Fox News Hourly Update – 12PM ET | July 16, 2025

On this episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, host Lisa Brady delivers a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing national and international news. The update covers significant geopolitical tensions, political maneuvers in the U.S. government, and noteworthy domestic incidents. Below is a detailed summary of the key segments discussed during the broadcast.

1. Escalating Tensions in Southern Syria and Israeli Interventions

[00:02] Lisa Brady opens the segment by addressing the heightened concerns in the United States regarding the emergence of violence in southern Syria. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed worries following the collapse of a truce between Syria's new government and a minority religious community. The situation has escalated with Israel conducting airstrikes on Damascus, Syria's capital.

[00:20] Trey Yinx, reporting from Tel Aviv, provides further insights:

"The key here is that the Israelis want the Syrian government to ensure that the situation de-escalates and that the Druze population is protected at this point. Based on the videos that have circulated online over the past 48 hours, the Druze population is not being protected and that is the reason that you saw these Israeli strikes earlier today." [00:20]

Yinx emphasizes that the primary objective of the Israeli intervention is to prevent further deterioration and safeguard the Druze community. However, recent footage suggests that these efforts may not be fully effective, prompting the Israeli military response.

2. Diplomatic Engagements and Domestic Political Tensions

[00:39] Lisa Brady transitions to the upcoming diplomatic engagements involving President Trump. The president is scheduled to meet with key Middle Eastern allies, including the Prime Minister of Bahrain at the White House, followed by a meeting with the Prime Minister of Qatar. These meetings are part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the region amidst the current turmoil.

Later in the segment, Brady touches upon President Trump's critical stance on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation:

"Earlier, the president had harsh words for skeptics of the attorney general's recent announcement about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation." [00:39]

[01:05] Jared Halpern elaborates on President Trump's position:

"The president says Democrats are behind a new scam, warning only his past supporters are buying into the Jeffrey Epstein hoax, hook, line and sinker. President Trump has faced days of questions from influential conservative figures over a Justice Department memo closing the case and concluding the disgraced financier accused of sex trafficking committed suicide." [01:05]

Halpern reports that President Trump is combating accusations of undermining the investigation by labeling it a partisan "hoax." The president assertively stated on social media:

"Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work because I don't want their support anymore." [01:21]

This fiery rhetoric underscores the ongoing political contention surrounding the Epstein case and its implications for Trump's administration.

3. Congressional Probe into President Biden’s Fitness for Office

In a critical development, Lisa Brady reports on the House Oversight Committee's intensified investigation into President Joe Biden's health during his tenure:

"A top aide to former first lady Jill Biden appears for a closed-door deposition with members of Congress probing the former president's health in office." [02:15]

James Comer, the committee's chairman, questions Anthony Bernal, Jill Biden's chief of staff:

"Did any unelected officials or family members execute the duties of the presidency?" [02:23]

Byron Donalds urges decisiveness regarding the president's capability:

"Was Joe Biden fit to exercise the duties of the president?" [02:34]

Both the former president's doctor and aides have chosen to plead the fifth, evading direct answers. Comer stated:

"They will continue calling former administration officials in and eventually family members in for interviews." [02:55]

This probe reflects ongoing concerns and political pressures questioning the legitimacy and functionality of President Biden's administration.

4. Political Shifts in Israeli Government

[03:04] Jessica Rosenthal updates viewers on significant changes within the Israeli political landscape:

"Minister has just lost a second ultra orthodox party in his coalition government. That leaves him with a minority in Parliament, the defection stemming from disagreements over military draft exemptions." [03:04]

This political realignment signals potential instability within the coalition government, primarily due to internal conflicts over policies related to military service exemptions, which are crucial issues affecting the country's socio-political fabric.

5. Controversy Surrounding PGA Golfer Windham Clark

Shifting to domestic sports news, Jared Max narrates the disciplinary actions faced by PGA golfer Windham Clark:

"A popular country club has now banned American golfer Windham Clark from playing golf until he completes anger management training and pays for damages that he caused to a 100-year-old locker at Oakmont Country Club outside of Pittsburgh after his frustrations over missing the cut by one stroke at the US Open this year surfaced in a locker beating." [03:17]

Clark is also required to make a meaningful contribution to a charity selected by the Oakmont Country Club board. This incident highlights the repercussions of personal conduct affecting professional careers in high-profile sports.

6. Federal Reserve Leadership and Market Reactions

In the final news segment, Lisa Brady discusses President Trump's position regarding reports of potential changes in the Federal Reserve's leadership:

"President Trump is telling reporters he's not planning a change after reports he might fire the Fed chief. Right now, the Dow is up two points." [04:02]

Trump's stance reflects a commitment to maintaining stability within the Federal Reserve despite circulating rumors, while the immediate market reaction remains positive with a slight uptick in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Conclusion

The Fox News Hourly Update provides a multifaceted view of the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the dynamics within the U.S. political sphere, and notable incidents affecting public figures. From the fragile ceasefire in Syria and Israeli military actions to the probing of presidential fitness in Congress, the episode encapsulates critical developments shaping both national and international landscapes.

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