Fox News Hourly Update – 12PM ET | July 21, 2025
Hosted by FOX News Podcasts
1. Tragic Case of Luciano Fratolin Charged with Murder
The hour kicks off with a heartbreaking update on Luciano Fratolin, who has been formally charged with second-degree murder following the death of his nine-year-old daughter, Melina Fratolin. According to New York State Police, both Luciano and his daughter were Canadian nationals legally visiting the U.S. for a vacation.
Captain Robert McConnell provided key details, stating, “[Fratolin] called 911 and reported that his daughter was missing and may have been abducted” (00:12). The investigation revealed significant inconsistencies in Luciano’s account of the events leading up to Melina’s disappearance.
Adding to the narrative, Fred Holland, the mother of Melina, expressed unwavering trust in Luciano’s intentions: “She had no concerns for her daughter's safety while she's with him. She knew that he was taking her on this trip to the states” (00:33). Despite Holland’s defense, evidence uncovered by investigators has led to the serious charges against Luciano.
2. Second Suspect in Attempted Robbery of Border Patrol Agent
Switching to a violent crime, the update covers an attempted robbery in New York City where an off-duty Border Patrol agent was shot and wounded. The alleged gunman, identified as an illegal immigrant with a history of arrests, is now in custody and faces deportation.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security highlighted the suspect's criminal background, noting that he “had several previous arrests and had been released” (00:46). This incident underscores ongoing debates around immigration and criminal justice policies.
3. Mass Recall of Above Ground Pools Due to Safety Hazards
In consumer safety news, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has initiated a massive recall of approximately 5 million above-ground pools manufactured in China and sold under major brands, including Bestway, Coleman, Intex, and Poly Group.
An Unnamed CPSC Representative explained, “The pools are being recalled over an external strap that wraps around and supports the pool that can provide a foothold for children to climb into the pools and enter the water” (01:20). This defect has been linked to nine drowning deaths nationwide involving children as young as 22 months old.
Jeff Panasso from Fox News emphasized the urgency, stating, “Consumers being urged to stop using the pools immediately and contact manufacturers for a free repair kit” (01:47). The CPSC’s swift action aims to prevent further tragedies and ensure public safety.
4. Global Criticism of US-Israeli Aid Program for Gaza
International relations take center stage with reports of over 20 countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, voicing strong criticisms against the U.S. and Israel-backed aid program for Gaza. These nations are calling for an immediate cessation of the war, highlighting the escalating humanitarian crisis.
An Unnamed Joint Statement Spokesperson articulated the collective concern: “The joint statement warns that the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths… the aid delivery model is dangerous and fuels instability, adding it deprives Gazans of human dignity” (02:15). Despite the U.S. backing the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the criticism primarily targets the Israeli government’s role in the conflict.
Jonathan Savage, representing Fox, counters these allegations by disputing reports of mass Palestinian casualties during aid efforts: “Israel disputes reports that hundreds of Palestinians have died trying to reach aid and says the joint statement sends the wrong message to Hamas” (02:46). This ongoing debate highlights the complex dynamics of international aid and conflict resolution in the region.
5. FAA Investigates Near Miss Between Military and Commercial Aircraft
A concerning incident in aviation safety involves a near collision between an Air Force bomber and a Delta regional jet over North Dakota. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively investigating the circumstances that led to this close call.
Captain Robert McConnell recounted the event, noting, “Skywest says its flight had been cleared for approach in Minot but performed a go-around when the other aircraft became visible in their flight path” (02:46). The swift and decisive action by the Skywest pilot was met with approval from passengers, who were seen clapping in a social media post after the pilot explained the evasive maneuvers (02:46).
This incident has prompted discussions on air traffic control protocols and the importance of situational awareness among pilots to prevent such occurrences in the future.
6. Southwest Airlines to Introduce Assigned Seating
In a significant shift in airline policies, Southwest Airlines announced the imminent launch of its first assigned seating system, set to debut on January 27, 2026. This marks a departure from Southwest's traditional open seating model.
A Southwest Airlines Representative detailed the new options, “You can buy those tickets starting Tuesday, July 29th… you’ll be offered options including where you want to sit and an upgrade to an extra legroom seat” (03:22). The seating tiers include:
- Standard Legroom: Seats located at the back of the cabin.
- Preferred Seat with Standard Legroom: Positioned near the front.
- Extra Legroom Seats: Offering up to 5 additional inches of space, earlier access to bin space, extra snacks, and complimentary premium beverages.
This change aims to enhance passenger comfort and streamline the boarding process, aligning Southwest with industry trends towards tiered seating arrangements.
7. Wall Street Shows Resilience with Dow Boosting
Concluding the update on a positive note, Wall Street displayed notable strength with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 43 points. This uptick reflects investor confidence amidst ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges.
Jimmy Phela, who briefly appeared towards the end of the segment, hinted at broader economic discussions, although detailed analysis was not provided in this update (04:04).
Note: This summary encapsulates all major news segments from the Fox News Hourly Update at 12PM ET on July 21, 2025, providing a comprehensive overview for those who did not tune in.
Timestamps:
- 00:02 - 00:46: Luciano Fratolin’s Murder Charge
- 00:46 - 01:20: Attempted Robbery of Border Patrol Agent
- 01:20 - 01:59: Above Ground Pools Recall
- 02:15 - 02:46: Gaza Aid Program Criticism
- 02:46 - 03:22: FAA Near Miss Investigation
- 03:22 - 04:04: Southwest Airlines’ Seating Policy
- 04:04 - 04:13: Wall Street’s Dow Increase
This summary is intended to provide an accurate and engaging overview of the Fox News Hourly Update episode for July 21, 2025. For the full broadcast, please visit FOX News Radio.