Fox News Hourly Update – 2PM ET | July 29, 2025

Hosted by FOX News Podcasts

1. FDA Issues Warning on Synthetic Opioids in Vape Products

[00:02] Lisa Brady opened the episode with a critical warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency is urging parents, school boards, and vape shop owners to be vigilant about the presence of a synthetic opioid being sold nationwide in vape products that are easily accessible to children.

[00:13] Dr. Marty Makary, the FDA Commissioner, provided further insights, stating, “I've gone to vape stores myself to see what is essentially an opioid casually being sold.” His firsthand observations highlight the severity of the issue and the casual distribution of these dangerous substances.

[00:21] Senator Ted Cruz expressed his alarm regarding the variety of products containing the synthetic opioid 7oh, remarking, “I've been surprised at the candies and gummies and drinks and ice cream cones. Here's one drink with 7oh in it. Do we understand what 7oh is at a public health scale?”

[00:33] Dr. Makary elaborated on the nature of 7oh, explaining, “It's a byproduct of Kratom, which is a leaf. But in this case, a synthetic version is what's being put in products.” He emphasized the FDA's recommendation to classify 7oh as a scheduled drug and mentioned that the agency has dispatched letters to both doctors and retailers warning them about the substance.

2. President Trump’s Return and Deadly Mass Shooting in Manhattan

[00:48] Lisa Brady reported on President Trump's return from Scotland, noting his interaction with the U.S. Treasury Chief regarding a productive trade meeting with Chinese officials in Sweden. While discussing trade, Brady mentioned, “There's no word yet on a possible extension of a pause on higher tariffs for China.”

Transitioning to a tragic event, Brady covered the recent mass shooting in a Manhattan high-rise. The motive remains under investigation after the gunman took his own life on the 33rd floor, having killed four people, including a New York City police officer employed as security in the lobby.

[01:22] New York City Mayor Eric Adams provided details about the incident: “Authorities are finding his gun in the building. Also, a long note we're told inside of that note was quite a few things. The 27-year-old really claimed he suffered from CTE because he played high school football.” Adams clarified that these claims are part of the ongoing investigation, adding, “But the gunman sprayed that lobby with bullets.”

[01:41] Reporting from the scene, Jessica McAdams noted that the gunman might have intended to target the NFL headquarters and mistakenly took the wrong elevator. She concluded, “America is listening to FOX News,” reinforcing the station’s commitment to providing comprehensive coverage.

3. Introduction of the ROTOR Act to Enhance Airspace Safety

[02:16] In the wake of the tragic collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter over Reagan National Airport, resulting in 67 fatalities, there is a renewed push to enhance airspace safety.

[02:27] Senator Ted Cruz introduced the ROTOR Act, joining forces with victims' family members and Trump administration officials to advocate for improved safety measures. He stated, “The bill would require all aircraft to have automatic dependent surveillance broadcast technology to keep pilots and air traffic control aware of what's in the airspace.”

[02:33] Senator Alex Padilla supported the initiative, emphasizing the necessity of stringent regulations: “We should not tolerate special exceptions for military training flights operating in congested airspace.”

[02:40] Reinforcing the bill’s objectives, Sen. Cruz mentioned, “The FAA Administrator Brian Bedford says the military is no longer doing training flights in the airspace near Reagan,” highlighting the importance of the ROTOR Act in preventing future tragedies.

4. Senate Democrats Advocate for Voting Rights Act Modernization and North Carolina Senate Race Updates

[02:57] Reporting from Capitol Hill, Ryan Schmelz detailed Senate Democrats' efforts to pass a bill named after the late Congressman and civil rights icon, John Lewis. The bill aims to modernize specific provisions of the Voting Rights Act as a response to what they describe as “the administration's brazen attacks on our right to vote.”

[03:10] Senator Alex Padilla voiced strong opposition to current administrative policies, declaring, “This administration's brazen attacks on our right to vote.”

[03:14] Shifting focus to the political landscape, Lisa Brady highlighted California Senator Alex Padilla's comments following President Trump's call for the Texas Legislature to redraw congressional districts ahead of the upcoming midterms. This move is seen as a strategic effort to influence electoral outcomes.

[03:27] Delving into the North Carolina Senate race, Padilla provided an update: “Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper's Senate campaign reports raising $3.4 million in its first 24 hours, a first-day record for a Senate candidate.” He mentioned that former House Democrat Wiley Nickel has ended his campaign to support Cooper, potentially running for Wake County District Attorney instead. The Senate seat, previously held by Tom Tillis who announced he is not seeking re-election, is now poised to be contested between Cooper and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, who enjoys President Trump's endorsement. This seat is viewed as a prime opportunity for Democrats to capture a majority.

5. Stock Market Briefing

[04:05] In a brief market update, Lisa Brady reported, “The Dow's down 207,” indicating a downturn in stock performance at the time of the broadcast.

This comprehensive update from the Fox News Hourly Update covers significant developments ranging from public health concerns, political maneuvers, legislative efforts, to notable events shaping the national discourse. For those who missed the broadcast, this summary encapsulates the essential information and key statements made by prominent figures.