Fox News Hourly Update: 10 AM ET, July 17, 2025
Hosted by Fox News Radio, this edition of the Fox News Hourly Update delivers a comprehensive overview of the latest national and international news, economic developments, and significant events shaping the day. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed during the newscast.
1. Rescissions Bill Passes in the Senate
A Historic Move for President Trump
In a significant legislative development, the Senate approved a rescissions bill at 2 AM, marking a historic victory for President Trump. The bill, approved primarily by Republicans, aims to retract federal funding for the first time in decades. The total amount involved is $9 billion, predominantly targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting.
Key Details:
- Funding Cuts: The bill seeks to reduce funding for organizations like NPR and PBS, which Republicans accuse of having a liberal bias.
- Republican Perspectives: Ayesha Hosny reported, “This was historic and a big win for President Trump” (00:08).
- Moderate Republican Opposition: Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murdock voted against the bill. Collins expressed concerns, stating, “00:28 Nobody really knows what program reductions are actually in it.” Murdock opposed the procedural shift from a reconciliation bill to a rescissions package.
Democratic Response: Senate Minority Leader Dick Durbin criticized the bill, asserting, “The bill tarnishes America's reputation as a global leader” (00:43).
2. International Affairs: Gaza Conflict Escalates
Pope Leo Calls for Ceasefire Amidst Tragic Attacks
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has seen renewed calls for peace following a devastating Israeli airstrike on the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in the Palestinian territory. The attack resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injured several others, including Father Gabriel Romanelli, a close confidant of the late Pope Francis.
Details of the Incident:
- Location: Northern Gaza, Holy Family Church (00:57)
- Casualties: Two killed, multiple injured, including clergy and parishioners.
- Experimental Witness Account: A witness described the event, “01:42 ‘There was no thunder. There was no rain... It just... hit a tree real close by here. The earth exploded. Dirt went flying everywhere.’”
International Reactions: Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgio Maloney, condemned the attack, stating, “Months of attacks on civilians are unacceptable” (00:57). Pope Leo has reiterated his plea for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and destruction.
3. Severe Weather and Accidents
Tropical Storm Threat and Fatal Lightning Strike
A weather system currently affecting the Gulf Coast is not yet classified as a tropical storm but poses significant flooding risks. States including Louisiana and Mississippi are under flood watches and warnings, with some areas potentially experiencing up to a foot of rain.
Accident Report: In Jackson Township, New Jersey, a tragic accident occurred when a lightning bolt struck an archery range, resulting in one fatality and thirteen injuries.
Eyewitness Testimony: An unnamed witness recounted the event: “01:42 ‘It's just the finger of God went and pointed down and hit a tree real close by here. The earth exploded. Dirt went flying everywhere.’”
4. Economic Updates
Stock Market and Retail Sales Surge
Wall Street showed positive movement this morning, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up by 163 points, the NASDAQ rising by 101 points to add to its previous record high, and the S&P 500 increasing by 18 points.
Retail Sales Growth: Jenny Cosola reported, “Retail sales rose 0.6% after a decline in excluding autos. The increase is 0.5% and is up 0.6% excluding autos and gasoline” (02:31). This indicates a robust consumer spending environment despite challenges in the job market.
Unemployment Insights: Job market data revealed a decline in new unemployment claims by 7,000 to 221,000 last week—the lowest level since April. However, continuing claims rose to 1.95 million, suggesting sustained challenges in the labor market (02:31).
5. Infrastructure and Federal Funding
Trump Criticizes California High-Speed Rail Project
President Trump has labeled California's high-speed rail initiative as "a train to nowhere that's severely overpriced and overregulated." He has expressed his opposition to further funding of the project.
Government Action: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the termination of $4 billion in unspent federal funds allocated for the California high-speed rail. Duffy described the project as “a boondoggle” (03:12), highlighting issues such as:
- Original Plans: The rail line was intended to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco, with completion initially slated for 2020.
- Challenges: The project has faced significant delays and cost overruns, totaling around $100 billion, with no track laid yet.
State Response: California Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned the federal decision, declaring it “illegal” and vowing to contest the move in court (03:21).
6. Energy Sector Update
Oil Prices Increase Amidst Stable Gas Prices
Max Gordon from Fox Business Network reported a 25-cent rise in oil prices, bringing the cost above $66 per barrel. Despite the increase in oil prices, gas prices at the pump remained unchanged, with AAA’s national average for regular gasoline holding steady at $3.16 per gallon. This price is consistent with last week and last month but remains 35 cents cheaper than a year ago (03:54).
7. Additional Highlights
Podcast Promotion: Jason Chaffetz introduced his podcast, "Jason in the House," inviting listeners to delve deeper into political headlines and engage with notable guests. He encouraged audiences to join every Monday for insightful discussions (04:13).
Closing Remarks: Will Kane promoted the availability of live broadcasts and podcasts, urging listeners to stay connected with Fox News’ offerings (04:22).
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights presented during the Fox News Hourly Update. For real-time updates and more detailed coverage, tuning into Fox News Radio or visiting their official platforms is recommended.