Fox News Hourly Update: 6AM ET Edition (August 3, 2025)
Hosted by Debra Valentine and featuring reports from Molly Line, Jeanine Pirro, Chris DeMaio, Angelo Bavaro, and Chanley Painter.
1. Special Counsel Jack Smith Under Investigation
Debra Valentine opens the newscast with a significant development in the political landscape:
"The Office of Special Counsel is launching an investigation into a former special counsel, Jack Smith, who brought two criminal cases against now President Donald Trump." [00:02]
Molly Line provides further details, emphasizing the scope of the investigation:
"The probe will look into whether Smith violated the Hatch Act during his criminal investigation into President Trump's handling of classified documents and alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election." [00:19]
She adds:
"Trump pleaded not guilty in both cases that were dismissed." [00:19]
This investigation marks a significant turn, as there has been no evidence of wrongdoing presented yet.
2. Senate Confirms President Trump's Nominees
Before taking a recess, the Senate made pivotal confirmations:
Debra Valentine reports:
"The Senate approved 13 of President Trump's nominees, including the new U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C." [00:41]
Jeanine Pirro, formerly a Fox News host, was among those confirmed. During the vote:
Senator Bernie Moreno stated:
"On this vote, the yeas are 50, the nays are 45. The nomination is confirmed." [01:05]
However, Jeanine Pirro faces criticism from Democratic circles:
"Democratic Senator Dick Durbin posted a statement saying President Trump's been using the Justice Department to protect his allies and go after his enemies. And Ms. Pirro has proven to be a willing accomplice in weaponizing the justice system. She is not fit to be the U.S. attorney for our nation's Capitol." [01:10]
In defense of Pirro, President Trump commented:
"Pirro's incredibly well qualified for the job." [01:10]
3. Senate Adjourns Amid Nomination Disagreements
The Senate, at the behest of Majority Leader John Thune, made a strategic move:
Debra Valentine reports:
"The Senate, at the request of Majority Leader John Thune, voted unanimously Saturday, told pro forma sessions, brief meetings every three days, and adjourn until September 2nd after disagreement with Democrats over approving additional Trump nominations." [01:37]
This adjournment reflects the ongoing tensions between Senate Republicans and Democrats regarding the administration's appointments.
4. Law Enforcement Updates
a. Tennessee Bomb Threat Case
Debra Valentine covers a tense law enforcement operation:
"Police in Tennessee say they found 14 improvised explosives while executing a search warrant for a man who threatened to kill public officials." [03:08]
Chris DeMaio provides an in-depth report:
"The 54-year-old was taken into custody at his home in Old Fort. Police say he tried to detonate the explosives. As he was being arrested, officers noticed something was smoldering in the bedroom where he was found. Once they discovered the explosive device, the home was evacuated. Bomb squad officers and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called in." [03:17]
The suspect now faces 11 counts of attempted first-degree murder along with numerous other charges.
b. Manhunt in Montana
Later in the segment, Debra Valentine updates listeners on a violent incident:
"The manhunt continues for a suspect who shot and killed four people at a Montana bar on Friday." [03:45]
Angelo Bavaro elaborates on the situation:
"Authorities say 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown fled the Owl Bar in the small town of Anaconda in a pickup truck but ditched it at some point. According to the bar's owner, David Gorder, Brown lived next door. Gorder told the Associated Press the bartender and three patrons were killed and he does not think anyone else was inside. He also says he thinks Brown knew all of the victims." [03:51]
Adding a personal dimension, Brown’s niece shared:
"Her uncle has struggled with mental illness for years. She says she and other family members repeatedly sought help." [03:51]
5. Natural Disasters: Earthquake in Russia
Debra Valentine brings attention to a natural event:
"Another earthquake strikes Russia. Here's Fox's Chanley Painter." [04:23]
Molly Line reports on the seismic activity:
"A powerful aftershock rocking Russia's Kuril Islands that were hit last week with a massive 8.8 quake. The USGS didn't issue a tsunami warning following today's 6.8 tremor. Last week's quake triggered tsunamis from Russia to Hawaii." [04:27]
She continues:
"A tsunami warning for Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula is lifted." [04:41]
This indicates a stabilization following the initial seismic events, though the region remains sensitive to aftershocks.
6. International Protests in New York City
Shifting to international affairs within the U.S., Debra Valentine reports:
"New York City police say four demonstrators were arrested as anti-Israel protesters clash with cops outside Grand Central Terminal on Saturday. Police say it was part of a protest organized by Palestinian activist group Within Our Lifetime." [04:41]
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and active engagement of activist groups within major urban centers.
Closing Remarks:
The newscast concludes with a brief plug from Jimmy Fallah, inviting listeners to join his show, which will feature discussions on Democratic policies. However, as per the summary guidelines, advertisement and non-content sections have been excluded from this overview.
This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provides a comprehensive look into significant political developments, law enforcement actions, natural disasters, and international protests, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the latest events shaping the nation and the world.