Fox News Hourly Update – 8PM ET | August 8, 2025
Host: Lisa Lacera
Produced by: FOX News Podcasts
1. U.S. Offers $50 Million Bounty for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
Lisa Lacera kicks off the evening with a significant development in U.S. foreign policy: the United States has escalated its efforts to apprehend Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by increasing the bounty for his arrest to $50 million. This move underscores the U.S. government's heightened commitment to removing Maduro from power.
Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, elaborates on Maduro’s alleged activities:
"Maduro uses foreign terrorist organizations like TDA, Sinaloa, and Cartel of the Suns to bring deadly drugs and violence into our country."
[00:12]
Previously, the bounty was set at $25 million, reflecting the increasing urgency and determination to target Maduro's regime.
2. Potential Summit: President Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelensky
The discussion shifts to international diplomacy as Lisa Lacera mentions President Trump's willingness to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The situation remains fluid, especially in light of concerns that Putin might renege on an earlier agreement to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Peter Doocy provides insight into the White House's stance:
"White House officials insist they haven't agreed to anything."
[00:37]
Putin has expressed a preference for holding the meeting in the United Arab Emirates, proposing a bilateral discussion between himself and Trump, followed by a trilateral meeting including Zelensky. This arrangement aims to facilitate dialogue among the three leaders, though uncertainty remains whether Zelensky will participate as initially planned.
3. Ambush and Tragedy in Rural Thompson County
A tragic incident unfolded in rural Thompson County, where two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were ambushed. Lisa Lacera reports that State Police Corporal Christopher Paris disclosed the harrowing details:
"A woman was killed by her 61-year-old neighbor before they were ambushed by several rounds of rifle fire."
[00:51]
Both troopers sustained injuries and were hospitalized, while the suspect was neutralized. The violent attack highlights ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in rural areas.
4. Air Force Policy on Early Retirement for Transgender Service Members
Turning to military affairs, Jessica Rosenthal discusses controversial policy changes within the Air Force affecting transgender service members:
"Younger transgender service members in the Air Force were offered a lump sum to leave voluntarily or be involuntarily separated. Those who've served for 15 to 18 years are now being offered the same deal."
[01:19]
Traditionally, retirement benefits commence after 20 years of service. However, the denial of early retirement benefits to those nearing this milestone has sparked debate, especially in contrast to other military branches. For instance, the Navy permits early retirement benefits for those with 15 years of service.
5. Rise in Anti-Semitic Hate Crimes in Clayton, Missouri
Peter Doocy reports a disturbing increase in anti-Semitic activities in Clayton, Missouri, a peaceful suburb of St. Louis:
"At 3am, people were abruptly awakened as cars erupted in flames... the fires were ignited by hate and directed at one of their Jewish neighbors."
[02:30]
The victim, an American citizen and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) veteran, had recently returned from combat when his neighborhood was targeted. Investigations revealed hateful graffiti proclaiming "death to the idf," intensifying the gravity of the hate crime. With support from President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi, the FBI has classified the incident as a hate crime, intensifying the investigation with specialized bomb and arson units.
6. Job Market Update: Signs of a "No Hire, No Fire" Economy
Mike Tobin provides an analysis of the current job market, indicating a precarious balance between hiring and layoffs:
"Companies are apparently still reluctant to lay off staff. New claims for unemployment benefits rose by just 6,000 last week to 226,000. The forecast was for 221,000 new claims, but it's not much change."
[03:20]
Despite a slight increase in new unemployment claims, the persistent rise in continuing claims—now at 1.97 million for the week ending July 26th—marks the highest level in over three and a half years. This surge suggests that while layoffs are not widespread, the creation of new jobs is slowing, forcing laid-off workers to remain on unemployment benefits longer as they seek new employment opportunities.
7. Major Business Merger Closes Amid Market Fluctuations
The podcast highlights a significant business merger valued at $8 billion, integrating major TV networks such as CBS and MTV along with various streaming services under a unified corporate umbrella. This merger received regulatory approval just two weeks prior from the Trump administration, signaling a major consolidation in the media industry.
Lisa Lacera notes the immediate market reactions:
"The Dow lost 224. The Nasdaq added 73, closed at a record high and the S&P fell by 5."
[04:04]
The divergent movement between major stock indices reflects investor uncertainty and varied sector performances in response to the merger.
Conclusion
This edition of the Fox News Hourly Update covers a broad spectrum of critical issues, from international diplomacy and national security to economic trends and significant business developments. Notable quotes from key figures like Pam Bondi and Peter Doocy provide depth and firsthand perspectives, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the latest events shaping the national and global landscape.
This summary is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the Fox News Hourly Update podcast episode released on August 8, 2025. For the full transcript and additional details, listeners are encouraged to tune into the original broadcast.