Fox News Hourly Update – 2PM ET July 23, 2025
1. Bryan Kohberger Sentenced to Life in Prison
Courtroom Sentencing: In a significant development, District Judge Steven Hipler sentenced Bryan Kohberger to four consecutive life terms for the chilling murders of four university students in Moscow, Idaho, in 2022. The victims—Kaylee Gonsalves, Madison Mogan, Zana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—have left their families grappling with immense loss.
Emotional Reactions: The courtroom was filled with heartfelt emotions as the victims' families faced the defendant. Olivia Gonsalves, sister of Kaylee Gonsalves, expressed profound grief and anger:
- "As dumb as they come. Let me be very clear. Don't ever try to convince yourself you mattered just because someone finally said your name out loud." ([00:51])
Kohberger maintained a blank demeanor throughout the proceedings, refraining from any statements.
Legal Proceedings: The sentencing followed a guilty plea by Kohberger, which resulted in the death penalty being removed from his sentence in exchange for life imprisonment. Despite the emotional testimonies, the motive behind the killings remains undisclosed.
Official Statements: The White House extended its condolences, stating, "Our nation grieves with you and we will never forget the precious souls who were lost in this horrific act of evil." ([01:07]) Spokeswoman Caroline Levitt added that, had it been within the president's purview, Kohberger would have been compelled to provide explanations for his heinous actions.
2. Guilty Plea in Matthew Perry Overdose Case
In a related legal update, Dr. Salvador Placencia of California has pleaded guilty to charges connected to the death of actor Matthew Perry in 2023. Placencia admitted to administering ketamine in the months leading up to Perry's fatal overdose.
Case Details:
- Defendants Charged: Five individuals have been implicated in this case.
- Current Status: Dr. Placencia is the fourth defendant to plead guilty.
- Upcoming Trial: The sole remaining accused, a drug dealer, is scheduled to stand trial next month.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about prescription drug practices and their dire consequences.
3. White House Unveils Comprehensive AI Development Plan
The White House has introduced a robust strategy aimed at propelling the United States to the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation.
Key Components of the Plan:
- Policy Actions: 90 federal policy initiatives designed to accelerate AI innovation and infrastructure development.
- Regulatory Adjustments: Removal of certain regulations deemed as impediments to AI progress, alongside seeking private sector feedback on new rules.
- Infrastructure Modernization: President Trump emphasized the need to "modernize and expedite permits for data centers and semiconductor manufacturing sites," highlighting the administration's commitment to building a resilient AI infrastructure ([02:38]).
- Workforce Initiatives: Launching new programs to support high-demand occupations such as electricians and HVAC technicians, ensuring a skilled workforce to support AI advancements.
Executive Orders: President Trump is expected to sign three executive orders later in the day to further solidify the administration's commitment to AI leadership ([03:10]).
4. Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Resume in Turkey
A third round of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is currently underway in Turkey. The Turkish Foreign Minister emphasized the nation's dedication to facilitating a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Objectives of the Talks:
- Immediate Ceasefire: Establishing a ceasefire as a foundational step towards peace.
- Path to Peace: Ensuring that a lasting peace agreement is achievable and sustainable ([03:10]).
5. Congressman Mike Lawler Decides to Seek Re-election
In political news, Congressman Mike Lawler announced his decision not to pursue a gubernatorial bid in New York. Instead, he will focus on retaining his seat in the House of Representatives.
Statement from Lawler:
- "After months of deliberating over this and really working through it, I've decided the right thing to do for me and my family and my district is to run for reelection." ([03:39])
Political Context: Lawler was previously considered a strong contender to challenge Governor Kathy Hochul. Elected in 2022, he represents New York's 17th congressional district in the northern New York City suburbs. Notably, Lawler is one of only three Republicans to have secured a seat in an area also won by Kamala Harris, highlighting his unique political positioning.
Future Aspirations:
- "Keeping the House majority is critical if we are going to continue to move this economy in the right direction." ([03:59])
Lawler recently met with President Trump at the White House, signaling ongoing engagement with national Republican leadership ([04:10]).
6. Wall Street Experiences Significant Rally
Financial markets saw a substantial uptick with major indices reporting significant gains.
Market Highlights:
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: Increased by 446 points.
- S&P 500: Reached new highs.
- NASDAQ: Rose by 81 points.
This rally reflects investor optimism and positive economic indicators, contributing to a buoyant market sentiment ([03:30]).
7. Promotion: Unsolved with James Patterson
For listeners intrigued by true crime, Fox News Audio presents "Unsolved with James Patterson," a series that delves into real cases and unfinished stories. Engage with real people and stay informed by following the series at foxtruecrime.com.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments featured in the 2PM ET Fox News Hourly Update from July 23, 2025. For the latest news and detailed analyses, continue tuning into FOX News Radio.