Fox News Hourly Update - 6AM ET | August 12, 2025
Published on August 12, 2025
President Trump Announces Crime Crackdown in Washington, D.C.
Timestamp: [00:02]
In a bold move, President Donald Trump declared a comprehensive crime crackdown in the nation's capital. This announcement comes shortly after federalizing the D.C. police, deploying the National Guard, and introducing federal agents to “rescue our nation's capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor,” as host Dave Anthony reported.
Local Response:
Timestamp: [00:23]
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser responded by highlighting the city's improved safety metrics, stating, "D.C. is a much safer city now than it was during the pandemic or when crime reached record levels back in 2023." She expressed willingness to collaborate with federal agencies. However, the D.C. City Council remains opposed, labeling the federal intervention as a "manufactured intrusion on local authority" and emphasizing that "violent crime in the District is at the lowest rates we've seen in 30 years."
Austin, Texas Shooting Incident
Timestamp: [00:45]
Tragedy struck Austin, Texas, where a man with a documented history of mental health issues is in custody after a deadly shooting at a Target parking lot resulted in three fatalities.
Details from Police Chief Lisa Davis:
Timestamp: [00:55]
Chief Davis detailed the suspect's actions: "He stole a car from the scene, wrecked that car, then hijacked another car. He was then found by Austin Peak Austin, where he was taken into custody after a tasing."
Concerns Over Trump-Putin Summit Amidst European Scrutiny
Timestamp: [01:08]
European leaders have voiced apprehensions regarding the upcoming Trump-Putin summit scheduled in Alaska. The meeting aims to address and potentially end Russian President Vladimir Putin's ongoing war against Ukraine. Key points include:
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Exclusion of Ukrainian Leadership: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not attend the summit.
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Trump's Commitment to Fair Deals: President Trump stated, "If it's a fair deal, I'll reveal it to the European Union leaders and to the NATO leaders and also to President Zelensky. I think out of respect, I'll call him first."
European officials emphasize that any path to peace must involve Ukraine directly.
US-China Trade Relations: Avoidance of a Trade War Escalation
Timestamp: [01:35]
A potential escalation in the US-China trade war has been averted as President Trump signed an executive order delaying the reimposition of a 145% tariff on Chinese imports by 90 days. This extension aims to facilitate further negotiations between US and Chinese officials to achieve a more comprehensive trade agreement.
Insight from Jared Halpern:
Timestamp: [01:53]
"President Trump has signed an executive order extending that deadline another 90 days. The extension is intended to allow more negotiations between US and Chinese officials on a broader trade deal."
The current tariff rate remains at 30%, maintaining a tense yet controlled trade environment between the two economic superpowers.
Explosion at Pittsburgh Steel Plant Results in Fatalities and Injuries
Timestamp: [03:08]
A catastrophic explosion at a major steel plant near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has resulted in two deaths and ten injuries. The incident occurred at the largest factory in America producing coke, a crucial byproduct in steel manufacturing.
Report by Nate Foy:
Timestamp: [03:14]
"The fire marshal will now investigate what caused the explosions. The two coke oven batteries where it happened are now shut down and the plant is stable. The U.S. Steel says it will work closely with authorities to understand how this tragedy occurred."
Massive Drug Bust in South Dakota
Timestamp: [03:34]
Governor Larry Roden announced the arrest of a 42-year-old undocumented immigrant during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 90 near Sturgis. The arrest led to the discovery of an astounding $12 million worth of methamphetamine.
Details from Ted Lindner:
Timestamp: [03:37]
"Authorities uncovered 207 pounds of crystal meth, about the weight of a black bear. The bust was part of Operation Prairie Thunder, a state-led initiative supporting federal immigration enforcement. The suspect is now facing immigration proceedings."
Federal Government Boosts Immigration Agents Recruitment
Timestamp: [04:04]
Amid ongoing efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented changes to enhance recruitment for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Notably, age restrictions for new hires have been removed to widen the pool of potential candidates.
Insights from Chris Foster:
Timestamp: [04:09]
"According to its website, the application process for frontline positions is rigorous and challenging, including steps such as background investigations, physical fitness tests, and a medical exam. But as part of the recruitment push, DHS is highlighting what it calls a robust package of federal law enforcement incentives, including a maximum $50,000 signing bonus, student loan repayment and forgiveness options, 25% law enforcement availability, pay for HSI special agents, administratively controllable overtime for enforcement removal operations by deportation officers, and enhanced retirement benefits."
These incentives aim to attract qualified individuals to meet the increasing demands of immigration enforcement.
Upcoming Inflation Update and Market Outlook
Timestamp: [04:50]
The morning's agenda includes an inflation update, expected to reveal a slight increase in consumer prices both on a month-over-month and annual basis for July. This comes ahead of the stock markets, where futures are showing a mixed response following yesterday's losses.
This comprehensive update encapsulates the key events and discussions from the latest episode of the Fox News Hourly Update. Stay informed with the most recent developments across national and international headlines.