Fox News Hourly Update - Detailed Summary
Episode: 2PM ET 07/17/2025
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host: Therese Crowley
Source: Fox News Radio

1. Senate Approves $9 Billion Federal Spending Cuts

Timestamp: [00:02] - [00:53]

The Senate has successfully passed a significant federal spending reduction package, reclaiming $9 billion deemed wasteful by proponents. The vote concluded with a narrow margin of 51-48, reflecting a divided stance within the chamber.

Therese Crowley introduced the development, stating, "A tiny start to cutting federal spending, but it's a lot of PBS and foreign aid."

Aisha Hosny provided further insights, explaining, "After a 12-hour vote, the Senate passed the package 51-48. Two Republicans voted no—Moderate Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski." The dissent from Collins stemmed from uncertainties regarding the specific program reductions within the package, while Murkowski opposed the transition of the bill from a reconciliation measure to a rescissions package.

The legislation targets reductions in already appropriated funds, including notable cuts to NPR and PBS. However, Hosny noted, "it is a bit smaller than originally put together," suggesting some concessions were made during negotiations.

2. House Advances Cryptocurrency Regulations and Nationwide Protests Planned

Timestamp: [00:53] - [01:48]

Following the Senate's approval of spending cuts, attention shifted to the House of Representatives, which is set for a final vote on the package.

In the realm of cryptocurrency, Congress has made substantial progress with the advancement of three regulatory bills related to the digital currency sector. Notably, the Genius Act—aimed at establishing stablecoin regulations—has already passed the Senate, signaling bipartisan support for structured crypto oversight.

Concurrently, large-scale protests are being organized against President Trump's immigration enforcement policies and recent Medicaid reforms. These demonstrations are part of what organizers dub "good trouble," a nod to the legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis.

Ryan Schmelz reported, "Protests are planned at more than 1,600 locations around the country as part of the good trouble lives on national day of action honoring the late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis." The protests specifically target the administration's immigration stance and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which encompasses Medicaid reforms. Republicans defend these policies, asserting that immigration measures are broadly supported and that Medicaid reforms will enhance the program's efficacy while generating significant cost savings for the United States.

3. Recruitment for Protests and Public Engagement

Timestamp: [01:48] - [02:32]

In the context of the upcoming protests, Therese Crowley highlighted controversial recruitment practices. She reported, "The founder of Crowds on Demand tells Fox he was offered $20 million to recruit protesters," raising concerns about the potential for externally funded agitation and its implications for genuine public dissent.

Additionally, the segment featured an interactive element with a public quiz designed to engage listeners. Steve Harrigan facilitated a rapid five-question quiz, encouraging audiences to participate and evaluate their own understanding of current events.

4. Tariffs Encourage Foreign Companies to Invest in U.S. Manufacturing

Timestamp: [02:16] - [03:07]

President Trump's implementation of tariffs on foreign-made products has notably influenced multinational corporations to establish manufacturing bases within the United States, thereby mitigating the impact of these tariffs.

Steve Harrigan reported on Samsung's latest investment: "20 to 50% tariffs on foreign-made washing machines back in 2018 motivated Samsung to build a $500 million washing machine manufacturing plant here, making them instantly the county's largest taxpayer." This facility in Newbury, South Carolina, has created over 1,600 jobs, offering starting salaries of $17 an hour—significantly above the local minimum wage of $7.50 an hour.

While the administration touts the economic benefits, including job creation and increased local tax revenues, critics argue that tariffs have led to higher consumer prices. Harrigan acknowledged this perspective but downplayed its significance, stating, "One study said the price of washing machines initially went up by as much as 12%. But that's not an argument that carries much water here."

Following Samsung's lead, LG has also committed to domestic manufacturing, establishing a $350 million washing machine plant in Clarksville, Tennessee. These moves underscore a broader strategy to reshape supply chains and bolster American manufacturing capabilities in response to tariff-induced market dynamics.

5. Coca-Cola Responds to Potential Shift from HFCS to Cane Sugar

Timestamp: [03:07] - [04:01]

The administration's push to favor cane sugar over high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in soft drinks has prompted discussions with major beverage companies, including Coca-Cola.

Kelly Sabari covered the dialogue between the company and President Trump: "This Wednesday, [President Trump] said, 'I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using real cane sugar and Coke in the United States and they have agreed to do so. This will be a very good move by them. You'll see. It's just better.'"

However, Coca-Cola has remained non-committal regarding this transition. The company defended its continued use of HFCS by citing support from the American Medical Association, stating, "HFCS is no more likely to contribute to obesity than table sugar or other full-calorie sweeteners." They assured consumers, "Coca-Cola brand soft drinks do not contain any harmful substances."

Therese Crowley highlighted the broader implications: "If there is a return to cane sugar, it would affect corn farmers who rely on their yields to make sweeteners." This potential shift could disrupt the agricultural sector, particularly corn producers who depend on HFCS as a primary product.

Conclusion

The Fox News Hourly Update on July 17, 2025, provided comprehensive coverage of pivotal legislative actions, economic impacts of trade policies, and evolving regulatory landscapes within the cryptocurrency and consumer goods sectors. Key takeaways include the Senate's passage of substantial federal spending cuts, the House's focus on cryptocurrency regulation amidst nationwide protests against presidential policies, and significant foreign investments in U.S. manufacturing prompted by tariff policies. Additionally, the episode touched upon ongoing debates surrounding food industry practices in response to governmental initiatives.

This summary captures the essential discussions and insights presented in the Fox News Hourly Update, incorporating notable quotes and timestamps for reference.