Fox News Hourly Update - 2AM ET 07/31/2025 Newscast

Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host: Carmen Roberts
Podcast: FOX News Podcasts

1. Federal Reserve Maintains Interest Rates Amid Presidential Pressure

Carmen Roberts opens the newscast by addressing the Federal Reserve's latest decision to keep interest rates unchanged for the fifth time this year. This move comes despite persistent pressure from President Trump to reduce rates.

• Jerome Powell’s Insights:

  Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, elaborated on the rationale behind the decision. "It's starting to show up in consumer prices, as you know in the June report. We expect to see more of that. And we know from surveys that companies feel that they have every intention of putting this through to the consumer. But, you know, the truth is they may not be able to in many cases," Powell stated [00:20]. His comments underscore the Fed's cautious approach, awaiting more economic data to assess the full impact of tariffs on inflation.

• Administration’s Economic Outlook:

  In contrast, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick presents a bullish perspective on the economy. "3% GDP today. And let me give you a hint, we're going to stay at 3% GDP for the rest of the year. And next year we're heading towards 4," Lutnick declared [00:42]. This optimistic forecast highlights the administration's confidence in sustaining economic growth despite global economic uncertainties.

• Dissent Within the Fed:

  The decision to hold rates steady was met with dissent from two Federal Reserve governors, Michele Bowman and Christopher Waller, who had previously favored a quarter-point rate reduction. Carmen Roberts notes, "Both had favored reducing rates by a quarter point," indicating differing opinions within the Fed regarding the best course of action for economic stability [00:51].

2. Administration’s Push for Digital Medical Records Raises Privacy Concerns

President Trump has announced a new system allowing Americans to share their medical records through applications and programs managed by private technology companies.

• Howard Lutnick on Modernization:

  Howard Lutnick emphasized the benefits of this transition, stating, "Moving from clipboards and fax machines into a new era of convenience, profitability and speed and frankly, better health people," [01:09]. He underscores the administration's focus on leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency and quality of healthcare services.

• Privacy Experts’ Concerns:

  Despite the touted conveniences, digital privacy experts have voiced apprehensions regarding the collection and use of sensitive medical data by private entities. Carmen Roberts highlighted these concerns, noting the rapid pace at which data is being handled could lead to potential misuse [01:19].

3. SpaceX's Crew 11 Mission Paves the Way for Mars

The podcast covers SpaceX's ambitious Crew 11 mission slated to launch toward the International Space Station.

• Sean Duffy’s Vision for Space Exploration:

  Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy outlined an expansive vision for space exploration. "We're not going to land. We're going to go around the moon. And then about a year later, we're going to land back on the moon under Donald Trump's tenure, back on the moon six days. And then after that, we're going to set up a base camp. We're going to stay on the moon. And what we learn on the moon is what's going to take us to Mars," Duffy explained [01:35]. His comments reflect a strategic roadmap aiming to establish a sustained human presence on the moon as a stepping stone to Mars.

4. High Noon Energy Drink Recall Due to Mislabeling

A significant incident involves High Noon energy drinks recalling their variety packs because of mislabeled cans that could inadvertently lead to alcohol ingestion.

• Details of the Recall:

  A representative from High Noon announced the recall, stating, "High Noon is recalling High Noon variety packs because some were mislabeled as Celsius Astro Vibe Energy Drink Sparkling Blue Razz Edition with a silver the Vibe Energy Drink won't give customers the boost they expect, but will deliver a kick," [03:11]. The mislabeled cans, which were distributed to retailers in six states, contain vodka seltzer instead of the advertised energy drink.

• Safety Precautions:

  High Noon advises customers to "toss it" if they have the recalled product, emphasizing that no illnesses or adverse events have been reported thus far [03:35].

5. Brown University Secures Federal Funding Through Agreement with Trump Administration

Tom Rigotti reports that Brown University has reached a settlement with the Trump administration, allowing the institution to regain access to federal funding and cease ongoing investigations into alleged discrimination.

• Terms of the Deal:

  As part of the agreement, Brown University will donate $50 million to workforce development programs over the next decade [03:42]. This resolution aligns Brown with other Ivy League institutions like Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania, which have also negotiated similar deals with the administration.

6. Pennywise the Sea Turtle Makes a Remarkable Recovery

A heartwarming story highlights the successful recovery of Pennywise, a loggerhead sea turtle that survived a typically fatal boat collision.

• Recovery Efforts:

  Marika Weber from the Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Palm Beach County, Florida, expressed joy over Pennywise's survival. "A big round of applause for a big sea turtle coming from a crowd wishing Pennywise, the loggerhead turtle well as she heads back," Weber announced [04:15].

• Expert Commentary:

  A representative from the Loggerhead Marine Life Center added, "Most of the time, sea turtle interactions with boats are fatal. So seeing Pennywise survive her injuries and being able to make it to our center was very, very special because it was something that we could fix," [04:35]. The center anticipates that Pennywise is sufficiently healed to potentially lay eggs this summer, marking a significant milestone in wildlife conservation efforts [04:45].

Conclusion:
Carmen Roberts wraps up the newscast, reiterating Fox News' commitment to delivering timely and comprehensive news coverage. "Fox News and I'm Carmen Roberts and this is FOX NEWS," she concludes [04:57].

Notable Mentions:

• Jerome Powell: "It's starting to show up in consumer prices..." [00:20]
• Howard Lutnick: "3% GDP today..." [00:42]
• Sean Duffy: "We're not going to land..." [01:35]
• High Noon Representative: "High Noon is recalling..." [03:11]
• Marika Weber: "A big round of applause for a big sea turtle..." [04:15]

For more updates and detailed analyses, stay tuned to FOX News Podcasts.