Fox News Hourly Update - 3PM ET | August 12, 2025

Host: Chris Foster | Release Date: August 12, 2025

White House-Russia Tensions and Alaska Summit

Caroline Levitt describes the upcoming meeting between White House representatives and Russia's President Vladimir Putin as a "listening exercise" set to take place in Alaska on Friday. This high-stakes summit aims to address the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Donald Trump sharply criticizes the Biden administration's handling of the Russia-Ukraine war, stating, "The brutal war between Russia and Ukraine broke out under Joe Biden's incompetent leadership. But President Trump is determined to try and end this war and stop the killing." (00:11)

Ukraine's President Zelensky has signaled that the Russian military is intensifying its push for more territory in eastern Ukraine ahead of the talks. Alexandria Hoff elaborates on the potential 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. Now, just today, President Zelensky, he emphasized territorial integrity as what his side needs. It doesn't sound like President Putin is going to be promising anything of the sort." (00:29)

Trump remains cautiously optimistic about the summit's outcome, acknowledging that it "could go good or it could go bad," but believes that a potential land swap could be beneficial for both Ukraine and Russia. However, he expressed frustration regarding President Zelensky's authority to make such decisions: "Yesterday, some frustration, though, with President Zelensky lacking the full authority to agree to that." (00:29)

Amending Ukraine's constitution to cede territory would be a significant legal move, highlighting the complexity of the negotiations.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety in Washington, D.C.

In response to escalating crime rates, President Trump has activated National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. These forces are beginning to be deployed across the city. Mayor Muriel Bowser has pledged full cooperation with the temporary Federal Police Department takeover: "We have the best in the business, an MPD and Chief Pamela Smith to lead that effort and to make sure that the men and women who are coming from federal law enforcement are being well used and that if there's National Guard here, that they're being well used." (01:13)

Attorney General Pam Bondi was also mentioned in the context of addressing crime, emphasizing the administration's commitment to public safety.

Economic Indicators and International Legal Issues

The consumer price index remains steady at 2.7%, while the core inflation rate—which excludes food and energy—has risen to 3.1% annually, marking the highest pace in five months. These figures suggest ongoing economic pressures despite overall price stability.

In international news, Kim Keon Hee, former First Lady of South Korea, has been arrested on multiple charges, including bribery, stock manipulation, and political influence peddling. Her husband, Yun Suk Yeol, is currently incarcerated on insurrection charges, highlighting significant political turmoil in South Korea.

Severe Weather Impacts in Wisconsin

Water levels continue to rise in parts of Germantown, Wisconsin, exacerbating the aftermath of record rains and flooding across southeast Wisconsin over the weekend. Fire Chief John Delane reports that the swollen Menominee River has reached knee-high levels in at least one neighborhood, necessitating rescue operations: "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. However, this is their private property and we can't make them." (02:19)

Despite the dangers, several residents have chosen to remain in their homes, underlining the severity of the flooding and the challenges faced by emergency responders.

Cannabis Industry and Potential Legal Reclassification

The cannabis sector is experiencing a resurgence in stock prices, buoyed by hints from President Trump regarding a possible reclassification of marijuana. Ryan Schmell reports: "President Trump says a determination on reclassification of marijuana as a less dangerous drug could be made over the next few weeks. The president acknowledging the idea has its critics, including members of his own party." (02:45)

An unnamed commentator adds depth to the debate: "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)

Reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 controlled substance could have significant economic benefits by increasing its availability for purchase and sale, according to Schmell: "Removing marijuana from the list of Schedule 1 controlled substances and moving it to Schedule 3 could have a positive economic impact by making the drug more available to be bought and sold." (03:10)

Legal Battle: Jon Gruden vs. the NFL

In a significant legal development, Jon Gruden, former head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, has successfully advanced his lawsuit against the NFL. Tony Genu reports: "The Nevada Supreme Court clears the way for a lawsuit filed by former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden to proceed against the NFL. The 2021 lawsuit alleges that the league pressured the Raiders to fire Gruden by leaking old emails that included racist, misogynistic, and homophobic comments. Gruden later resigned from the Raiders." (03:24)

The NFL's attempt to dismiss the suit or mandate arbitration was rejected by a 5-2 ruling from the Nevada high court, with the justices deeming the league's requests as "unconscionable." (03:24)

Stock Market Update

Despite various economic and political challenges, the stock market showed resilience today. Tony Genu provides the figures: "Although stocks higher today, the Dow's up 509 points, the Nasdaq up to 67, the S&P up 66." (04:03)

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with reminders to tune into other Fox News programs, including Will Kane's show, available live online and as a podcast throughout the week.

Alexandria Hoff and Will Kane sign off the broadcast, reinforcing Fox News' commitment to delivering up-to-date news and comprehensive coverage on critical issues.

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