Fox News Hourly Update
Episode: 12AM ET 07/19/2025 Newscast
Release Date: July 19, 2025
Host: Deborah Valentine
Source: FOX News Podcasts
1. Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Three Sheriff's Deputies
Timestamp: [00:02]
The episode opens with Deborah Valentine reporting a heartbreaking incident where three Louisiana County Sheriff's deputies lost their lives in an accidental explosion at an LA Sheriff's Department training site earlier today. Sheriff Robert Luna expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating:
"Between all three sworn members, they had served our community proudly for 74 years. And that's amongst all three of them, collectively, 19 years, 22 years and 33 years."
— Robert Luna [00:16]
The FBI has since arrived at the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion, which reportedly occurred while deputies were transporting explosives to the training facility.
2. President Trump Signs Cryptocurrency Legislation Amidst Controversial Funding Cuts
Timestamp: [00:31]
Deborah Valentine transitions to political news, highlighting President Trump's recent legislative actions. The President signed a bipartisan bill known as the Genius Act, which regulates a specific type of cryptocurrency called stablecoins. Fox's Rich Edson provides additional context from the White House:
"President Trump referencing a congressional Republican investigation while signing a bipartisan bill."
— Rich Edson [00:50]
In a simultaneous move, the House passed a bill to rescind $9 billion in federal funding designated for public media and foreign aid. President Trump commented on the funding cuts, emphasizing his administration's stance against what he described as wasteful spending:
"House approves $9 billion cuts package including atrocious NPR and public broadcasting where billions of dollars a year were wasted. Republicans have tried doing this for 40 years and failed. But no more. This is big."
— President Trump [00:56]
Deborah Valentine notes that Democrats are vehemently opposed to these funding reductions, arguing that they will adversely affect institutions like PBS, NPR, and various international aid programs.
3. Justice Department Seeks to Unseal Epstein Case Transcripts Amid Controversy
Timestamp: [01:30]
The Justice Department is actively pursuing a federal court order to unseal grand jury transcripts related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. This move has ignited a firestorm of debate concerning the Trump administration's handling of the situation. Deborah Valentine points out the ongoing controversy, referencing Attorney General Pambandi's recent declaration that a "client list" purportedly does not exist. This claim has been met with skepticism and scrutiny from various quarters, intensifying the public's interest in the proceedings.
4. Education Department Allocates Over $6 Billion in Grants for After-School and Summer Programs
Timestamp: [03:08]
Deborah Valentine reports on significant developments within the Education Department. The Trump administration is releasing more than $6 billion in federal grants aimed at supporting after-school and summer programs, particularly in English language instruction. According to Jared Halpern of FOX News:
"The Trump administration is releasing more than $6 billion in federal grants for after school and summer programs in English language instruction."
— Jared Halpern [03:14]
Ten Republican senators have endorsed a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), urging the Education Department to channel these funds directly to the states. The legislators emphasized the critical role these programs play in local communities while assuring that the funds would not support "radical left wing programs." Additionally, a recent Supreme Court ruling has permitted the administration to proceed with laying off hundreds of Education Department employees as part of a broader strategy to eliminate the cabinet-level agency.
5. Investigation into Former President Joe Biden's Cognitive Decline Intensifies
Timestamp: [03:51]
Deborah Valentine shifts focus to the ongoing investigation surrounding former President Joe Biden and allegations of a cover-up regarding his cognitive decline. Ryan Schmelz of FOX News elaborates on the situation:
"House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer says Annie Tomasini, the former deputy chief of staff to President Biden, invoked the Fifth Amendment during her deposition before the committee."
— Ryan Schmelz [04:00]
This marks the third witness to invoke the Fifth Amendment, leading Comer to assert:
"There is now a pattern of key Biden confidants seeking to shield themselves from criminal liability in this potential conspiracy."
— James Comer [04:00]
Republicans are delving into allegations that suggest efforts to obscure Biden's mental acuity and his use of devices like the auto pen. President Biden has countered these investigations by asserting his active role in making final decisions during his presidency.
6. Israel and Syria Reach Ceasefire Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Timestamp: [04:39]
In international news, Deborah Valentine reports that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire following Israel's recent military intervention. The intervention aimed to quell fighting between Syrian government forces and the minority Druze community. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of displaced individuals, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Government forces were compelled to withdraw after Israel conducted numerous airstrikes targeting convoys of government fighters, ultimately leading to the cessation of hostilities.
Closing Remarks: This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update covered a range of critical topics, from local tragedies and significant legislative actions to high-profile political investigations and international conflicts. Each segment provided in-depth insights and direct quotes from key figures, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing news.