Fox News Hourly Update – 8PM ET 08/02/2025: Detailed Summary
1. Special Counsel Jack Smith Under Investigation
Angelo Bavaro opened the newscast by announcing, "A former special counsel who conducted probes into President Trump is now being investigated himself" (00:02). Jill Nadeau elaborated on the situation, explaining that Special Counsel Jack Smith oversaw two major investigations into former President Donald Trump during the Biden administration: one concerning the mishandling of classified documents and another regarding Trump's role in the January 6th Capitol riot.
Now, the Office of Special Counsel under President Trump has initiated its own probe into Smith. Trump and Republican Senator Tom Cotton have accused Smith of violating the Hatch Act, a federal law that restricts certain political activities by public officials. Nadeau highlighted, "Cotton asked the Office of Special Counsel to investigate Smith, alleging his conduct was designed to help then President Joe Biden" (00:14). This development marks a significant turn in the ongoing political and legal battles surrounding high-profile investigations.
2. American Eagle Outfitters Responds to Controversial Ad Criticism
Transitioning to business news, Angelo Bavaro reported on the backlash faced by American Eagle Outfitters regarding its recent advertising campaign. The campaign featured actress Sydney Sweeney and has been criticized by some as promoting eugenics and exhibiting Nazi-like themes—a misunderstanding stemming from the play on words between "jeans" (denim) and "genes" (genetics).
Jack Callahan provided further context, stating, "The ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney was always about the jeans, her jeans, her story" (01:02). He emphasized that the company's intention was to celebrate the universal appeal of jeans, asserting, "Great jeans look good on everyone." Callahan's remarks aim to reassure customers and counter the negative perceptions surrounding the campaign, highlighting American Eagle's commitment to inclusivity and positive messaging.
3. Pope Leo XIV Addresses Youth at Jubilee of Youth
In a significant religious event, Angelo Bavaro shared that Pope Leo XIV addressed hundreds of thousands of young people at the Jubilee of Youth, a cornerstone of the Vatican's 2025 Holy Year (01:34). The Pope called on the youth to "make radical choices for good," urging them to engage in meaningful actions that contribute positively to society.
Pope Leo XIV also addressed the "dangers of social media" and underscored the "value of true friendship," highlighting the need for genuine human connections in an increasingly digital world. This event attracted young Catholics from around the globe, reflecting the Pope's dedication to fostering a supportive and active younger generation within the church.
4. Arrest Made in California for Supporting ISIS
Angelo Bavaro reported a significant law enforcement development: Federal agents have arrested a man in California accused of providing material support to ISIS (03:08). Marion Rafferty detailed the case, identifying the suspect as Mark Lorenzo Villanueva. Villanueva faces charges for his involvement with a foreign terrorist organization and for disseminating anti-American messages online.
One particularly disturbing message included the statement, "honor to fight and die for our faith" (03:14). The complaint also references a conversation where Villanueva asked another individual, "my dear brother, are you a supporter of the Islamic State?" to which the other responded, "yes, I was." Authorities revealed that their investigation uncovered extensive social media activity and communication records that ultimately led to Villanueva's arrest. These developments underscore the ongoing efforts to combat domestic support for international terrorist organizations.
5. Corporation for Public Broadcasting Announces Closure
Angelo Bavaro brought attention to a major shift in the broadcasting landscape: a government-created corporation linked to numerous U.S. TV and radio stations is ceasing operations after nearly six decades. Jack Callahan provided further insights, reporting that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced its decision to wind down following significant defunding by Congress (04:07).
The White House and Congress retracted approximately $1.1 billion in funding slated for the next two fiscal years, directly impacting over 1,500 local public radio and television stations nationwide. Established in November 1967 by President Lyndon Johnson, the CPB was dedicated to fostering instructional, educational, and cultural programming. Callahan noted, "CPB employees were told Friday that most staff positions will end with the fiscal year on September 30th," signaling the end of an era for public broadcasting in the United States.
6. Ongoing Manhunt for Anaconda, Montana Bar Shooting Suspect
Concluding the update, Angelo Bavaro reported on the ongoing search for the suspected gunman in a tragic bar shooting incident in Anaconda, Montana. The suspected shooter, Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old military veteran, is believed to be responsible for the deaths of four individuals during the incident that occurred on Friday (04:48).
Authorities have indicated that Brown is located a few miles west of Anaconda and remains armed, prompting a continued and intensive manhunt. The community remains on high alert as law enforcement agencies work diligently to apprehend the suspect and ensure public safety.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the Fox News Hourly Update for August 2, 2025, providing a clear and detailed overview for those who did not listen to the episode.