Fox News Hourly Update - 2PM ET, July 21, 2025

Hosted by FOX News Podcasts

Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over Funding and First Amendment Rights

[00:02] Alisa Brady opens the update from Boston, highlighting intense protests outside a federal court where a significant legal battle is unfolding. Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging violations of federal law and the school's First Amendment rights. Central to the dispute is the administration's directive forcing Harvard to adhere to new policy changes, which notably include disciplining pro-Palestinian protesters on campus.

[00:23] An unnamed Government Attorney provides further context, stating, "Harvard sued the Trump administration after it froze nearly $3 billion in federal funds." The attorney defends the administration's actions, asserting that the cuts are justified due to "anti-Semitism and the alleged targeting of Jewish students."

[00:38] Alisa Brady continues, reporting that the administration is also pushing for Harvard to discontinue certain diversity programs. In a related development, two individuals illegally present in the United States have been apprehended in connection with the shooting of an off-duty Border Patrol agent in a New York City park. The incident occurred over the weekend during what authorities describe as an attempted robbery.

Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny After Border Patrol Agent Shooting

[00:56] Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, addresses the recent shooting, emphasizing the failure of sanctuary city policies. She asserts, "Neither suspect was supposed to be here. Both had deportation orders." Despite multiple arrests, the suspects were repeatedly released, preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from executing deportation. Noem calls on leaders of sanctuary cities to "change their ways," highlighting the need for prioritizing public safety.

[01:16] An unnamed speaker underscores the gravity of the situation, questioning, "How many more lives will it take? How many more people have to be hurt and victimized before we have public safety be a number one priority in some of our largest cities?"

[01:26] Noem adds, "DHS says both suspects are Dominican nationals and investigators say between the two, there are at least 12 prior arrests," indicating a pattern of repeated offenses that went unchecked due to existing policies.

Legal Repercussions and New Trials in High-Profile Cases

[01:34] Alisa Brady reports on a significant legal development: a federal appeals court has ordered a new trial for Pedro Hernandez, the man convicted in 1979 for the murder of 6-year-old Eitan Pates in New York City. Hernandez, who was serving a 25-to-life sentence following a 2017 conviction, has seen his case overturned due to an issue related to a note sent by the jury. This decision has reignited discussions about the integrity of the judicial process and the handling of long-standing cases.

Vandalism Targets Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Campaign Amidst Political Tensions

[02:15] In a concerning episode of political unrest, a campaign office for New York Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was vandalized over the weekend. Alisa Brady details that "red paint was splattered on the front window and the sidewalk outside the office in the Bronx." Additionally, police discovered a sign accusing Ocasio-Cortez of "funding genocide in Gaza."

[02:26] Gurnall Scott elaborates, tying the vandalism to Ocasio-Cortez's recent political actions. "That's in reference to a vote she cast last week in the House against a bill from Georgia GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene that would have slashed US foreign aid funding for Israel, including its defense forces," he explains. The Congresswoman had posted on X (formerly Twitter) commenting that Greene's amendment "did not end the flow of U.S. munitions in Gaza," which influenced her decision to vote against it.

Health Sector Reforms Announced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

[03:02] Transitioning to health news, Alisa Brady reports that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has unveiled plans to reform the organ transplant system. This initiative follows a departmental probe that uncovered "systemic disregard for the sanctity of life." Kennedy states that hospitals have been initiating the organ procurement process "when patients still show signs of life," raising ethical concerns about current practices. The proposed reforms aim to ensure greater respect and integrity within the organ donation framework.

Launch of the World's Largest Cruise Vessel: Star of the Seas

[03:22] Therese Crowley shares exciting news from the maritime industry: the introduction of the "Star of the Seas," the largest cruise vessel globally. The ship is currently on its shakedown cruise from its construction port in Finland and is scheduled to dock at Florida's Port Canaveral on August 15th. Set to embark on its maiden voyage on August 31st, this "virtual city at sea" boasts 30 decks accommodating up to 5,000 passengers. Among its attractions are the largest water park at sea and a Broadway-style stage. Tickets for this monumental cruise start at $951, with itineraries including stops in the Caribbean and docking off Royal Caribbean's private island.

Stock Markets Reach New Highs

[04:02] In financial news, Therese Crowley reports a positive trend in the stock markets. "Stocks remain higher," she states, noting that "the Dow's up to 24, the S&P and the Nasdaq hitting new highs." This uptick reflects investor confidence and positive economic indicators, contributing to a buoyant market sentiment.

Conclusion

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provided a comprehensive overview of pressing national issues, including legal battles between educational institutions and the federal government, challenges in immigration enforcement, political tensions leading to acts of vandalism, significant health sector reforms, major developments in the cruise industry, and a bullish stock market trend. Notable contributions from key figures like Kristi Noem and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. added depth to the discussions, offering listeners detailed insights into the complexities of these ongoing stories.