Fox News Hourly Update – 6AM ET 08/30/2025

Date: August 30, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Episode: 6AM ET Newscast

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers a concise roundup of leading national and international headlines from the early morning of August 30, 2025. The episode focuses on the aftermath of a deadly shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school, major internal changes at FEMA, transit funding protests in Pennsylvania, a potential federal deployment in Illinois, and international manhunt developments in Australia. Key political responses and quotes add depth to the major stories featured.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting Aftermath

• Families Mourn Victims
  • Two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moisky, were killed in the school shooting.
  • Tributes highlight Merkel’s enthusiasm for fishing, sports, cooking, and Moisky’s love for helping neighbors and building fairy gardens with her sister.
• Investigation Developments
  • Police are investigating the 23-year-old shooter, reviewing disturbing writings and online videos.
  • Shooter recently ended a significant romantic relationship, had been staying with a friend.
  • Authorities now in contact with the shooter's mother after previous difficulties.
  • Shooter, who died by suicide, was a former student of the school targeted.
• Memorable Quotes
  • [00:18] “As investigators pour through disturbing writings and online videos, police say they have now spoken with the shooter's mother after initially saying they couldn't reach her.” – Correspondent
  • [00:40] “Eight year old Fletcher Merkel is remembered for his love of fishing, playing sports and cooking. The family of 10 year old Harper Moisky says she loved to help her neighbors and build fairy gardens…” – Correspondent

2. FEMA Cyber Security Lapses

• Homeland Security Response
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem fires 24 FEMA employees after uncovering “massive cyber failures.”
  • Investigation found severe security protocol lapses, but officials report no theft of sensitive data.
  • Noem cites employee negligence as the root cause.
• Notable Quote
  • [00:59] “She says an investigation uncovered several severe lapses in security that allowed a threat actor to breach FEMA's network. However, no sensitive data was reported taken...”

3. Pennsylvania Transit Funding Protest

• Legislative Demonstration
  • State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta walks from Philadelphia to Harrisburg, streaming live to demand increased transit funding.
  • Kenyatta criticizes state Republicans for blocking budget/appropriations bills.
  • SEPTA has cut services by 20% and plans fare hikes.
• Memorable Quote
  • [01:34] “Representative Malcolm Kenyatta's five day tour began on Friday and he's live streaming that whole thing on social media. Kenyatta blamed state Republicans for blocking budget and appropriation bills.”

4. Potential Federal Deployment at Illinois Naval Base

• Federal Agent Housing Plans
  • Naval Station Great Lakes, north of Chicago, prepares for possible federal agent accommodation in September to support National Guard and reinforce immigration enforcement.
  • Planned deployment involves agents from DHS, ICE, and CBP, with state/local officials reportedly left out of communications thus far.
• Notable Quote
  • [03:19] “The email says federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security, ICE and US Customs and Border Protection would make Naval Station Great Lakes their base from September 2nd through the 30th for immigration enforcement.” – Joni Lum, Fox TV Chicago affiliate

5. Political Reactions to Federal Action in Chicago

• President Trump’s Stance
  • Trump threatens National Guard deployment to Chicago, citing high crime rates and public demand.
• Governor Pritzker’s Response
  • Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker draws historical parallels, expressing strong criticism of a possible federal enforcement blitz, referencing events from the early days of the Nazi regime.
• Memorable Quote
  • [03:58] “I studied the Holocaust. I helped to build a Holocaust museum. This is what happened in the early days of the Nazi regime in Germany. I'm not suggesting we're going the same direction necessarily, but boy, it's frightening.” – Governor J.B. Pritzker

6. International News: Manhunt in Australia

• Police Pursuit
  • Australian police are searching for Desi Freeman, wanted for killing two police officers and evading capture for three days.
  • No confirmed sightings; police urge him to surrender to end what they warn could be a prolonged search.
• Notable Quote
  • [04:34] “Desi Freeman has been on the run for three days now. Victoria police say there has not been a single confirmed sighting of him.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:18] “As investigators pour through disturbing writings and online videos, police say they have now spoken with the shooter's mother after initially saying they couldn't reach her.” – Correspondent
• [00:40] “Eight year old Fletcher Merkel is remembered for his love of fishing, playing sports and cooking…” – Correspondent
• [01:34] “Representative Malcolm Kenyatta's five day tour began on Friday and he's live streaming that whole thing on social media…” – Reporter
• [03:19] “Federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security, ICE and US Customs and Border Protection would make Naval Station Great Lakes their base from September 2nd through the 30th…” – Joni Lum
• [03:58] “I studied the Holocaust. I helped to build a Holocaust museum. This is what happened in the early days of the Nazi regime in Germany. I'm not suggesting we're going the same direction necessarily, but boy, it's frightening.” – Governor J.B. Pritzker

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:02] – Coverage of Minneapolis school shooting aftermath
• [00:59] – FEMA cyber failures and dismissals
• [01:18] – Pennsylvania transit protest and SEPTA service cutbacks
• [03:09] – Federal agents to Illinois naval base
• [03:58] – Political responses to proposed federal action in Chicago
• [04:34] – Australian police manhunt update

This episode delivers fast-paced updates on major U.S. and international stories, emphasizing the emotional aftermath of tragedy, issues of governance and accountability, and the ongoing tensions between federal and local authorities in matters of public safety and security.