Fox News Hourly Update — 4AM ET 08/31/2025 Newscast

Date: August 31, 2025
Host: Angelo Bavaro
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update

Episode Overview

This edition of the Fox News Hourly Update delivers a rapid-fire briefing on the latest top national and international news as of August 31, 2025. Anchored by Angelo Bavaro, the episode covers major headlines: a key legal setback for President Trump's tariff policy, ongoing military operations in Gaza, upcoming Powerball lottery news, Chicago's mayor battling federal intervention, the Trump administration's proposal to rename the Department of Defense, and new information on Russia's attack in Ukraine following international summits.

Key News Topics & Discussions

1. Ruling Against President Trump’s Tariffs

(00:01–00:55)

• Federal Appeals Court Decision: A federal appeals court has ruled that the core of President Trump's tariffs—the centerpiece of his trade policy—is illegal.

• Implications and Timeline:

  • Alexandria Hoff explains the ruling is delayed until October 14th to allow time for the Trump administration to appeal to the Supreme Court.
  • The panel noted that the law gives the president broad authority during a declared national emergency, but not explicitly the power to impose tariffs, duties, or taxes.
  • President Trump responded, framing the court as “highly partisan” and warning of dire economic consequences if tariffs are removed.

• Notable Quote:

  "If these tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the country. It would make us financially weak and we have to be strong."
  —President Trump, quoted by Alexandria Hoff (00:41)

2. Israeli Offensive and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

(01:04–01:34)

• Military Developments: Israel is intensifying its offensive in Gaza City, planning to restrict humanitarian aid and expand air and ground operations against Hamas.

• Humanitarian Actions: This includes halting airdrops and slowing aid truck entry as the IDF prepares to evacuate hundreds of thousands of civilians.

• Global Food Crisis: The world’s lead food authority has declared a famine in Gaza City as the violence escalates.

• Notable Quote:

  "Israel calls the city one of Hamas's last strongholds and claims seizing it is crucial to defeating the militant group."
  —Unnamed Israeli Official (01:20)

3. Powerball Jackpot Update

(01:34–01:59)

• Lottery News: No winner in Saturday’s Powerball drawing; jackpot rises to approximately $1.1 billion for the next drawing on Monday.
• Other Winners: Three winners matched five numbers plus Power Play, earning $2 million each.

4. Chicago Pushes Back Against Federal Immigration & Crime Crackdown

(03:09–03:31)

• Executive Order Signed: Chicago Mayor Brendan Johnson addresses the Trump administration’s plan to send federal troops to the city, signing an executive order in opposition.

• Political Tensions:

  • Johnson accuses Trump of recklessness and being a threat to democracy.
  • President Trump claims Chicago is “a mess” and that residents “are screaming for us to come.”

• Notable Quotes:

  "He is reckless and out of control. He is the biggest threat to our democracy that we've experienced in the history of our country."
  —Will Kaine, on the situation in Chicago (03:22)
  "Residents are, quote, screaming for us to come."
  —President Trump, paraphrased by Angelo Bavaro (03:31)

5. Department of Defense Name Change Proposal

(03:31–04:13)

• Administration Plan: The Trump administration is considering renaming the Department of Defense back to its historic name: the Department of War.

• Rationale: Trump suggests the original name had a “stronger sound” and associates it with American victory in past wars.

• Legal Considerations:

  • Congressional approval would typically be required, but the administration is exploring alternative avenues.
  • Historical context: Created as the Department of War in 1789, name changed in 1949.

• Notable Quotes:

  "So it used to be called the Department of War and it had a stronger sound. And as you know, we won World War I, we won World War II. We won everything. Now we have a Department of Defense with defenders."
  —Unnamed White House Official (03:59)

6. Russia’s Aerial Attack on Ukraine

(04:31–05:07)

• Attack Details:
  • At least one person killed and dozens wounded, including children, after a Russian strike, with a five-story apartment building among targets.
  • Ukrainian defenses claim to have neutralized over 500 drones and 38 missiles.
• International Context:
  • Occurs just weeks after a presidential summit in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Putin, and a Washington meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• President Trump on Tariffs:

  "...our tariffs should be removed. But they know the United States of America will win in the end."
  (00:39)

• Mayor Brendan Johnson’s Warning:

  "He is reckless and out of control. He is the biggest threat to our democracy..."
  (03:22)

• White House Official on DoD Name:

  "...we won World War I, we won World War II. We won everything. Now we have a Department of Defense with defenders."
  (03:59)

• Angelo Bavaro on Ukraine Attack:

  "At least one person is dead and dozens injured, including children, after Russia's latest aerial attack on Ukraine."
  (04:31)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Pres. Trump Tariffs Legal Challenge: 00:01–00:55
• Israel-Gaza Military Offensive: 01:04–01:34
• Powerball Update: 01:34–01:59
• Chicago-Federal Tensions: 03:09–03:31
• Department of Defense Renaming Proposal: 03:31–04:13
• Russian Attack on Ukraine: 04:31–05:07

This episode delivers concise, fast-paced coverage of ongoing major news stories, with direct attributions and quotes that capture the perspectives and controversies at stake. The tone is urgent and matter-of-fact, in keeping with Fox News Radio’s signature approach.