Fox News Hourly Update – 2PM ET 08/31/2025 Newscast

Host: Jack Callaghan, FOX News Podcasts
Date: August 31, 2025

Episode Overview

This newscast delivers the day’s top headlines from across the US and the world, focusing on key political developments, community reactions to recent tragedies, executive decisions from the White House, national events, and major corporate announcements. The 2PM update covers breaking developments in Minneapolis after a tragic church shooting, Chicago’s pushback against federal law enforcement, President Trump’s latest executive order on voter identification, the swelling Powerball jackpot, and Apple’s much-anticipated product event.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Church Shooting — Aftermath and Community Response

• Coverage of the Aftermath:
  Sunday Mass resumed at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis following last week’s deadly shooting that claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 others, including 15 children.

  • Masses moved to a different campus building for security.
  • Emphasis on the healing role of returning to communal worship.

• Clergy and Community Leaders Speak Out:

  • Father Dennis Zarin addressed efforts to protect students during the attack and the church’s attempts to restore a sense of peace (00:20).
  • Victims honored at a vigil the previous night.
  • Minnesota Bishop Robert Barron advocated “the importance of prayer,” noting that “some people misunderstand its role” (00:20).

• International Reaction:

  • Pope Leo XIV called for an “end to the pandemic of arms, large and small,” praying at the Vatican for the shooting victims (00:56).

Notable Quote:

• Father Dennis Zarin (as summarized by Madeline Rivera): “The church hopes that returning to Mass will help parishioners regain a sense of stability.” (00:20)

2. Chicago Pushes Back Against Federal Crackdown

• Mayor’s Response to Federal Action:

  • President Trump moves toward deploying the National Guard to Chicago, targeting crime and illegal immigration.
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order barring local police cooperation with federal agents and safeguarding residents’ rights (01:17).
  • Ongoing disputes over crime rates and the planned arrival of immigration agents.

• Federal & Military Involvement:

  • Great Lakes Naval Base assigned to support ICE operations and house federal agents (01:45).

Notable Quote:

• Channeley Painter: “Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order that bars police from working with federal agents and protects residents' rights.” (01:17)

3. President Trump’s Executive Order on Voter ID

• Policy Shift:

  • President Trump is set to sign an executive order requiring voter identification for all voting, with “no exceptions” (02:28).
  • No mail-in voting permitted other than for the “very ill and the far away military,” as per the President’s Truth Social post.
  • Trump reiterated skepticism on the validity of the US electoral system.

• Legal Ambiguity:

  • Deborah Valentine notes the constitutional uncertainty—federal elections are run at the state level, so it’s unclear if the White House can enforce such a mandate (02:33).

Notable Quote:

• President Trump (via Truth Social, paraphrased): “Voter ID must be part of every single vote. No exceptions.” (02:33)

4. Powerball Jackpot Soars Again

• Jackpot Update:

  • No winner in Saturday’s draw; prize now at $1.1 billion, with a cash value of $498.4 million (03:14).
  • Next drawing scheduled for Monday.

• Odds Highlighted:

  • “Odds of matching all those numbers are astronomical: 1 in 292.2 million. The odds of getting struck by lightning are far greater.” (Angelo Bavaro, 03:23)

5. Apple’s Mysterious Launch Event

• Upcoming Announcement:

  • Apple event set for 10 days from the newscast (03:59).
  • Speculation that the iPhone 17 will be revealed.
  • Anticipation of AI upgrades for Siri and software improvements.

• CEO’s Teaser:

  • Tim Cook called this year’s rollout event “odd dropping.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Father Dennis Zarin:
  “The church hopes that returning to Mass will help parishioners regain a seat.” (00:20)

• Minnesota Bishop Robert Barron:
  “Emphasizing the importance of prayer, arguing some people misunderstand its role.” (00:20)

• Pope Leo XIV:
  “Called for an end to the pandemic of arms, large and small, as he prayed at the Vatican for the victims…” (00:56)

• Angelo Bavaro (on Powerball odds):
  “The odds of getting struck by lightning are far greater.” (03:23)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minneapolis Church Shooting – 00:02 to 00:56
• Chicago Mayor’s Pushback – 00:56 to 01:45
• Presidential Order on Voter ID – 02:28 to 03:14
• Powerball Jackpot Update – 03:14 to 03:59
• Apple Event Announcement – 03:59 to 04:25

Tone & Language Notes

The newscast maintains FOX News’ direct, urgent tone. Reporting favors clear language, frequent attributions, and an emphasis on the immediate impact of unfolding national events. Quotes from officials and clergy retain their measured and authoritative delivery.

For listeners: This update concisely covers urgent headlines affecting communities, governance, and major corporations, providing factual reporting, quotes from key figures, and a look ahead at upcoming national developments.