4PM ET 07/18/2025 Newscast

Summary

Fox News Hourly Update – 4PM ET | July 18, 2025

Hosted by FOX News Podcasts

---

Accidental Explosion Claims Lives of Sheriff's Deputies in Los Angeles

At the outset of today's broadcast, Tom Graham reports a tragic incident at a Los Angeles law enforcement training facility: "Three sheriff's deputies are dead after an accidental blast" ([00:02]). Robert Luna, Louisiana County Sheriff, provides further details, stating, "They were three sworn members who were fatally killed that were assigned to our arson explosives detail. No other department members were injured or transported to any hospitals" ([00:14]).

FBI agents are currently on-site investigating the blast, which occurred while deputies were transporting explosive devices to a training location. The area remains evacuated as authorities assess the situation. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the incident, underscoring the severity of the event.

---

President Trump Introduces the Genius Act to Regulate Cryptocurrency

In significant financial news, Tom Graham highlights President Trump's latest legislative move: "President Trump signing a new set of regulations for cryptocurrency" ([00:28]). President Donald Trump himself comments on the legislation, "Very important act, the Genius act. They named it after me. And I want to thank you." ([00:47]).

The Genius Act aims to legitimize the cryptocurrency industry by setting foundational guardrails and consumer protections for stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies tethered to stable assets like the US Dollar. This move is seen as a pivotal step in integrating digital currencies into the mainstream financial system.

---

Education Department Releases Over $6 Billion in Federal Grants

Tom Graham continues with education-related news: "The Education Department unfreezing some federal funding for public school programs" ([00:55]). Jared Halpern elaborates, "The Trump administration is releasing more than $6 billion in federal grants for after school and summer programs in English language instruction" ([01:13]).

This funding initiative is supported by ten Republican senators who advocated for the release of these grants, emphasizing that "the programs are critical to local communities and the funds are not going to radical left wing programs." Additionally, a recent Supreme Court ruling permits the administration to proceed with laying off hundreds of Education Department employees as part of a broader strategy to dismantle the cabinet-level agency at the White House ([01:13]).

---

Controversy Surrounds Jeffrey Epstein Prosecution and Potential Unsealing of Documents

In legal and political news, criticism persists regarding the prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein and the administration's handling of the case. Tom Graham reports, "Criticism continues over the Jeffrey Epstein prosecution as well as the administration's handling of the case" ([02:32]).

Robert Luna provides an update on President Trump's stance: "President is also making a public call for the attorney general Pam Bondi to move to release Epstein grand jury material." This initiative involves the Justice Department seeking judicial assignment to review grand jury secrecy codes, potentially allowing a reassessment of the materials that led to Epstein's imprisonment ([02:47]).

---

Investigation into Former President Joe Biden’s Administration Intensifies

Tom Graham shifts focus to Capitol Hill, where James Comer, Chair of the House Oversight Committee, addresses ongoing investigations: "Annie Tomasini, the former deputy chief of staff to President Biden, invoked the Fifth Amendment during her deposition" ([03:22]). Comer asserts, "there is now a pattern of key Biden confidants seeking to shield themselves from criminal liability in this potential conspiracy," indicating a deeper probe into allegations surrounding the former president's decision-making processes and mental acuity.

President Biden has responded by asserting his role in final decisions during his tenure, countering the investigations aimed at uncovering potential cover-ups and misconduct within his administration ([03:22]).

---

Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges Involving Explosives and Impersonation of President Biden

In security-related news, Tom Graham reports a significant legal development: "A Virginia man pleaded guilty today in a federal case that accused him of stockpiling the largest number of finished explosives in FBI history" ([04:00]). The individual, Brad Spafford, also admitted to using a photo of then-President Joe Biden for target practice.

Authorities disclosed that FBI had seized 150 pipe bombs and other homemade devices from Spafford's residence last fall, leading to his detention since December ([04:00]). Spafford's guilty plea marks a substantial case in the realm of domestic terrorism and security threats.

---

Conclusion

Today's Fox News Hourly Update delivered a range of critical updates spanning law enforcement tragedies, significant legislative actions by President Trump, educational funding initiatives, ongoing legal controversies involving high-profile figures, and substantial security-related prosecutions. The comprehensive coverage underscores the network's commitment to keeping listeners informed on pivotal national issues.

