Fox News Hourly Update – 4AM ET 08/29/2025 Newscast

Host: Carmen Roberts, FOX News Podcasts
Air Date: August 29, 2025

Main Theme / Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise rundown of key U.S. news developments, focusing on the aftermath of a mass shooting in Minneapolis, new crime-fighting initiatives in California, significant White House and CDC personnel changes, evolving tariffs and regulations, a potential new EV tax in Oregon, and a major FDA recall. It is a fact-driven news bulletin aiming to keep listeners swiftly informed on pressing national matters.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aftermath of the Minneapolis Church Shooting

• Victim Impact Statements (00:06-00:30)

  • Jesse Merkel, father of 8-year-old victim Fletcher, voices family grief and urges community compassion.

  • Merkel reflects on the irrevocable loss, notes another child killed (Harper Moisky, 10), and hopes for shared healing.

    “We will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him.”
    — Jesse Merkel (00:06)

    “While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time our family can find healing. I pray that the other victim's family can find some semblance of the same.”
    — Jesse Merkel (00:17)

• Shooter's Background (00:30)

  • The shooter admired mass killers and “hated just about everyone.”
  • The shooter's mother, Mary Grace Westman, hires a criminal defense attorney.

2. Crime-Fighting Initiatives in California

• Governor Gavin Newsom’s Strategy (00:57-01:18)

  • Announces expansion of state-wide crime suppression teams.

  • Deployments will be “targeted,” “data-driven,” and “unannounced.”

  • Teams to consist of at least 15 officers, including K9 units, lieutenants, and sergeants.

    “Going to be expanding this operation.”
    — Gov. Gavin Newsom (00:57)

    “These operations will be targeted, they'll be... data-driven.”
    — Gov. Gavin Newsom / Reporter Kristin Goodwin (01:05)

    “These will be unannounced efforts. Teams, minimum teams of 15. They'll include K9 teams. They'll include lieutenant sergeants and 10 plus officers.”
    — Gov. Gavin Newsom (01:08)

• Early Results & Impact (01:18-01:32)

  • Previous deployments led to over 9,000 arrests, nearly 6,000 stolen vehicles recovered, and 400+ firearms seized in Bakersfield, San Bernardino, and Oakland.
  • Kristin Goodwin summarizes: “...over 9,000 arrests, recovery of nearly 6,000 stolen vehicles and the seizure of more than 400 firearms.” (01:18)

3. Trade: End of De Minimis Tariff Exemption (01:32-01:59)

• Policy Change
  • President Trump ends the tariff exemption for international packages under $800, extending tariffs to all U.S. trading partners (previously only China and Hong Kong since May).
  • Impacts a broad range of U.S. businesses by raising import costs.

4. CDC Leadership Shake-Up (02:30-03:08)

• Appointment Announcement

  • Jim O’Neill nominated as acting CDC director, replacing Susan Menarez, who was forced out after a dispute over vaccine policy (02:35-02:49).

  • White House Stance:

    “This woman has never received a vote in her life. And the president has the authority to fire those who are not aligned with his mission.”
    — Kristin Goodwin quoting White House press secretary Caroline Levitz (02:49)

    "Her attorneys say she refused to rubber stamp unscientific and reckless directives."
    — Jared Halpern (02:55)

5. Federal Reserve Lawsuit (03:08-03:34)

• Fed Governor Lisa Cook vs. Trump Administration
  • Lisa Cook files suit to block her dismissal, alleging lack of valid reason.
  • Trump cites mortgage fraud allegations, which Cook contends are fabricated.

6. State Transportation Funding and EV Taxes (03:34-04:03)

• Oregon Considers Per-Mile Tax for EVs
  • Proposal modeled after Hawaii; seeks to address a $300 million shortfall in the state’s transportation budget.
  • Critics argue the fee would discourage EV adoption, undermining emissions reduction goals.
  • Gary Baumgarten provides context and implications.

7. FDA Egg Recall (04:03-04:28)

• National Food Safety Update
  • Recall of certain eggs after a salmonella outbreak sickens 92 people.
  • Affected brands: Nagatoshi Produce, Mizuho, Niji YA Markets in 12 California counties.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him.”
  — Jesse Merkel, victim’s father (00:06)

• “I hope that in time our family can find healing. I pray that the other victim's family can find some semblance of the same.”
  — Jesse Merkel (00:17)

• “Going to be expanding this operation.”
  — Gov. Gavin Newsom (00:57)

• “Her attorneys say she refused to rubber stamp unscientific and reckless directives.”
  — Jared Halpern (02:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:06] – Minneapolis shooting victim's family statements
• [00:30] – Details on shooter and investigation
• [00:57] – Newsom’s crime suppression initiative
• [01:32] – U.S. ends de minimis tariff exemption
• [02:35] – CDC director replacement and controversy
• [03:08] – Fed Governor Lisa Cook sues Trump administration
• [03:34] – Oregon considers per-mile EV fee
• [04:03] – FDA egg recall announcement

This summary reflects a tightly-packed news update with focus on significant national stories, quick expert and government voices, and public policy changes set in an urgent and matter-of-fact style, typical of hourly news radio.