2PM ET 07/23/2025 Newscast

Summary

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.

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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.

Transcript

[Lisa Brady]

This is a FOX News alert. He's locked up for life. I'm Lisa Brady. Moments ago in an Idaho courtroom, I.

[Judge Steven Hipler]

Remand the defendant to the custody of the Idaho State Board of Corrections for to be imprisoned in an appropriate facility and execution of the sentence where he will remain until he dies.

[Lisa Brady]

District Judge Steven Hipler just sentencing Bryan Kohberger to four consecutive life terms for killing four university students whose loved ones spent an emotional day in court. Face to face with the killer.

[Olivia Gonsalves]

In court in Boise, Brian Kohberger had a blank stare as he heard tears and heartbreaking stories of loss from the families of slain college students Kaylee Gonsalves, Madison Mogan, Zana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, who he murdered in Moscow, Idaho, in 2022. Some unloading on Coburger, including Gonsalves, his sister Olivia.

[Caroline Levitt]

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.

[Olivia Gonsalves]

That ahead of sentencing after a guilty plea in a deal that took the death penalty off the table in exchange for life in prison.

[Lisa Brady]

Fox's Jeff Benasso. The motive remains unknown. Kohberger declining to make a statement a short time ago just before being sentenced. A message to the families from the White House. Our nation grieves with you and we.

[Caroline Levitt]

Will never forget the precious souls who.

[Lisa Brady]

Were lost in this horrific act of evil. Spokeswoman Caroline Levitt also says if it were up to the president, Kohberger would have been forced to explain the killings. In California, a doctor just pleading guilty in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry in 2023 for giving him ketamine in the month leading up to his overdose. Five people were charged in that case. Dr. Salvador Placencia is the fourth to plead guilty. The only remaining defendant is an accused drug dealer scheduled to stand trial beginning next month. America is listening to FOX News.

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[Lisa Brady]

The White House calls it bold and comprehensive. A new plan aimed at boosting artificial intelligence development in the U.S. the action.

[Jared Halpern]

Plan is intended to cement U.S. dominance and artificial intelligence by directing 90 federal policy actions to accelerate innovation and build AI infrastructure. Among those actions, removing some regulations the administration says hinder AI development and seek private sector input on rules. President Trump is also urging agencies to modernize and expedite permits for data centers and semiconductor manufacturing sites and create new initiatives to boost high demand occupations like electricians and H Vac technicians.

[Lisa Brady]

Fox is Jared Halpern at the White House. President Trump also set to sign three executive orders later today. A third round of talks between Russia and Ukraine getting underway in Turkey, where the foreign minister says Turkey's goal is to end the war as soon as possible, hoping for a ceasefire to pave the way for peace. One House Republican decides not to run for governor in New York.

[Mike Lawler]

Congressman Mike Lawler was considered a potentially strong contender to take on New York's incumbent Democrat, Governor Kathy Hochul. Next year, he says no, he'll run to keep his House seat instead.

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.

Congressman Lawler on Fox and friends. He's in his second term, first elected in 2022 to represent New York's 17th congressional district in the northern New York City suburbs.

I'm one of only three Republicans that won a seat that Kamala Harris also won. Keeping the House majority is critical if we are going to continue to move this economy in the right direction.

Lawler met with President Trump at the White House last week. In New York, Chris Foster, FOX News.

[Lisa Brady]

A rally continues on Wall Street. The Dow's up 446 points. The S and P hitting new highs. NASDAQ up 81. And Lisa Brady. This is FOX News.

[James Patterson]

FOX News Audio presents Unsolved with James Patterson. Every crime tells a story, but some stories are left unfinished. Somebody knows real cases, real people listen and follow [e-mail].