10PM ET 07/17/2025 Newscast

Summary

Fox News Hourly Update Episode: 10PM ET 07/17/2025 Newscast
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Host/Author: FOX News Podcasts

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1. White House Responds to Epstein Investigation Demands

[00:02] Lisa Licera opens the newscast by highlighting White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt's strong reaction to Democratic calls for the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

Caroline Levitt criticized the Democrats, stating:

“The Democrats had control of this building, the White House for four years and they didn't do a dang thing when it came to transparency in regards to Jeffrey Epstein and his heinous crimes.” [00:15]

Levitt emphasized that President Biden does not support a special counsel investigation but has instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release any additional credible information pertaining to the case. This stance underscores the administration's commitment to transparency while resisting external pressures for further investigation.

2. Immigration Authorities Access Medicaid Data

Lisa Licera reports on a significant development in immigration enforcement. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials will now have access to personal information of all 79 million Medicaid enrollees, as per an agreement signed on Monday between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Homeland Security.

This move aims to enhance ICE's ability to track migrants who may be residing in the country illegally by utilizing comprehensive health data for identification and enforcement purposes.

3. Federal Charges Against Yariana Julia Calderon

In a notable legal case, Caroline Levitt details the situation of Yariana Julia Calderon, a Mexican national facing federal charges for orchestrating a bogus kidnapping to manipulate immigration authorities.

Caroline Levitt explains:

“Yuriana Julia Calderon is charged with making false statements to a federal officer and conspiracy. Federal prosecutors say the Mexican national created an elaborate hoax, claiming she was kidnapped by ICE bounty hunters in a Los Angeles parking lot and held against her will for refusing to sign self deportation documents.” [01:01]

Investigation revealed that Calderon fabricated the entire story, including falsifying photos of her supposed rescue to appear as though she was abused while in ICE custody. Her intention was to garner public sympathy and increase donations to a fraudulent GoFundMe page. A Homeland Security official condemned her actions, stating:

“Diverting critical law enforcement resources is not only reckless and irresponsible, but it also endangers the community.” [01:31]

Lisa Licera adds that Calderon faces a maximum of five years in prison for both conspiracy and false statements, emphasizing the severity of her offenses. Additionally, there is an unrelated update regarding the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" by CBS, effective May of the following year.

4. Bryan Kohberger’s Murder Case and Gag Order Lifted

Lisa Licera updates listeners on the high-profile murder case of Bryan Kohberger. Jessica Rosenthal provides a detailed account of recent courtroom developments.

Jessica Rosenthal reports:

“Bryan Coburger agreed to plead guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho college students, removing the death penalty as a possible punishment. But all sides were back in court Thursday with media representatives who asked for the gag order in the case to now be lifted.” [03:05]

Judge Stephen Hippler granted the lifting of the non-disclosure agreement but maintained the sealing of previously confidential documents:

“Lifting the non dissemination order does not convert sealed documents to unsealed documents. Documents previously sealed by the court are still sealed.” [03:31]

Rosenthal notes that media petitions to unseal all documents were denied, and Kohberger's sentencing is scheduled for July 23rd. This decision allows for greater media coverage while maintaining certain restrictions to protect sensitive information.

5. Emergency in North Carolina Following Tropical Storm Chantal

Lisa Licera reports that North Carolina has declared an emergency in the wake of Tropical Storm Chantal, which has caused severe flooding and resulted in at least six fatalities. The state's response includes mobilizing resources and providing assistance to affected communities as they begin recovery efforts.

6. Economic Indicators: Retail Sales and Job Market Update

Jenny Costella provides an economic update, highlighting that consumer spending in June surpassed expectations, signaling a resilient economy.

Jenny Costella states:

“Shopping picked up in June much more than expected. Retail sales rose 0.6% after a decline in May. Excluding autos, the increase is 0.5% and is up 0.6% excluding autos and gasoline.” [04:05]

Despite the uptick in consumer spending, the job market shows mixed signals. While new claims for unemployment benefits declined by 7,000 to 221,000 last week—the lowest since April—continuing claims have risen to 1.95 million, indicating that while fewer people are currently filing for unemployment, those already receiving benefits are maintaining their claims. Costella remarks:

“While spending increased in June, the job market continues to show signs of holding up.” [04:05]

7. Rising Mortgage Rates

Lisa Licera concludes the segment with an update on mortgage rates, noting a slight increase for the second consecutive week. The average rate for a 30-year mortgage has risen to 6.75% from 6.72% the previous week, according to Freddie Mac. Interestingly, this rate is comparable to the average from a year ago, which stood at 6.77%.

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This comprehensive update from Fox News covers significant political developments, immigration enforcement actions, high-profile legal cases, natural disasters, and key economic indicators, providing listeners with a detailed overview of the day's most pressing issues.

Transcript

[Lisa Licera]

She calls it hypocrisy. I'm Lisa Licera. Fox News. White House press Secretary Caroline Levitt lashing out at Democrats as they call for documents related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein to be released.

