Fox News Hourly Update: 8PM ET 08/29/2025 – Episode Summary

Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, hosted by Lisa Lucera, delivers a concise yet thorough roundup of major national headlines from the evening of August 29, 2025. Topics span a federal court ruling on Trump-era tariffs, a significant data breach at FEMA, a halted execution in Utah, a deadly Legionnaires' outbreak in New York City, a high-profile manhunt related to the Sinaloa cartel, a notable Senate retirement, and a widespread product recall. The tone throughout is urgent and factual, typical of a primetime news bulletin.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Federal Appeals Court Rules Against Trump’s Broad Tariffs

• Summary: A federal court of appeals ruled that President Trump lacked authority to impose sweeping tariffs on most countries, upholding a lower court’s decision. However, the decision is stayed until October 14.
• Trump Administration Reaction: The White House vows to appeal to the Supreme Court.
  • Notable quote (Trump’s response): “The ruling will destroy the United States of America if it stands.” (00:19)
  • White House statement clarifies: The president “lawfully exercised the tariff powers...to defend our national and economic security from foreign threats… the tariffs remain in effect and we look forward to ultimate victory.” (00:25)
• Democratic Response: Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon praises the courts for curbing Trump’s tariff policy.
  • Quote: “Federal courts have repeatedly done what Republican senators won't do, say in black and white that Donald Trump's tariff spree is illegal and cannot continue.” (00:41)

2. FEMA IT Data Breach and Firings

• Summary: 24 FEMA IT staff—including the agency’s Chief Information Officer—were fired over failure to uphold security protocols, following discovery of a data breach.
• Details:
  • DHS Secretary Kristi Noem cited “failure at every level” in IT leadership. (01:09)
  • DHS says no sensitive data was confirmed stolen, but significant vulnerabilities gave a threat actor access to FEMA networks. (01:22)

3. Utah Execution of Dementia Patient Halted

• Context: The Utah Supreme Court blocked the scheduled execution of Ralph Leroy Menzies, convicted in 1986, due to his dementia.
  • Menzies had previously chosen the firing squad as his method of execution.
  • Significance: Raises ongoing debates about capital punishment and mental health.
• Quote/Note: “America’s listening to Fox News.” (01:51) [transition to next segment]

4. New York Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

• Summary: The NYC Health Department confirms bacteria from two city-operated buildings, including a hospital, match patient samples from a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Central Harlem that’s resulted in seven deaths. (02:30)

5. $10 Million Reward for El Chapo’s Son

• Details:
  • ICE offers $10 million for information leading to the capture of Ivan Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, son of imprisoned Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.
  • Salazar and his brothers are now considered top Sinaloa cartel leaders and major fentanyl exporters to the US.
  • Quote (Eben Brown): “The son and his brothers took over operation of the cartel and ICE considers them to be quite dangerous. Two of his brothers are already in federal prison. The Sinaloa’s are thought to be the main exporter of illicit fentanyl from Mexico to the US.” (02:48-03:27)

6. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst Will Not Seek Reelection

• Note: Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst will not run again, joining other GOP senators like Thom Tillis in the recent trend of departures. (03:27)

7. Recall on AirVent Attic Fans

• Summary: Nearly 3 million attic fan electric motors recalled (AirVent brand, 2003–2013 manufacture) due to fire risk, with 159 reported incidents.
• Advice: “Stop using immediately and contact [the company] for a refund.” (04:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump Tariffs Court Ruling:
  • "The ruling will destroy the United States of America if it stands.” — President Trump (via White House rep), (00:19)
  • “Federal courts have repeatedly done what Republican senators won't do, say in black and white that Donald Trump's tariff spree is illegal and cannot continue.” — Sen. Ron Wyden, (00:41)
• On FEMA Firings:
  • “The agency's IT leadership failed at every level.” — DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, (01:09)
• On Sinaloa Cartel Reward:
  • “He’s the son of Joaquin Guzman, otherwise known as El Chapo... The Sinaloa’s are thought to be the main exporter of illicit fentanyl from Mexico to the US.” — Eben Brown, (02:48-03:27)

Important Timestamps

• 00:02–00:41 — Trump tariff court ruling and political responses
• 00:59–01:22 — FEMA IT security failures and federal fallout
• 01:22–01:59 — Utah execution block, Ralph Leroy Menzies case
• 02:30–02:48 — NYC Legionnaires’ outbreak; link to city buildings
• 02:48–03:27 — $10 million reward for El Chapo’s son; Sinaloa cartel
• 03:27–03:43 — Senator Joni Ernst’s retirement news
• 03:43–04:23 — AirVent attic fans recall details

Wrap-Up

This episode of Fox News Hourly Update reflects the fast-paced format of radio news, succinctly covering top national issues with statements from key political figures and government agencies. From headline court decisions and government accountability to public safety and political change, the news coverage is sharp, topical, and impactful, providing listeners with a solid grasp of the day’s most pressing stories.