Fox News Hourly Update Episode: 10PM ET 07/16/2025 Newscast Release Date: July 17, 2025
1. Federal Budget Cuts and Legislative Challenges
The Senate is actively deliberating a series of amendments aimed at reducing the federal budget by $9 billion. This legislative package primarily targets cuts in foreign aid and public broadcasting. Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the gravity of the situation during his appearance on Fox's Special Report with Bret Baier, stating, "[00:12] John Thune: 'We just don't have any options anymore. We run out of options. We've got to start doing the hard work. And it is, it's politically fraught. I mean, the Democrats are going to, you're not going to get help from a single Democrat.'"
Thune highlighted the bipartisan challenges ahead, indicating that securing Democratic support for the proposed budget cuts is highly unlikely. If the Senate approves the amendments, the bill will proceed to the House for final approval, setting the stage for intense legislative negotiations.
2. Immigration Policies and Deportation Proceedings
Recent developments in U.S. immigration policies have garnered significant attention. Lisa Lacera reported on the ongoing legal battle involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man from Maryland who was wrongfully deported. Garcia’s legal team is contesting a human smuggling charge from 2022 in Tennessee. A federal judge is expected to deliver a ruling as early as next week, a decision that will determine whether Garcia faces deportation back to El Salvador.
In a related update, Lillian Wu detailed the Trump administration's renewed efforts to deport individuals to third countries. Five immigrant detainees from Vietnam, Laos, Jamaica, Cuba, and Yemen have been deported to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). The administration has labeled these deportees as "criminal illegal aliens," with convictions ranging from child rape to murder. An official from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that these individuals were deemed too "uniquely barbaric" for their home countries to accept them back. This action follows a Supreme Court decision three weeks prior, which cleared the way for the U.S. to resume deportations to countries other than the migrants' countries of origin.
3. Tensions Between the Trump Administration and the Federal Reserve
In economic news, Lisa Lacera reported that President Trump is unlikely to follow through on his earlier indications of dismissing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. This development comes after Powell suggested in a private meeting that he might support Powell's continued leadership. Despite Trump's public criticisms, where he has urged Powell to lower interest rates to combat inflation, the president seems hesitant to make an abrupt change. "[01:35] Lisa Lacera: President Trump says it's highly unlikely that he will fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell this coming hours after he suggested in a private meeting that he was leaning in favor of dismissing him."
Trump's stance underscores the complex relationship between the executive branch and the Federal Reserve, highlighting ongoing debates over monetary policy and inflation control.
4. Legal Settlements: Boeing and Alaska Airlines
A significant lawsuit involving Boeing and Alaska Airlines has been settled, concluding the legal saga stemming from last year's incident where a door plug blew out of a Boeing 737 Max jet. Kristin Goodwin provided detailed coverage on the settlement, noting that attorneys for the three plaintiffs agreed to resolve the case without disclosing the terms. The plaintiffs, who were onboard the flight from Oregon to California when the incident occurred at 16,000 feet, initially sought $1 billion in damages. Fortunately, the plane landed safely with no injuries, although the National Transportation Safety Board attributed the incident to Boeing's oversight lapses, specifically missing bolts in the door plug panel.
The lawsuit's dismissal with prejudice means the plaintiffs cannot refile the same claim in the future. This resolution follows Boeing’s earlier payment of $160 million to Alaska Airlines to cover losses resulting from the incident.
5. Corruption Charges Against Louisiana Police Chiefs
Federal authorities have taken action against three current and former police chiefs in Louisiana, accusing them of accepting bribes. These bribes were allegedly exchanged for the filing of false police reports, facilitating non-citizens in obtaining visas that allow certain crime victims to remain in the United States. This revelation highlights ongoing issues of corruption within law enforcement agencies and its impact on immigration and visa processes.
6. America's Top Boom Towns: Economic Growth in the South
The latest housing list, determined by LendingTree, reveals that eight of America's ten biggest boom towns are located in the South, with Texas and Florida leading the charge. The rankings were based on factors such as median earnings, population growth, active workforce, and gross domestic product changes from 2021 through 2023. Austin, Texas secured the top spot, followed by Orlando, North Port, Nashville, and Cape Coral in Florida. The list also includes Colorado Springs, Denver, Lakeland, Deltona, and Charleston, South Carolina.
Furthermore, CNBC’s annual list of the best states to do business in positions North Carolina as the top state, followed by Texas and Florida. This trend underscores the South's growing economic influence and attractiveness for businesses and residents alike.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights presented in the Fox News Hourly Update for July 16, 2025, providing a clear overview for those who did not listen to the episode.