Fox News Hourly Update – July 19, 2025

The latest episode of the Fox News Hourly Update delivered a comprehensive overview of critical global and domestic issues, ranging from international prisoner exchanges and geopolitical tensions to significant events within the United States. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed during the 10 PM ET newscast on July 18, 2025.

1. US-Venezuela Prisoner Exchange and Migrant Deportations

Lisa Lacera opened the segment at [00:02] with breaking news about a significant prisoner swap between the United States and Venezuela:

"Venezuela has freed 10 Americans in exchange for hundreds of migrants deported from the US to El Salvador."

Kevin Cork provided further insights at [00:13], explaining the administration's involvement:

"The Trump administration had agreed to pay the country $6 million to house migrants in a notorious Salvadoran prison."

Highlighting the human aspect, Lisa Lacera detailed the situation of the released individuals at [00:28]:

"Among the Americans freed was 37-year-old Lucas Hunter, whose family says he was kidnapped in January by Venezuelan border guards from inside Colombia where he was vacationing."

This segment underscored the complexities of international relations and immigration policies, emphasizing the lengths to which governments may go to address migrant issues and diplomatic tensions.

2. Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Syria

At [00:28], Lisa Lacera reported on a significant development in the Middle East:

"The US Envoy to Syria says Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire following Israel's intervention this week in fighting between Syrian government forces and rival groups."

This agreement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflicts within the region, potentially paving the way for more stable relations and reduced hostilities.

3. Explosion at Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Training Facility

Robert Luna covered the tragic incident at [01:03], providing detailed information about the explosion:

"Three sworn members were fatally killed that were assigned to our arson explosives detail, saying no others were injured."

He continued, emphasizing the severity of the loss:

"This is the largest loss of life for the department since 1857."

The explosion at the Special Enforcement Bureau in East LA has prompted investigations by federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, as officials work to determine the cause of the blast.

4. Settlement in Former Governor Andrew Cuomo's Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Lisa Lacera addressed a significant legal development in New York at [01:44]:

"The state of New York has agreed to pay $450,000 to settle a lawsuit from an ex-aide to former Governor Andrew Cuomo who claimed he sexually harassed and groped her while he was in office."

This settlement brings closure to a high-profile case that has had substantial political and social implications within the state.

5. Charges Filed in Maine Paddleboarding Tragedy

At [03:05], Lisa Lacera reported on a concerning incident in Maine:

"Charges have been filed in the death of a paddleboarder who was reported missing."

Lillian Wu provided further details at [03:11]:

"A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection with the death of Sunshine Stewart, who did not return from a paddleboarding trip. Police say she died of strangulation and blunt force trauma."

The suspect, a local teenager, was apprehended without incident and is believed to be a frequent visitor to Crawford Sound, where Stewart's body was found. This case raises questions about youth behavior and safety in recreational areas.

6. Education Department to Release Withheld Grant Money and Emerging K-Pop Ban

Lisa Lacera delivered updates on the Education Department at [03:52]:

"The department plans to release previously withheld grant money for after-school programs. The Trump administration had withheld over $6 billion in grants on July 1, including over a billion for after-school programs as part of a spending review."

Additionally, she introduced a new geopolitical twist to the entertainment industry:

"A new K-pop ban has emerged with a geopolitical twist."

An Unknown speaker elaborated on this development at [04:12]:

"One Verse is a new K-pop group making headlines for more than just their music. Two of its five members, rapper Hyuk and singer Seok, defected from North Korea."

Highlighting the intersection of culture and politics, the group’s formation challenges North Korea's leadership and showcases the growing influence of South Korean pop culture globally.

7. Reopening of Belgium's Tomorrowland Festival After Major Fire

Lisa Lacera concluded the news segment with an update on a major event in Belgium at [04:48]:

"Two days after a big fire at its main stage, Belgium's Tomorrowland Festival has reopened. Crews worked around the clock to clear out the debris and get the stage ready. No one was hurt in the fire."

The successful reopening underscores the resilience of large-scale events and the efficiency of emergency response teams in managing and mitigating disasters.

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provided listeners with an in-depth look at pressing issues both domestically and internationally, offering critical insights and updates on evolving situations. From international diplomacy and tragic accidents to significant legal settlements and cultural shifts, the newscast delivered a comprehensive roundup of events shaping the current landscape.