---

This summary excludes advertisements, introductions, and outros to focus solely on the core news content presented during the broadcast.

Transcript

[Tom Graham]

Investigating an explosion. I'm Tom Graham, FOX news. Three sheriff's deputies are dead after an accidental blast at a Los Angeles law enforcement training facility. Louisiana County Sheriff Robert Luna.

[Robert Luna]

They were three sworn members who were fatally killed that were assigned to our arson explosives detail. No other department members were injured or transported to any hospitals.

[Tom Graham]

FBI agents are on the scene of the blast, which apparently happened as deputies were moving explosive devices ordinances to a training site. It remains evacuated after that explosion. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office says he has been briefed on the situation. President Trump signing a new set of regulations for cryptocurrency.

[Donald Trump]

Very important act, the Genius act. They named it after me. And I want to thank you. I want to thank you.

[Tom Graham]

This is a law seen as a way to legitimate legitimize the industry. One of the measures is called the Genius Act. It sets initial guardrails and consumer protections for stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency that is tied to stable assets like the US Dollar. The Education Department unfreezing some federal funding for public school programs.

[Jared Halpern]

The Trump administration is releasing more than $6 billion in federal grants for after school and summer programs in English language instruction. Ten Republican senators signed on to a letter to the Office of Management and Budget imploring the Education Department to send that funding. In the letter, the lawmakers warned the programs are critical to local communities and the funds are not going to radical left wing programs. A Supreme Court ruling this week gave the go ahead for the administration to continue laying off hundreds of Education Department employees as part of a broader plan to eliminate the cabinet level agency at the White House.

[Tom Graham]

Jared Halpern, FOX News America is listening to FOX news.

[Ray Dalio]

This episode is brought to you by Avid Reader Press. Legendary investor Ray Dalio's new book how Countries Go the Big Cycle explains the mechanics behind big debt crises. Larry Summer says Dalio's brilliant, iconoclastic approach is an invaluable resource. And Hank Paulson says it provides a solution to what is the biggest and most certain threat to our prosperity. Read it to understand the greatest economic issue of our time available now. Wherever books are sold.

[Tom Graham]

Criticism continues over the Jeffrey Epstein prosecution as well as the administration's handling of the case. President Trump responding after previously calling the existence of a client list and others a hoax perpetuated by Democrats, he now says he'll push courts to unseal secret documents.

[Robert Luna]

President is also making a public call for the attorney general Pam Bondi to move to release Epstein grand jury material. And that is moving along. The first step going to be for the Justice Department possibly today to get a judge in New York assigned to this effort to review code 6e, which is grand jury secrecy that could eventually lead to a review of the materials that led to Epstein's imprisonment.

[Tom Graham]

Fox's Peter Doocy at the White House while a former top aide, former President Joe Biden, sitting for a deposition as part of an investigation into that administration.

[James Comer]

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer says Annie Tomasini, the former deputy chief of staff to President Biden, invoked the Fifth Amendment during her deposition before the committee. Comer points out she's now the third witness to plead the Fifth, saying, quote, there is now a pattern of key Biden confidants seeking to shield themselves from criminal liability in this potential conspiracy. Republicans are investigating allegations of a cover up involving the decline in the former president's mental acuity and his use of the auto pen. President Biden has pushed back on the investigation, saying he was the one who made final decisions during his time in office. On Capitol Hill, Ryan Schmell's FOX News.

[Tom Graham]

A Virginia man pleaded guilty today in a federal case that accused him of stockpiling the largest number of finished explosives in FBI history. He also used a photo of then President Joe Biden for target practice. Brad Spafford pleading guilty in federal court in Norfolk. Authorities saying they seized 150 pipe bombs and other homemade devices last fall from his home. He's remained jailed since last December. I'm Tom Graham and this is FOX.

[Robert Luna]

NEWS.

[Ray Dalio]

From the FOX News Podcasts Network.

[Kennedy]

Hey there, it's me, Kennedy. Make sure to check out my podcast, kennedy Saves the world. It is five days a week, every week. Download and listen at foxnewspodcast.com or wherever you listen to your favorite podcast.