.

3. Middle East Updates: Israel-Hamas

[01:34 – 01:59]

• Renewed talks in sight for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage exchange.
• Israeli Prime Minister simultaneously confirms final approval for an operation to take over Gaza City.

4. Parole Hearings: Eric and Lyle Menendez

[02:15 – 03:01]

• First parole hearings for the Menendez brothers in 35 years, after their resentencing.
  • The brothers were convicted of murdering their parents and initially denied involvement, later citing abuse as motive.
  • Supporters argue they have shown “sustained growth” and “sincere remorse.”

    “They have shown sustained growth. They've taken full accountability. They express sincere remorse to our family to this day and have built a meaningful life defined by purpose and service.” (Menendez family statement, via Jonathan Hunt, 02:23)

  • LA County prosecutor disagrees, saying the brothers haven't demonstrated “full insight” or “full rehabilitation.”
  • Parole board’s recommendation is subject to the California governor’s final decision.

5. New Charges in NYC Corruption Probe

[03:01 – 04:00]

• Seven people charged, including former key aides to Mayor Eric Adams—notably Ingrid Lewis Martin (former chief of staff), her son, a former state senator, and major political donors.
  • Lewis Martin and her son accused of accepting bribes to expedite construction approvals; both plead not guilty.
  • Manhattan DA's office alleges she accepted over $75,000 in bribes over two years.
  • Eric Adams, now running for re-election as an independent, has not been charged.

  • “Lewis Martin took more than $75,000 in bribes over the course of two years while she served as the mayor's advisor.” (Tanya J. Powers, 03:19)

6. Economic Snapshot

[04:00 – 04:10]

• US stocks are lower, Dow down 141 points.
• Mixed economic news, including a rise in first-time unemployment claims.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Peter Doocy on security for President Trump:

  “There are obviously extreme security concerns anytime that the president even comes out on the lawn behind a tall fence and with a small army of Secret Service.” (00:16)

• Menendez family supporters' statement:

  “They have shown sustained growth. They've taken full accountability. They express sincere remorse to our family to this day and have built a meaningful life defined by purpose and service.” (02:23)

• On the New York corruption charges:

  “Lewis Martin took more than $75,000 in bribes over the course of two years while she served as the mayor's advisor.” (Tanya J. Powers, 03:19)

Useful Timestamps

• President Trump Support for D.C. Crime Crackdown: 00:02–00:56
• NY Civil Fraud Case Update: 00:56–01:34
• Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Gaza Update: 01:34–01:59
• Menendez Parole Latest: 02:15–03:01
• NYC Corruption Probe Charges: 03:01–04:00
• Market/Economic Update: 04:00–04:10

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers rapid-fire coverage of major stories, blending direct reporting, legal updates, and pointed analysis. It’s a quick, authoritative snapshot for listeners seeking the day’s top national and political news.