Fox News Hourly Update: 4AM ET | July 18, 2025

In the early hours of July 18, 2025, the Fox News Hourly Update delivered a comprehensive roundup of pressing national and international issues. Hosted by Sue Guzman, the episode delved into legislative developments, presidential directives, health updates, immigration cases, and significant media news. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed.

1. House Passes Rescission Bill Clawing Back $9 Billion

Legislative Action on Foreign Aid and Public Broadcasting

Sue Guzman opened the segment by announcing the House's passage of a rescission bill aimed at reclaiming $9 billion from foreign aid and public broadcasting budgets.

Sue Guzman [00:03]: "I'm Sue Guzman, FOX News. And the House has passed a bill that claws back $9 billion in funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting."

Chad Pergram provided further analysis, highlighting the bipartisan dynamics and potential implications of the bill.

Chad Pergram [00:24]: "There were no Democrats who voted for this. And there were two Republican nos, Mike Turner, Republican of Ohio, and also Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican of Pennsylvania. Both of them have been big defenders of certain foreign aid programs, in particular some of the aid going to Ukraine."

Pergram emphasized that this maneuver marks a significant shift, potentially the first of several rescission opportunities under the Trump administration to reduce governmental spending.

Chad Pergram [00:24]: "This now goes to President Trump for him to sign. They've not used a maneuver like this to kind of cancel this spending ex post facto in 30 years, but they have been successful."

2. President Trump Directs Release of Epstein Grand Jury Testimony

Efforts Towards Transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein Case

In response to mounting criticism from various political factions, President Trump announced a push for greater transparency regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case. This comes after Attorney General Bondi confirmed the non-existence of disclosed Epstein client lists.

Sue Guzman [00:58]: "After weeks of criticism from Trump supporters, Republicans and Democrats, President Trump says he is directing Attorney General Bondi to ask a court to release all relevant grand jury testimony in the Jeffrey Epstein case."

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarified the administration's stance, balancing Trump's call for transparency without appointing a special counsel.

Caroline Levitt [01:18]: "It's not just Democrats demanding answers. After the Justice Department concluded there is no evidence of a client list, some Republicans and conservative influencers have called for a special counsel."

Levitt added that while Trump supports uncovering additional credible information, he does not advocate for a special prosecutor in the matter.

Caroline Levitt [01:42]: "But Levitt says President Trump has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release any additional credible information discovered about the case."

3. President Trump's Health Update Released

Diagnosis of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

The White House provided an update on President Trump's health following reports of lower leg swelling and a bruised hand. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt shared details from the president's doctor, confirming a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.

Sue Guzman [03:08]: "The White House released the results of President Donald Trump's checkup Thursday. Was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in those over 70 that leads to blood pooling in the legs."

Kevin Cork elaborated on the medical findings, assuring the public of the president's stable condition and the absence of more severe vascular issues.

Kevin Cork [03:22]: "According to his doctors, the president underwent a battery of tests, ultrasounds and a diagnostic vascular study and thankfully, he's doing just fine. As for the lower leg swelling, well, Levitt said there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or any arterial disease."

4. Illegal Migrant Charged with Faking ICE Kidnapping in California

Investigation Reveals Staged Abduction Attempt

Marianne Rafferty reported on a troubling incident involving an illegal migrant in California who allegedly fabricated her own kidnapping by ICE agents. The case unraveled as authorities conducted a thorough investigation, uncovering inconsistencies in the reported abduction.

Sue Guzman [04:03]: "A woman in the country illegally allegedly said she was abducted at a Jack in the box by ICE officers."

Rafferty detailed the sequence of events, including the creation of a fraudulent GoFundMe page and a press conference aimed at soliciting funds and public support for her supposed ordeal.

Marianne Rafferty [04:03]: "Federal officers had completed a thorough investigation, including a review of surveillance video and determined the kidnapping claim was not true."

Authorities identified Juriana Julia Pelaez Calderon as the individual orchestrating the false narrative, leading to her arrest on charges of conspiracy and making false statements.

Marianne Rafferty [04:03]: "Authorities believe 41 year old Juriana Julia Pelaez Calderon staged these photo look like she was mistreated in ICE custody."

5. Stephen Colbert Announces the End of The Late Show

CBS Confirms Conclusion of Iconic Late Night Franchise

In a surprising announcement, Sue Guzman reported that "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will conclude its 12-year run on CBS in May 2026. The decision stems from financial challenges faced by the network amidst a competitive late-night landscape.

Sue Guzman [04:41]: "The Late show with Stephen Colbert is going to end a 12 year run on CBS in May 2026."

Colbert addressed the news during the last night's taping, assuring fans that the show and franchise will not be replaced, emphasizing the finality of the announcement.

Sue Guzman [04:41]: "Colbert announcing during last night's taping the entire Late show franchise is ending as well, quote, saying I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away."

Conclusion

The July 18, 2025, episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provided listeners with crucial updates on legislative actions, presidential directives, health matters, immigration enforcement, and significant shifts in the entertainment industry. Through detailed reporting and timely quotes, the episode offered a thorough overview of the day's most impactful stories.