12PM ET 07/24/2025 Newscast

Summary

Fox News Hourly Update - 12PM ET | July 24, 2025

The latest episode of the Fox News Hourly Update covers a range of pressing national and international issues, from political hearings and educational settlements to humanitarian crises and economic developments. Hosted by Lisa Brady and featuring reports from correspondents like Jared Halpern and Trey Yingst, the newscast offers comprehensive insights into current events shaping the world today.

---

1. Former Biden White House Chief of Staff Testifies Before House Panel

The episode opens with a report on former Biden White House Chief of Staff, Ron Klain, who recently testified before a House panel investigating President Biden's health while in office. Unlike other former staffers who opted to invoke their Fifth Amendment rights, Klain chose to cooperate fully with the inquiry.

Notable Quote:

• Rep. Ro Khanna (00:17): "I found Mr. Klain to be very credible. He answered every single question."

This testimony is part of a broader probe into President Biden's capacity to serve, amid growing speculation and partisan scrutiny. Former President Biden has consistently denied allegations that his decision-making was influenced by others within his administration.

---

2. Trump Administration Settles Anti-Semitism Claims with Columbia University

In a significant development, the Trump administration announced a settlement with Columbia University concerning allegations of anti-Semitism on campus. The settlement entails a $200 million fine spread over three years and mandates the institution to implement new rules governing campus demonstrations.

Notable Quotes:

• Education Secretary Linda McMahon (00:40): "The Ivy League university will pay a $200 million fine over three years and codify new campus demonstration rules to settle an anti discrimination investigation by the Education Department."
• Unnamed Education Official (01:00): "We're going to see action at Columbia and I'm really pleased that we were able to come to this agreement because I think the students there that are on campus now can feel safe."
• Linda McMahon (01:08): "Jewish students say they were harassed and threatened during pro Palestinian protest and building takeovers following the October 7 attacks in Israel and war in Gaza."

The settlement aims to address and mitigate the hostile environment that Jewish students reportedly faced during heightened tensions related to international conflicts in the Middle East.

---

3. Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Gaza Face Challenges

Transitioning to international affairs, Jared Halpern reports on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite a recent agreement between Israeli and UN officials to dispatch 150 trucks of aid into the enclave, significant obstacles remain.

Notable Quote:

• Unnamed UN Official (01:29): "Hunger spreading throughout Gaza, a limited AG agreement has been reached between Israeli and UN officials to distribute 150 trucks worth of aid inside the enclave. Still, though, there are hundreds of trucks worth of supplies waiting along the Gaza border amid disagreements about how to continue with routes, coordination issues and security assurances."

The delay in delivering essential supplies underscores the complex logistics and security concerns that continue to impede relief efforts, exacerbating the dire conditions faced by residents in Gaza.

---

4. Israel Reviews Hamas Response to Ceasefire Offer

Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst provides an update from Tel Aviv, reporting on Israel's evaluation of Hamas' response to the latest ceasefire proposal. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the fragile truce amid ongoing regional instability.

---

5. Devastating Flooding in Texas Prompts Legislative Action

Back in the United States, the newscast covers the aftermath of deadly floods in Texas, which have resulted in significant loss of life and property. State lawmakers convened for a special session to address the disaster and improve future responses.

Notable Quotes:

• State Rep. Armando Martinez (02:36): "It's more about, you know, what a response is, what we have to do in the future and how to address the issues that have come up and be a little more, a whole lot more proactive instead of reactive."

The floods, particularly severe in Kerr County, claimed at least 135 lives, including 30 children, with several individuals still missing. Governor Abbott has prioritized flood warning enhancements on the legislative agenda to prevent such tragedies in the future.

---

6. RNC Chair Michael Wantley Announces Senate Campaign in North Carolina

In political news, the Republican National Committee (RNC) chair, Michael Wantley, has declared his intention to run for an upcoming Senate seat in North Carolina. This announcement comes as incumbent Thom Tillis opts not to seek a third term, opening the field for new candidates.

Notable Points:

• Michael Wantley has secured backing from former President Donald Trump.
• Speculation initially arose about Lara Trump, President Trump's daughter-in-law, potentially running, but she has declined to enter the GOP primary.
• Democrat Roy Cooper's team is expected to announce their candidate shortly, highlighting North Carolina's status as a pivotal swing state in upcoming elections.
• Historical context shows President Trump narrowly won North Carolina in the last three presidential elections, making this Senate race particularly consequential.

Notable Quote:

• Jessica Rosenthal (03:15): "North Carolina is considered a critical swing state, though. President Trump has won at the last three elections, in 2016 by just over three and a half points, in 2020 by just over one point and in 2024 by just over three points."

