Fox News Hourly Update – 12PM ET | July 23, 2025

Hosted by FOX News Podcasts

1. Sentencing of Brian Kohberger

Lisa Brady opens the newscast with a somber update on the court proceedings for Brian Kohberger, the man convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022. Friends and family attended the sentencing, expressing their grief and frustration.

Dylan Mortensen, one of the surviving roommates, delivers a heartfelt statement:
"He is a hollow vessel, something less than human, a body without empathy, without remorse." ([00:13])

Mortensen continues to honor the victims:
"Genuine, compassionate people were taken from this world for no reason." ([00:28])

Kohberger is expected to receive four life sentences without the possibility of parole. The motive behind the killings remains unclear, as his plea deal does not require him to disclose the reasons for his actions.

2. UN Ruling on the Right to a Clean Environment

Jonathan Savage reports on a significant decision by the International Court of Justice:
"A panel of judges...has declared that countries which failed to protect the planet from climate change could be breaking the law." ([00:54])

While the opinion is non-binding, it is anticipated to be highly influential and may form the basis for future lawsuits. The court emphasized that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a fundamental human right. All UN member states, including major greenhouse gas emitters like the United States and China, are parties to the court. Notably, the U.S. opposes mandated reductions in fossil fuel emissions, highlighting potential conflicts arising from this ruling.

3. White House's AI Action Plan

Lisa Brady transitions to technological advancements, highlighting the White House's recent release of an AI action plan aimed at achieving global dominance in artificial intelligence. The plan focuses on speeding up innovation and building robust AI infrastructure.

Jeff Manasso elaborates on President Trump's directives:
"President Trump is also urging agencies to modernize and expedite permits for data centers and semiconductor manufacturing sites and create new initiatives to boost high demand occupations like electricians and HVAC technicians." ([01:37])

Additionally, Jared Halpern from FOX News reports that the president is expected to sign an executive order to further these initiatives, reinforcing America's commitment to leading in AI technology.

4. Missing Wisconsin Graduate Student: Elliot Hines

Tragedy strikes as the family of a missing Wisconsin graduate student, Elliot Hines, appeals for public assistance in locating her.

Amber Hines, Elliot’s mother, shares the distressing details:
"Police in La Crosse say 22-year-old Elliot Hines disappeared early Sunday after she left a bar and was last seen walking near the Mississippi River. Investigators, family, and friends have made several attempts to locate her, all unsuccessful." ([02:35])

She urges anyone with information:
"If you saw her or talked to her that night, please continue to reach out to the police department and let them know what you know so we can help bring her home." ([02:51])

Elliot is described as 5'4" with blonde hair and blue eyes, last seen wearing a white T-shirt and jean shorts. Jeff Manasso confirms ongoing search efforts:
"Lacrosse police are also asking people to check surveillance cameras. They say Hines is 5'4", blonde hair, blue eyes, last seen wearing a white T-shirt and jean shorts." ([02:59])

5. Iran's Agreement with UN Nuclear Watchdog

In international relations, Lisa Brady reports that Iran has agreed to allow a technical team from the UN's nuclear watchdog to visit the country in the coming weeks. This move marks a new phase in the relationship between the watchdog and Tehran.

However, Iran's deputy foreign minister has stipulated that the team will not be permitted to visit nuclear sites that were recently bombed by the U.S. and Israel, adding complexity to the negotiations.

6. Mystery at Massachusetts Church Concert

A perplexing incident occurred at St. Paul's Parish in Harvard Square during a French youth choir concert, where eight children experienced seizure-like symptoms.

Thomas Cahill, Cambridge Fire Chief, provides details:
"Eight children...suffered seizure-like symptoms before being taken to area hospitals. It happened during a French youth choir concert Tuesday evening. Emergency crews received a call about a child suffering from a seizure. When they arrived, the child was outside and symptom-free." ([03:37])

The situation escalated as seven more students exhibited similar symptoms. Reports of unusual odors prompted hazmat crews to investigate, but no hazardous conditions were found. The building was confirmed to be well-ventilated, leaving the cause of the seizures a mystery.

7. Stock Market Update

Lisa Brady concludes with a positive note on the financial markets:
"A rally right now. The Dow's up 411 points. The S&P extending its record high from yesterday. The Nasdaq also in the green." ([04:14])

This uptick reflects investor confidence and ongoing economic optimism.

Stay Informed: For more updates and in-depth coverage, tune into the upcoming segments of the Fox News Hourly Update.

This summary provides an overview of the key topics discussed in the Fox News Hourly Update from July 23, 2025. For full details and live coverage, please listen to the original podcast.