Fox News Hourly Update – 8PM ET – 08/20/2025

Host: Ted Lindner (FOX News Podcasts)
Broadcast Date: August 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This tightly packed newscast delivers the latest top stories as of the evening of August 20, 2025. The Fox News Hourly Update covers significant national and international developments, including Texas’ high-stakes redistricting battle, severe weather threats from Hurricane Aaron, major law enforcement shifts in Washington, D.C., tense U.S.-Russia-Ukraine negotiations, and growing turmoil at the Federal Reserve amid demands for high-profile resignations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Texas Redistricting Battle

• [00:02] Ted Lindner reports Texas Republicans have taken a pivotal step, advancing House Bill 4 to approve new congressional maps.
  • The maps are projected to give Republicans up to five new House seats, likely sparking a wider national fight over political representation.
  • The Texas House vote: 88 ayes to 52 nays; more votes are pending.

2. Hurricane Aaron Threatens the East Coast

• [00:38] Steve Bender (Fox Weather) gives a live update from Wrightsville Beach, NC:
  • There is a “major threat” of storm surge inland into North Carolina and even Virginia, with three to four feet of flooding expected in vulnerable areas such as Hatteras Island, Nags Head, and Kitty Hawk.
  • “Tropical storm force winds anywhere for 40 to 70 mile per hour winds constantly through Wednesday evening into the day on Thursday.” — Steve Bender, [00:38]
  • Multiple high-tide cycles are predicted to worsen flooding, and the Outer Banks are already seeing precursors to Aaron’s landfall.

3. Crime, Policing, and New Curfews in Washington, D.C.

• [01:14] David Spunt (FOX News) details the Trump administration’s evolving approach:
  • U.S. Marshals are now offering $500 rewards for tips leading to arrests amid a federal public safety “surge.”
  • Notably, federal officials direct local prosecutors not to seek felony charges in some gun possession cases, specifically for carrying rifles or shotguns.
  • “A youth curfew goes into effect Thursday evening in parts of Washington.” — David Spunt, [01:24]
• [01:47] Ted Lindner mentions VP J.D. Vance and other senior Trump officials visiting National Guard troops in D.C., where they are met by protesters.

4. Russia Pushes Back on Peace Deal Progress

• [02:32] Russia’s Foreign Minister pushes back against reports of progress between U.S. and European leaders on a peace deal over the Ukraine war.
  • The Kremlin insists on being included in any Ukrainian security guarantees.
  • “Seriously discussing security issues without the Russian Federation is an utopia, a road to nowhere.” — Sergey Lavrov (via translation), [02:57]
  • Russian media further state that only the five permanent UN Security Council members should provide such guarantees, effectively granting Russia and China veto power.

5. Federal Reserve Turmoil: Calls for Resignations

• [03:16] Jackie Heinrich (FOX News) and Edward Lawrence (Fox Business) cover escalating demands from the Trump administration:
  • Administration officials call for Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to resign after a Trump ally, Bill Pulte, accuses her of mortgage fraud regarding two 2021 property purchases.
    • Pulte alleges Cook misrepresented the properties’ status and rented one out, a potential breach of lending rules.
    • “I have no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet. … I am gathering accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts.” — Lisa Cook, [03:32]
  • Demands for Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's resignation persist, but Powell refuses, pledging to serve the rest of his term.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Steve Bender on Hurricane Aaron’s Impact:
  “Storm surge is a major threat for North Carolina tonight, even into coastal Virginia … three to four feet above dry ground. With that tropical storm force winds anywhere for 40 to 70 mile per hour winds constantly through Wednesday evening into the day on Thursday.” [00:38]

• Sergey Lavrov on Security Talks:
  “Seriously discussing security issues without the Russian Federation is an utopia, a road to nowhere.” [02:57]

• Lisa Cook Responds to Calls for Resignation:
  “I have no intention of being bullied to step down from my position … I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve, and also I am gathering accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts.” [03:32]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Texas Redistricting Advances | 00:02 | | Hurricane Aaron Update (Steve Bender, NC) | 00:38 | | Washington, D.C.: Crime Crackdown & Youth Curfews | 01:14 | | VP JD Vance meets National Guard | 01:47 | | Russia Rebuts Ukraine Peace Progress | 02:32 | | Sergey Lavrov’s Security Statement | 02:57 | | Fed Gov. Lisa Cook Mortgage Fraud Allegations | 03:16 | | Cook’s Statement & Powell’s Status | 03:32-04:16|

Summary

The August 20th, 8PM Fox News update delivers authoritative, fast-moving coverage on the redrawing of Texas voting maps, mounting hurricane risks for the Atlantic coast, new tactics in D.C. law enforcement and policing, fraught diplomacy over Ukraine, and unprecedented political pressure on the leadership of the Federal Reserve. The episode’s brisk, headline-driven tone gives listeners a comprehensive sense of the evening’s most urgent stories, complete with direct quotes and on-the-ground reporting.