Fox News Hourly Update – August 28, 2025

Host: Lisa Lucera, FOX News Podcasts
Episode Theme:
This episode delivers breaking national news, with a focused report on the investigation into the tragic mass shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis, updates on federal and state government actions, legal news, economic data, and crime prevention efforts from California.

1. Major Story: Minneapolis Catholic Church Shooting

Overview

• Two children killed, 18 injured in a shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church; suspect died by suicide.
• Ongoing investigation into the shooter's motives and background.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Motive and Investigation

  • Police emphasize shooter was "filled with hatred" and "obsessed with the thought of killing children" ([00:02], Lisa Lucera).
  • Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O. Harris: Evidence at the scene included three shotgun shells, 116 rifle rounds, a live but unused handgun round, and personal writings from the suspect ([00:18], [00:31]).
  • Chief Harris notes the suspect's primary motive included a desire for notoriety and a "deranged fascination with other mass shootings" ([00:49]).

• Media's Role in Reporting

  • Authorities urge media not to publicize the shooter’s name, referencing the shooter's stated pursuit of infamy ([00:43], Fox News Reporter).

• Family Response

  • Jesse Merkel, father of 8-year-old victim Fletcher, released a statement:

    “Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.” ([00:59], Jesse Merkel via reporter)

  • Merkel expressed hope for healing for both his family and the other victim’s family ([01:13], Lisa Lucera).

Notable Quotes

• “The shooter left behind writings that showed notoriety was one of the motives for Wednesday's killings...”
  — Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O. Harris ([00:31])

• “Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.”
  — Jesse Merkel, father of victim Fletcher ([00:59])

• “[The suspect] had a deranged fascination with other mass shootings.”
  — Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O. Harris ([00:49])

2. Federal Government Update

CDC Leadership Change

• Jim O’Neill appointed acting head of the CDC, replacing Susan Monarz who was forced out after disagreements on vaccine policy ([01:13]).
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary, described the CDC as “an agency that is very troubled” ([01:31], Fox News Reporter).

3. Legal News

Tyree Nichols Case

• Judge orders new trial for three former Memphis police officers previously convicted in the fatal beating of Tyree Nichols in 2023, following arguments of judicial bias ([01:33]).

Miami Attorney Bribery Case

• Prosecutors drop charges against prominent Miami defense attorney David Macy, accused in a DEA bribery conspiracy; charges to be formally dismissed in a year contingent on no further infractions ([03:17], Lisa Lucera).

4. Crime Prevention in California

Newsom’s Statewide Response

• Governor Gavin Newsom expands crime suppression teams with the California Highway Patrol, targeting high-crime urban regions, informed by “intelligence gathering” and “data-driven” strategies ([02:29]-[03:02]).

  • Teams: Minimum 15 operators each, includes K9s, officers, lieutenants, sergeants.
  • Positive impacts already seen—over 9,000 arrests, nearly 6,000 stolen vehicles recovered, and over 400 firearms seized.

• “These operations will be targeted... They’ll be unannounced efforts.”
  — Governor Gavin Newsom ([02:48])

• Newsom also noted California’s murder rate is lower than Republican-led states ([03:17], Lisa Lucera).

5. Economic Update

Key Data

• Q2 GDP revised upward to 3.3% growth: driven by increased corporate profits and consumer spending ([03:51], Economic Analyst).
• Q1 contraction explained by import surge rather than economic weakness.
• Layoffs remain low: New jobless claims fell by 5,000; continuing claims at 1.95 million ([03:51]).

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Minneapolis Shooting Investigation & Family Statement: [00:02]–[01:13]
• CDC Leadership Change: [01:13]–[01:33]
• Tyree Nichols Case/New Trial: [01:33]–[02:00]
• California Crime Suppression Teams: [02:29]–[03:17]
• Miami Bribery Case: [03:17]–[03:51]
• Economic News: [03:51]–[04:24]

Overall Tone and Takeaways

The episode delivers a somber but factual tone, especially regarding the Minneapolis church shooting, balancing the gravity of the tragedy with concise updates on national news, public policy, crime prevention, and economic trends. Authorities and affected families speak with a blend of heartbreak and resolve, while government and economic updates are presented with calm authority.