Fox News Hourly Update: 2AM ET 07/24/2025 Newscast Summary
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host: Carmen Roberts
Podcast: FOX News Podcasts
1. Federal Appeals Court Blocks Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order
Timestamp: [00:02]
Carmen Roberts opens the newscast with a significant legal development involving former President Donald Trump. A federal appeals court has delivered a decisive blow to Trump's attempt to restrict birthright citizenship. Roberts states, “A federal appeals court blocks the president's attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, ruling his executive order is unconstitutional” (00:02).
An unnamed reporter elaborates on the ruling, explaining that the executive order aimed to deny citizenship to children born to illegal immigrants. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has barred the Trump administration from enforcing this order, following a similar block by a federal judge in New Hampshire. The reporter highlights, “The president has long criticized the policy as a magnet for illegal immigration and argued he could end it by executive authority” (00:15). However, multiple courts have determined that only Congress or a constitutional amendment holds the authority to alter this policy, bringing the issue closer to a Supreme Court review.
2. Columbia University Agrees to Multi-Million Dollar Settlements
Timestamp: [00:42]
Carmen Roberts reports on Columbia University's recent agreements to settle multiple federal investigations. The Ivy League institution has consented to pay over $220 million to the federal government to conclude probes alleging the university failed to protect Jewish students. While Columbia denies any wrongdoing, they acknowledged “some painful incidents for those students” (00:42).
Additionally, Columbia has agreed to a $21 million settlement with the Equal Opportunity Commission. As part of the settlement, the university will undergo a comprehensive review of its Middle East curriculum to address the concerns raised during the investigations.
3. Potential Meeting Between DOJ, FBI, and Ghislaine Maxwell
Timestamp: [01:21]
In a breaking development, Carmen Roberts informs listeners that the Justice Department and the FBI may be meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell as soon as Thursday. Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence in Tallahassee, Florida, was convicted for her role in aiding Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operations. Roberts adds, “She's currently in prison serving a 20-year sentence in Tallahassee, Florida for aiding Epstein in sex trafficking” (01:21).
She also references the death of David Spont Epstein, stating, “David Spont Epstein died by suicide in a New York City jail in 2019 while awaiting trial” (01:27), providing context to Maxwell's current situation.
4. Nurses at Ascension St Agnes Hospital to Strike
Timestamp: [01:27]
Roberts further reports on labor issues within the healthcare sector. Nurses in Baltimore have announced a one-day strike, demanding safer practices for both staff and patients. Over 600 union nurses from National Nurses United plan to participate in a 24-hour strike at Ascension St Agnes Hospital (01:41).
The union has been negotiating a contract with the hospital management since January 2024. Despite these negotiations, hospital officials maintain that a comprehensive strike contingency plan is in place to ensure patient care remains uninterrupted.
5. Sentencing of Brian Kohlberger for University of Idaho Murders
Timestamp: [03:07] - [03:53]
Carmen Roberts covers the sentencing of Brian Kohlberger, who has been sentenced to four life imprisonment terms for the brutal killing of four University of Idaho students. Roberts notes, “A judge sentences Brian Kohlberger to four life in prison terms for killing four University of Idaho students” (03:07).
An unnamed reporter discusses the emotional courtroom atmosphere, highlighting that Kohlberger received the exact penalty he had agreed upon with prosecutors, leaving many questions unanswered. Family members of three victims—Madison Mogan, Kaylee Gonzalves, and Zanna Kernodle—confronted Kohlberger, with some even mocking him.
A poignant moment was shared by the surviving roommate, Dylan Mortenson, who recounted, “For a year she slept with her parents in bed, afraid someone would attack her in the night. She talked about the guilt she carried for surviving, then attacked Kohlberger directly” (03:53). This testimony underscored the profound personal impact of the tragedy.
6. Ukrainian President Zelensky Addresses Corruption Concerns
Timestamp: [03:53] - [04:39]
Dan Springer takes over to report on international news, focusing on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's efforts to quell public frustration over his administration's approach to combating corruption. Springer states, “President Volodymyr Zelensky is promising a new plan to battle fraud and bribery among Ukrainian officials” (04:03).
This initiative follows controversial moves to reduce the independence of anti-corruption agencies, leading to massive public protests with thousands taking to the streets on Tuesday. Corruption remains a significant barrier to Ukraine’s aspirations of joining the European Union. In response to the backlash, Zelensky posted on social media about meeting with anti-corruption agency heads, asserting that the new law is “needed to curb Russian influence” (04:03).
7. Stephen Blasetti's Naked Escape from Hospital
Timestamp: [04:39] - [05:05]
Returning to domestic news, Carmen Roberts reports on a bizarre incident involving Stephen Blasetti in New York City. Blasetti reportedly embarked on a naked sail down the Hudson River after stealing a boat on Saturday. Following his initial escape, he discarded some clothes to evade capture.
Despite being caught naked on the river, Blasetti managed to grab a medical coat and pants, facilitating his escape from a hospital where he was being held for evaluation. As of the report, he remains at large (04:39).
Conclusion
The Fox News Hourly Update for July 24, 2025, covered a diverse range of topics from significant legal battles affecting national policies, major settlements involving prestigious educational institutions, and high-profile criminal cases to international political developments and unusual local crime stories. Each segment provided listeners with in-depth information, notable quotes, and contextual analysis to stay informed on pressing current events.
This summary is intended for informational purposes and reflects the key highlights from the Fox News Hourly Update podcast episode released on July 24, 2025.