---

7. Wall Street and Market Updates

Concluding the newscast, Lisa Brady provides a brief overview of the day's financial markets:

• Stock Market Movements:

  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 174 points, dipping below the 45,000 mark.
  • Conversely, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached new highs, indicating mixed sentiments among investors.

• Oil Prices:

  • Crude oil prices exceeded $66 per barrel, reflecting ongoing volatility in the energy sector.

These fluctuations suggest a complex economic landscape, with varying factors influencing different segments of the market.

---

Closing Remarks: The Fox News Hourly Update delivers a thorough examination of today's top stories, blending political analysis, international affairs, and economic updates to inform viewers of the dynamic events shaping the current environment. For more in-depth coverage, listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast through the Fox News Podcasts Network or visit the official website.

Transcript

[Lisa Brady]

Apparently he did not take the Fifth on Lisa Brady, Fox News. Former Biden White House Chief of staff Ron Klain going behind closed doors with a House panel probing the former president's health while in office. California Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna telling reporters.

[Ro Khanna]

I found Mr. Klain to be very credible. He answered every single question.

[Lisa Brady]

Other former staffers have used their Fifth Amendment right to not answer questions. Former President Biden has denied claims that others were making executive decisions for him. The Trump administration says a settlement with Columbia University sends a message to other schools about anti Semitism.

[Linda McMahon]

The Ivy League university will pay a $200 million fine over three years and codify new campus demonstration rules to settle an anti discrimination investigation by the Education Department. Education secretary Linda McMahon says the agreement is a recognition by Columbia's leadership of a problem on campus.

[Unnamed Education Official]

We're going to see action at Columbia and I'm really pleased that we were able to come to this agreement because I think the students there that are on campus now can feel safe.

[Linda McMahon]

Jewish students say they were harassed and threatened during pro Palestinian protest and building takeovers following the October 7 attacks in Israel and war in Gaza.

[Lisa Brady]

FOX is Jared Halpern at the White House. Colombia's settlement restores $400 million in federal grants and contracts in Gaza, an effort to get more humanitarian aid moving with.

[Unnamed UN Official]

Hunger spreading throughout Gaza, a limited AG agreement has been reached between Israeli and UN officials to distribute 150 trucks worth of aid inside the enclave. Still, though, there are hundreds of trucks worth of supplies waiting along the Gaza border amid disagreements about how to continue with routes, coordination issues and security assurances.

[Lisa Brady]

Fox's Trey Yings to Tel Aviv this as Israel reviews the Hamas response to the latest cease fire offer. America is listening to Fox NEWS from.

[Trey Yingst]

The FOX News Podcasts Network.

[Kennedy]

Hey there, it's me, Kennedy. Make sure to check check out my podcast, kennedy Saves the World. It is five days a week, every week. Download and [e-mail] or wherever you listen to your favorite podcast.

[Lisa Brady]

Fallout from the deadly flooding in Texas as state lawmakers meet for a special session.

[Jeff Manasso]

Some tough questions in Austin as the state legislature interviewed officials about a lack of proper warning and the initial response to the deadly hill country floods July 4. State Rep. Democrat Armando Martinez saying the hearing is not about pointing fingers.

[Armando Martinez]

It's more about, you know, what a response is, what we have to do in the future and how to address the issues that have come up and be a little more, a whole lot more proactive instead of reactive.

[Jeff Manasso]

At least 135 people, including 30 children were killed in the flooding, mostly in Kerr county, with at least three people still missing. Jeff Manasso, FOX News.

[Lisa Brady]

The Texas governor added potential flood warning improvements to the session's agenda after this month's deadly disaster. The Republic National Committee chair now plans to run for a soon to be open Senate seat in North Carolina as a Trump decides not to run.

[Michael Wantley]

Michael Wantley is reportedly going to run for Senate next year in North Carolina with the backing of President Trump. Now that Thom Tillis says he will not run for a third term, there was discussion the president's daughter in law, Lara Trump would run as North Carolina is her home state. But she confirmed in a social media post that she will not in a GOP primary whatnot could face a free first term. Congressman Pat Harrigan. As for Democrats, a spokesman for former Governor Roy Cooper says he'll make his intentions known in the coming days. North Carolina is considered a critical swing state, though. President Trump has won at the last three elections, in 2016 by just over three and a half points, in 2020 by just over one point and in 2024 by just over three points. Jessica Rosenthal, FOX News A mixed day.

[Lisa Brady]

So far on Wall street. The Dow down 174 points, falling back under 45k, but the S and P and the Nasdaq both hitting new highs, oil getting back over $66 a barrel and Lisa Brady. This is Fox News.

[Trey Yingst]

It's Will Kane, COUNTRY Watch it live at noon Eastern Monday through Thursday@fox news.com or on the Fox News YouTube channel. And don't miss the show. Listen and follow the podcast five days a week at Fox newspodcasts.com or wherever you download your favorite podcasts.