Fox News Hourly Update - August 21, 2025

Main Theme

This episode provides a rapid-fire overview of the day’s major national headlines, with a particular focus on an urgent (and ultimately false) report of an active shooter at Villanova University. Other big stories covered include severe weather impacting the East Coast, a major Supreme Court decision on NIH funding, updates on the Breonna Taylor investigation, Walmart's mixed earnings, and the state of the U.S. housing market.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Villanova University Active Shooter Report (Hoax)

• [00:01 - 00:31]

  • Lead Story: Lisa Licera opens with a breaking news alert: "A report of an active shooter on a college campus. I'm Li Cilicera. Villanova University outside Philadelphia on lockdown."
  • Police and campus security responded after a report was posted online. Students and locals were told to shelter in place. The university’s alert system directed students to “lock and barricade doors and move to secure locations.” An additional alert instructed people to avoid the law school.
  • Context: Classes haven't started yet; students are there for orientation and registration.
  • Ensuing revelation (noted in the episode title/description, but not detailed on air): the shooting report was later confirmed to be a hoax.

  Memorable Moment:
  “Students taking to social media to say the university's alert system told them to lock and barricade doors and move to secure locations.” — News Reporter ([00:19])

2. Political Updates & Government Activity

• [00:31 - 00:56]
  • President Trump thanks law enforcement officers at an event in Washington, D.C.
  • Vice President Vance and Defense Chief Hegseth visited National Guard soldiers at Union Station.

3. State of Emergency in North Carolina: Hurricane Erin

• [00:31 - 01:15]
  • Hurricane Erin moves away from the East Coast, but dangerous rip currents and coastal flooding persist.
  • FOX Weather's Mike Sidell gives a live update from Kitty Hawk:
    “Unfortunately, here at Kitty Hawk, the high tide right after sunrise did not reach the dune. It got right up to the edge of the fence.” ([00:56])
  • Some flooding possible down in Carteret County with onshore winds.

4. Supreme Court Ruling on NIH Funding & DEI Initiatives

• [01:15 - 01:59]
  • The Supreme Court allows the HARP administration to redirect $783 million in research funding away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
  • The conservative majority lifted a lower court order that had blocked these cuts, in line with President Trump's priorities.
  • Plaintiffs warned of potential “incalculable losses in public health and human life.”

5. Criminal Justice Update: Breonna Taylor Case

• [02:15 - 02:48]
  • Serious charges dropped against two former Louisville police officers accused of providing false information for the warrant that led to Breonna Taylor's death.
  • The officers (Joshua James and Kyle Meaney) still face lesser charges. Their attorney, Thomas Clay, promises more disclosure:
    “There's more to the story which will come out...” ([02:40])
  • Context: Taylor died when officers executed a search warrant and her boyfriend opened fire; no drugs were found in her home.

6. Business News: Walmart Earnings and Price Increases

• [03:16 - 03:49]
  • Walmart increased prices on about 10% of its items to offset tariffs but continues to be seen as a value destination.
  • The company is selling more fresh food, pantry essentials, and OTC medicines.
  • CFO John David Rainey: a third of Walmart’s goods come from outside the US; one-time expenses hurt earnings.
  • Retail analyst Gerald Storch comments on Walmart's resilience:
    “They're winning this game and they're doing great. I would not bet against Walmart.” ([03:45])

7. US Housing Market Update

• [03:54 - 04:13]
  • Sales of previously occupied homes rose by 2% month-over-month, and 0.8% year-over-year (National Association of Realtors data).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The lockdown at Villanova:
  “All nearby residents and students are asked to shelter in place at this time.” — Radnor Township Police Department ([00:12])

• Student anxiety on social media:
  “The university's alert system told them to lock and barricade doors and move to secure locations.” — News Reporter ([00:19])

• On Walmart’s market presence:
  “They're winning this game and they're doing great. I would not bet against Walmart.” — Gerald Storch ([03:45])

• Attorney’s statement in Breonna Taylor case:
  “There's more to the story which will come out...” — Thomas Clay, as paraphrased by Jeff Manaso ([02:40])

Important Timestamps

• 00:01 – Initial report of active shooter at Villanova University
• 00:19 – Student reactions and university alert details
• 00:31 – Political event updates
• 00:56 – Hurricane Erin update from FOX Weather’s Mike Sidell
• 01:15 – Ongoing storm threats for East Coast residents
• 01:59 – NIH funding Supreme Court decision
• 02:21 – Breonna Taylor warrant officers’ charges dropped
• 03:16 – Walmart price hikes and analyst perspective
• 03:54 – US housing market sales data

Tone

The show maintains FOX News’ trademark brisk, straightforward style, with rapid transitions between stories. The language is urgent and concise, especially during breaking news segments. Interview snippets and expert opinions keep the coverage lively and informative.

Summary

This episode captures a high-stakes moment with the Villanova University lockdown, quickly contextualizes concurrent national events—from major court rulings to hurricane threats—delivers sharp business updates, and revisits a headline-making criminal justice case. Listeners are kept alert and informed with real-time reporting, expert quotes, and a stream of tightly packed, relevant news.