[Caroline Levitt]

The Democrats had control of this building, the White House for four years and they didn't do a dang thing when it came to transparency in regards to Jeffrey Epstein and his heinous crimes.

[Lisa Licera]

Levitt says the president does not support a special counsel investigation but has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to report release any additional credible information about the case. Immigration officials will gain access to personal information for all 79 million Medicaid enrollees. That's according to the Associated Press. ICE officials plan to use it to track migrants who may be in the country illegally. The agreement was signed Monday between officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Homeland Security. A woman in Los Angeles faces federal charges accused of staging a kidnapping in and blaming immigration officials.

[Caroline Levitt]

Yuriana Julia Calderon is charged with making false statements to a federal officer and conspiracy. Federal prosecutors say the Mexican national created an elaborate hoax, claiming she was kidnapped by ICE bounty hunters in a Los Angeles parking lot and held against her will for refusing to sign self deportation documents. According to officials. Video surveillance and telephone records demonstrate she fabricated the entire story, faking photos of her alleged rescue made to look as if she was abused while in ICE custody and planned to hold a press conference to increase donations to a GoFundMe page. A Homeland Security official says diverting critical law enforcement resources is not only reckless and irresponsible, but it also endangers the community.

[Lisa Licera]

Fox's Kristen Goodwin Calderon faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy and up to five years on the false statements charge. Stephen Colbert's Late show has been canceled by cbs. The network says the show will end in May of next year. America's listening to Fox News.

[Kristen Goodwin]

It's an interesting time for business. Tariff and trade policies are dynamic, supply chains are squeezed and cash flow tighter than ever. If your business can't adapt in real time, you're in a world of hurt. You need total visibility from global shipments to tariff impacts to real time cash flow. That's NetSuite by Oracle, your AI powered business management suite trusted by over 42,000 businesses. NetSuite is the number one cloud ERP for many reasons. It brings accounting, financial management, inventory, HR into one suite. You have one source of truth giving you the visibility and control you need to make quick decisions. With real time forecasting, you're peering into the future. With actionable data and with AI embedded throughout, you can automate a lot of those everyday tasks, letting your team stay strategic. Netsuite helps you know what's stuck, what it's costing you and how to pivot fast. If your revenues are at least in the seven figures, download the free ebook Navigating Global Trade. Free insights for [e-mail] fox that's netsuite.com.

[Lisa Licera]

Fox the judge overseeing Bryan Kohberger's murder case has lifted the gag order that's been in place for over two years.

[Jessica Rosenthal]

Bryan Coburger agreed to plead guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho college students, removing the death penalty as a possible punishment. But all sides were back in court Thursday with media representatives who asked for the gag order in the case to now be lifted. The judge did agree to lift what was called the non dissemination agreement, however.

[Jenny Costella]

Lifting the non dissemination order that does not convert sealed documents to unsealed documents. Documents previously sealed by the court are still sealed. Now I see the media also filed a petition to be heard to unseal everything. I'm denying that.

[Jessica Rosenthal]

Judge Stephen Hippler says it will take time to review the sealed documents. Coburger's sentencing is scheduled for July 23rd. Jessica Rosenthal, Fox News A state of.

[Lisa Licera]

Emergency declared in North Carolina after Tropical Storm Chantal caused severe flooding and at least six deaths. Americans were spending more than expected last month.

[Jenny Costella]

Shopping picked up in June much more than expected. Retail sales rose 0.6% after a decline in May. Excluding autos, the increase is 0.5% and is up 0.6% excluding autos in gasoline. While spending increased in June, the job market continues to show signs of holding up. New claims for unemployment benefits declined 7,000 to 221,000 last week. It's the lowest level since April, though it may be harder to find a new job. Continuing claims, those remaining on Benefits rose to 1.95 million. Jenny Costella, Fox News the average rate.

[Lisa Licera]

On a 30 year mortgage rose for the second week in a row. It's now 6.75% from 6.72% last week. As according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac, a year ago the rate averaged 6.77%. I'm Lisa Lucera. This is FOX News.

[Kristen Goodwin]

It's an interesting time for business. Tariff and trade policies are dynamic. Supply chains are squeezed and cash flow tighter than ever. If your business can't adapt in real time, you're in a world of hurt. You need total visibility from global shipments to tariff impacts to real time cash flow. That's NetSuite by Oracle, your AI powered business management suite. Trusted by over 42,000 businesses, NetSuite is the number one Cloud ERP for many reasons. It brings accounting, financial management, inventory, HR into one suite. You have one source of truth, giving you the visibility and control you need to make quick decisions. With real time forecasting, you're peering into the future with actionable data. And with AI embedded throughout, you can automate a lot of those everyday tasks, letting your team stay strategic. Netsuite helps you know what's stuck, what it's costing you, and how to pivot fast. If your revenues are at least in the seven figures, download the free ebook Navigating Global 3 Insights for Leaders at netsuite.com fox. That's netsuite. Com fox.