Fox News Hourly Update: 2PM ET 06/26/2025

Release Date: June 26, 2025

Defense Secretary Hegseth Defends Success of Iran Airstrikes

[00:02] Chris Foster opens the broadcast with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressing recent military actions. Hegseth staunchly defends the airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, labeling them a success. He criticizes the media for reporting what he describes as "leaked early intelligence" that undermines the official narrative. "They are trying to make the president look bad," Hegseth asserted at [00:02].

Adding to the defense, General Dan Kane elaborates at [00:27] on the composition of the strike team, revealing that the operation was executed by a "male and female crew, a mostly active duty Air Force and Missouri Air National Guard members." He dismissed initial reports suggesting that the setback to Iran's nuclear capabilities might extend "more like months than years," reinforcing the administration's stance on the effectiveness of the mission.

Supreme Court Backs South Carolina's Medicaid Funding Decision

[00:40] Chris Foster transitions to a significant legal development, highlighting a 6-3 Supreme Court decision that favors South Carolina's choice to withhold Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood. This ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by a Medicaid patient who sought the right to select Planned Parenthood as a medical provider.

Subpoena Issued to Former Biden Adviser Anthony Bernal

The update continues with political intrigue as Chris Foster reports on former Biden adviser Anthony Bernal being subpoenaed to testify before a House Oversight Committee. Bernal is implicated in allegations regarding a "mental decline cover-up at the White House." [01:01] Foster quotes a committee insider: "Calling this a refusal to appear is misleading. It was simply a request to reschedule the interview." However, a House oversight aide clarified that Bernal's attorneys have informed the committee that he "would no longer appear voluntarily and would need a subpoena" ([01:21]).

Economic Downturn Revealed in Revised GDP Estimates

[01:21] Chris Foster introduces economic news with Rich Edson reporting that the U.S. economy "shrunk over the first three months of the year, more than first reported." The latest estimate shows a 0.5% decline in GDP for the first quarter, a revision from the previously estimated 0.2% decrease ([01:27]). Edson explains that this contraction is attributed to "stocking up on imports ahead of anticipated tariffs," marking the first economic shrinkage in three years.

Federal Advisory Panel Recommends RSV Vaccinations for Infants

In health news, Janika Sola reports at [01:46] that a new federal advisory panel has voted to recommend RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccinations for infants. RSV is a significant cause of respiratory illness, claiming hundreds of young children’s lives annually. This initiative aims to bolster public health measures against a virus that has long impacted vulnerable populations.

President Trump's Pentagon Budget Prioritizes Drones and Missiles

[02:30] Chris Foster shifts focus to defense spending, revealing President Trump's directive for the Pentagon to allocate more funds toward drones and missiles while reducing investments in certain fighter jets. Jared Halpern details the White House's budget request, which maintains the defense budget at $892.5 billion, unchanged from the current year ([02:35]). The proposed plan suggests purchasing fewer F-35 fighters and ships, instead emphasizing "high tech missiles and drones" deemed more effective in modern warfare. Additionally, there is a push to bolster investments in "air to surface standoff missiles and long-range anti-ship missiles." The budget also includes a nearly 4% pay raise for service members, reflecting ongoing support for military personnel.

Memphis International Airport to Honor FedEx Founder Fred Smith

In a tribute to entrepreneurial legacy, Chris Foster announces that Memphis International Airport will be renamed in honor of FedEx founder Fred Smith, who passed away the previous weekend ([03:09]). Tonya J. Powers elaborates at [03:16] that the Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority Board of Commissioners has approved the resolution. The renaming process is set to commence immediately, celebrating Smith's pivotal role in transforming FedEx from a modest startup with 14 jets into a global powerhouse employing over half a million people. Under his leadership, FedEx also elevated Memphis airport to one of the world's busiest cargo hubs.

North Korea Opens New Resort for Domestic Tourists

[03:42] Chris Foster covers international developments as Lillian Wu reports on North Korea's latest initiative to boost its economy through tourism. A new resort on the country's east coast is set to open next week, catering exclusively to North Korean tourists. This development is part of Leader Kim Jong Un's strategy to "beef up the coffers of his nation," which remains one of the poorest globally. The resort spans a two-and-a-half-mile beachfront, featuring hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and a water park, with the capacity to host up to 20,000 visitors. Although primarily aimed at domestic elites from areas formerly used as missile testing sites, the resort's appeal may extend to foreign tourists from China and Russia in the future, though no specific timeline has been announced.

Sean "Diddy" Combs Trial Enters Critical Phase

Closing the news segments, [04:19] Chris Foster reports that the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial is progressing, with prosecutors presenting their closing arguments. The defense is scheduled to begin their term the following day, marking a pivotal moment in the high-profile case ([04:19]).

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