Fox News Hourly Update — 4AM ET 08/21/2025 Newscast

Host: Carmen Roberts (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: August 21, 2025

Overview

This episode covers the latest breaking news from around the U.S. and globally. Key stories include major redistricting battles in Texas and California, escalating geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, a devastating hurricane threat on the East Coast, a disturbing crime in Florida, and a leadership change at Target amidst corporate challenges.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Texas Redistricting: Political Power Shift

[00:02 – 00:28]

• Main Event: Texas House Republicans pass a Trump-backed congressional map designed to increase GOP representation by five seats in the U.S. House.

  • "Texas hands Trump a win." — Carmen Roberts (00:02)
  • Democrats strongly oppose, pledging to continue legal challenges.
    • "This part of the fight is over, but it is merely the first chapter." — Rep. Gene Wu (00:07)

• Legal Battle:

  • Advocacy groups, such as the League of United Latin American Citizens, prepare lawsuits seeking to expedite federal review, aiming to reach the Supreme Court if necessary.
    • "Advocacy groups are already preparing for their own legal fights over the new map." — Garrett Tunney (00:28)

• Next Steps:

  • Map now moves to the state Senate, where passage is expected.

2. California Redistricting: Countermove & Political Tensions

[00:28 – 01:18]

• Judicial Ruling:

  • California Supreme Court rejects Republican challenge against a Democratic congressional map, expected to flip five seats to Democrats.

• Political Claims:

  • Governor Gavin Newsom argues the effort counters the Texas GOP initiative.
    • "Governor Gavin Newsom what we're doing Neuters neutralizes what's happening in Texas. People have this chance with this ballot on November 4th to stand up to the rule of law, stand up for co equal branches of government." — Gov. Gavin Newsom (00:56)
  • State Republicans denounce the move as a "power grab."

3. Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalates

[01:18 – 01:45]

• Military Action:

  • Poland scrambles jets to protect airspace after a massive Russian strike on Ukraine—the largest attack this year.

• Diplomatic Setbacks:

  • Trump’s attempts to broker a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents stall as the Kremlin refuses to support security guarantees for Ukraine unless Russia is included.
    • "The Kremlin poured cold water on claims of progress, saying it won't agree to security guarantees for Ukraine unless Russia is part of the group providing Ukraine security." — Jackie Heinrich (01:33)

4. U.S. Crime Crackdown

[01:45 – 01:59]

• Law Enforcement:
  • Trump administration announces 550+ arrests by federalized police as part of an anti-crime initiative.

5. Hurricane Erin Threatens the East Coast

[02:31 – 02:59]

• Storm Impact:

  • Hurricane Erin batters North Carolina’s Outer Banks with 105 mph winds, flooding, and highway disruptions.
    • "Hurricane Erin is battering North Carolina's Outer Banks with strong winds and waves, flooding part of the main highway as the monster storm inches closer to the mid." — Carmen Roberts (02:31)

• Forecast:

  • Flooding risk of 2–4 feet; storm expected to track north toward New England, maintaining high rip current risks into the weekend.
    • "Flooding not just the waves but actual flooding moving into some of these areas, probably anywhere from two to up to four feet." — Adam Kloss, FOX Meteorologist (02:41)

6. Florida Tragedy: Teen Confesses to Familial Homicide

[02:59 – 03:29]

• Incident:
  • 15-year-old Dimitri Florimond confesses to killing his brother and dumping the body in a canal after returning home from work.
    • "The Broward sheriff's office says it took detectives just hours to come up with a suspect. 15 year old Dimitri Florimond." — Nicole Lynn Salada (03:12)
  • The teen is charged with first degree murder; no motive disclosed.

7. Corporate News: Target CEO Change Amidst Boycotts & Sales Slump

[03:29 – 04:26]

• Leadership Change:

  • Michael Fidelke (COO) to succeed Brian Cornell as CEO in February; Cornell will stay on as executive chairman.

• Challenges Confronted:

  • Ongoing sales slump following controversies over Pride Month displays and corporate diversity policies.
    • "Target sales have been dealing with a prolonged sales slump. It faced Boyco shoppers because of its Pride Month displays two years ago and then a separate boycott after it pulled back on corporate diversity, equity and inclusion policies." — Ginny Costelda (03:42)
  • Fidelke pledges to focus on unique products and customer experience, while addressing the dual strain of in-person and e-commerce demands.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This part of the fight is over, but it is merely the first chapter.” — Rep. Gene Wu (00:07)
• "Governor Gavin Newsom what we're doing Neuters neutralizes what's happening in Texas." — Gov. Gavin Newsom (00:56)
• "Flooding not just the waves but actual flooding moving into some of these areas, probably anywhere from two to up to four feet." — Adam Kloss (02:41)
• "Target sales have been dealing with a prolonged sales slump..." — Ginny Costelda (03:42)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Texas Redistricting Victory: 00:02–00:28
• California Political Countermove: 00:28–01:18
• Russia-Ukraine-Poland Tension: 01:18–01:45
• U.S. Crime Crackdown: 01:45–01:59
• Hurricane Erin Update: 02:31–02:59
• Florida Familial Homicide: 02:59–03:29
• Target CEO Transition: 03:29–04:26

Conclusion

This newscast offers a concise but comprehensive look at unfolding political, international, weather, crime, and business stories. The tone is straightforward and urgent, underscoring shifting power balances in Congress, escalating war in Eastern Europe, natural disaster warning, domestic crime, and business leadership challenges—all key developments for listeners wanting to stay informed.