Fox News Hourly Update: Detailed Summary of 2PM ET Episode on July 18, 2025

On the July 18, 2025, episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, host Therese Crowley, along with contributors Ryan Schmelz, Will Kane, Peter Doocy, and others, delivered comprehensive coverage of the day's most pressing news stories. The episode delved into a tragic explosion at a law enforcement facility, significant legislative developments, controversies involving high-profile media personalities, and ongoing political investigations. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the broadcast.

1. Explosion at Los Angeles County Sheriff's Facility

The episode opened with a somber report from Therese Crowley about a tragic incident involving an explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff's training facility.

• Casualties and Investigation:

  • Therese Crowley [00:02] reported, "Attorney General Pam Bondi says at least three people are dead in this 7:30 am explosion. But the FBI is investigating the explosion as an accident.”
  • Details: The explosion occurred during the transportation of ordinances at the facility. A helicopter view captured the aftermath, showing significant damage to a deputy's Chevy Tahoe.

• Contextual Insight:

  • Crowley noted the irony of this incident amidst "recent threats to law enforcement," suggesting broader tensions between authorities and the community.
  • The investigation remains ongoing, with identities of the casualties yet to be confirmed.

2. Congressional Rescissions Package

Ryan Schmelz provided an in-depth analysis of a landmark legislative move by Congress.

• Passing the Rescissions Package:

  • Ryan Schmelz [00:45] explained, "After a narrow vote in both the House and Senate, a rescissions package has been passed by Congress for the first time since the '90s."
  • Key Provisions: The package includes a $9 billion cut in spending on foreign aid and public broadcasting.

• Political Implications:

  • House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the government for inefficiency, stating, "The government is too large. It does too many things and it does almost nothing well."
  • Democratic Response: Democrats opposed the cuts, arguing that the funds were previously approved through a bipartisan agreement, which they claim has now been undermined.

• Significance:

  • The passage of the rescissions package is viewed as a test for future spending cuts, with the Trump administration asserting it will be "key in reducing the deficit."
  • Process: Schmelz highlighted that "A rescission only needs a simple majority to pass in both chambers," indicating a strategic legislative approach.

3. Cryptocurrency Legislation and Stephen Colbert Show Cancellation

Therese Crowley reported on President Trump's signing of new cryptocurrency legislation and the controversy surrounding Stephen Colbert's show.

• Cryptocurrency Regulation:

  • Crowley [01:23] stated, "President Trump also signing the Genius Act tying the form of cryptocurrency stablecoin to the value of the dollar."
  • Implications: This move aims to stabilize cryptocurrency markets by linking stablecoins directly to the US dollar, potentially increasing regulatory oversight.

• Media Controversy:

  • Cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Show:
    • Colbert's show was canceled by CBS and parent company Paramount following his on-air accusation of receiving "a big fat bribe in their legal settlement with President Trump."
    • President Trump's Reaction: "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings," Trump commented.
    • CBS's Stance: CBS maintains the cancellation was a purely financial decision, unrelated to Colbert's comments.

• Political Fallout:

  • Senator Adam Schiff has called for an investigation into the matter, emphasizing the politicized nature of media cancellations.
  • The controversy intensified as the news broke shortly after Colbert taped an episode titled "America's Listening to Fox News."

4. Biden White House Subpoenas and Oversight

The update shifted focus to ongoing investigations involving the Biden administration, highlighting tensions within the White House.

• Subpoenas to Biden Staffers:

  • Therese Crowley [02:16] reported that Annie Tomasini, former Deputy Chief of Staff for President Biden, refused to answer questions regarding the President's cognitive abilities.
  • James Comer's Statement:
    • James Comer [02:42] asserted, "There is now a pattern of key Biden confidants seeking to shield themselves from criminal liability for this potential conspiracy."
    • Comer emphasized Tomasini's significance within the Biden inner circle and her non-cooperation with the House Oversight Committee.

• Additional Refusals:

  • Anthony Bernal, former Chief of Staff to First Lady Jill Biden and a close aide to President Biden, also declined to answer staff questions during his appearance before the committee.

• Upcoming Depositions:

  • Mike Emanuel reported that former press secretary Karine Jean Pierre is among four additional Biden staffers who have agreed to be deposed, indicating a widening investigation into the administration.

5. Jeffrey Epstein Grand Jury Records

The episode concluded with efforts by President Trump to unearth more information about the late Jeffrey Epstein through Attorney General Pam Bondi.

• Public Disclosure Efforts:

  • Peter Doocy [03:44] explained, "President is also making a public call for Attorney General Pam Bondi to move to release Epstein grand jury material."
  • Legal Proceedings: The process involves obtaining a judge in New York to review Code 6E, which governs grand jury secrecy, potentially leading to a broader review of the materials that led to Epstein's imprisonment.

• Challenges:

  • The release of these records is complicated by court protections safeguarding the names of approximately a thousand victims, posing significant legal and ethical challenges.

Conclusion

The July 18, 2025, episode of Fox News Hourly Update provided listeners with a comprehensive overview of critical events shaping the national landscape. From a tragic explosion affecting law enforcement personnel to significant legislative changes and high-stakes political investigations, the broadcast underscored the dynamic and often contentious nature of contemporary American politics. Notable quotes and detailed reporting from various contributors offered depth and insight, making the episode a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the multifaceted issues discussed.