Fox News Hourly Update: 8PM ET 08/21/2025 Newscast

Date: August 22, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts

Overview

This episode features a brisk update on major national news events, with a focus on state and federal political developments, campus safety updates, legal disputes in Los Angeles government, US immigration agreements, and advances in government adoption of artificial intelligence. The reporting style remains direct and fact-focused, featuring notable political voices and official statements.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. California Redistricting Ballot Measure

• Governor Gavin Newsom signs legislation to put the state's new redistricting maps before voters in November.

• Newsom frames the move as a historic, democratic step for California.

  • Quote:

    "We'll be the first state in U.S. history to, in the most democratic way, submit to the people of our state the ability to determine their own maps."
    — Governor Gavin Newsom [00:13]

• Newsom also criticizes President Trump, suggesting that GOP-led redistricting in Texas aims to keep Republicans in power amid Trump’s declining popularity.

  • Quote:

    "President Trump is increasingly unpopular... the redrawing of congressional maps in Texas to favor Republicans as part of his plan to keep Republicans in power."
    — Lisa Licera (paraphrasing Newsom) [00:25]

• Newsom asserts:

  "We got here because he recognizes that he will lose the election. Congress will go back into the hands of the Democratic Party next November."
  — Governor Gavin Newsom [00:34]

2. Texas Congressional Redistricting

• Texas House passes legislation to redraw congressional maps, potentially creating five new Republican-favored districts. [00:43]

3. Villanova University Shooter Hoax

• Incident: Reports of an active shooter at Villanova University were determined to be a hoax.
  • Law student Neemchuck describes the fear and subsequent relief:
    • Quote:

      "Initially we were definitely afraid for our own safety. We ran off campus and a nice man let us into his home, Nick."
      — Neemchuck, law student [01:01]

    • Neemchuck recounts barricading in the library following the campus alert.
    • Ends with a hopeful message:

      "Hopefully everyone can move on from this situation in a good manner and continue on with their lives."
      — Neemchuck [01:17]

• Police confirmed no shooter, no injuries, and no weapons on campus; the campus is declared all-clear. [01:22]

4. New Jersey U.S. Attorney Legal Dispute

• Attorney General Pam Bondi announces intent to appeal after federal judge rules that former Trump lawyer Alina Habba was unlawfully serving as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey past the expiration of her interim term. The judge says administration bypassed required Senate confirmation procedure. [01:31]

5. Legal Action Against Los Angeles City Government

• Former LA Fire Chief Kristen Crowley files a legal claim for defamation and retaliation against the city and Mayor Karen Bass.
  • Crowley alleges smear campaign in response to her claims of LAFD underfunding and understaffing post-major LA fires.
  • Quote:

    "Did they fail you?"
    — City Hall to Crowley [03:56]
    "Yes."
    — Kristen Crowley, Former LA Fire Chief [03:56]

• Crowley was demoted, and a lawsuit appears likely. The mayor's office has not commented. [03:56–04:07]

6. US-Uganda Agreement on Deported Migrants

• Uganda agrees to accept deported migrants from the US, as long as they are not criminals or unaccompanied minors. [04:07]

7. Government AI Adoption: Google/Gemini Deal

• Google strikes major deal to provide its Gemini AI products to US Government agencies at $0.47 per agency, under the GSA’s One Gov initiative.
  • Follows similar deals with Anthropic, OpenAI, and XAI to advance federal AI adoption at low cost.
  • Quote:

    "The agreement is struck under GSA's One Gov initiative to modernize federal business practices."
    — Eben Brown, Fox News [04:22]

  • The deal lasts through next year. [04:22–05:00]

8. James Dobson (Focus on the Family Founder) Dies at 89

• Dr. James Dobson, founder of the conservative Christian ministry "Focus on the Family" and a political campaigner against abortion and LGBTQ rights, passes away at 89. [05:00]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Governor Newsom on redistricting democracy:

  "We'll be the first state in U.S. history to, in the most democratic way, submit to the people of our state the ability to determine their own maps." [00:13]

• Student reality during Villanova hoax:

  "Initially we were definitely afraid for our own safety. We ran off campus and a nice man let us into his home, Nick." — Neemchuck [01:01]

• Kristen Crowley on City Hall's response:

  "Did they fail you?" — City Hall interviewer
  "Yes." — Kristen Crowley [03:56]

• Federal approach to AI:

  "The agreement is struck under GSA's One Gov initiative to modernize federal business practices." — Eben Brown [04:22]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:02] — California Redistricting Ballot Initiatives & Newsom’s Statements
• [00:43] — Texas Congressional Redistricting Bill
• [00:55–01:22] — Villanova University Active Shooter Hoax
• [01:31] — New Jersey U.S. Attorney Dispute
• [03:20–03:56] — LA Fire Chief Legal Claim & Retaliation Allegations
• [04:07] — US-Uganda Migrant Agreement
• [04:22] — Google Government AI Deal
• [05:00] — James Dobson’s Death Announcement

This episode offers a whirlwind national update with sharp focus on political processes (redistricting), public safety, government legal disputes, international cooperation on immigration, and technological advancement in the federal government. The reporting remains concise, with direct quotes and succinct context, making it accessible even for those who missed the broadcast.