Fox News Hourly Update - 6AM ET | July 16, 2025

Hosted by Fox News Radio

1. Senate Breaks Tie to Advance Rescissions Package

At the outset of the newscast, Dave Anthony reports a pivotal moment in the Senate. The chamber was evenly split with 50 yeas and 50 nays on a crucial vote. Breaking the tie, Vice President Vance cast the deciding affirmative vote, thereby advancing a rescissions package aimed at reclaiming over $9 billion in previously appropriated federal funds.

Dave Anthony [00:02]: "Vice President Vance's vote advances what called a rescissions package to claw back more than $9 billion in already appropriated federal funds..."

The targeted funds predominantly originate from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and public broadcasting outlets like PBS and NPR. Republicans argue that these organizations exhibit a liberal bias, while Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer warns that the cuts could negatively impact local news across the nation, particularly in rural areas where alternatives like broadband are scarce.

Chuck Schumer [Timestamp not provided]: "That'll affect local news throughout the country, including in rural areas that lack broadband and other options."

The Senate is set to deliberate on possible amendments before proceeding to a final vote.

2. Call for Transparency in Jeffrey Epstein Case

Shifting focus to the Jeffrey Epstein case, House Speaker Mike Johnson emerges as the leading Republican pushing for greater transparency from the Department of Justice (DOJ). This follows a DOJ report concluding that Epstein committed suicide while in jail awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving underage girls, and notably, that he did not leave behind a client list.

However, skepticism remains among conservatives regarding the DOJ's findings. President Trump addressed the controversy, particularly the allegations surrounding the supposed client list.

Donald Trump [01:15]: "Credible information, let them give it anything that's credible. I would say let them have it."

This statement was made subsequent to an innovation summit in Pittsburgh, where Trump also emphasized the importance of revitalizing American industries.

Donald Trump [01:23]: "We're building a future where American workers will forge the steel, produce the energy, build the factories and really run a country like I believe, like this country has never been run before."

3. Private Sector's Investment in Artificial Intelligence

The update highlights significant private sector investment in artificial intelligence (AI), with companies in the U.S. pledging billions towards the development of AI data centers. This surge underscores the growing emphasis on AI as a cornerstone of future economic and technological advancements.

4. Atlanta All-Star Game Concludes with Historic Home Run Derby

In sports news, the Atlanta All-Star Game reached an unprecedented conclusion. After a tied score of 66 after nine innings, organizers decided to settle the game through a home run derby, a first in the event's history. Kyle Schwarber emerged victorious for the National League, narrowly defeating his counterpart from the American League.

5. Confirmation Hearing for US Ambassador to the UN

Mike Waltz, the nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, recently underwent a confirmation hearing in the Senate. Throughout his testimony, Waltz highlighted the achievements under the Trump administration, including the repatriation of hostages, border security enhancements, and the prevention of Iran obtaining nuclear capabilities.

Mike Waltz [03:14]: "President Trump has brought dozens of hostages home. Justice for our Abbey Gate Gold Star families secured the border, denied Iran a nuclear weapon, brought ceasefires to conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Yet there is still tremendous work to be done."

Despite these assertions, Democrats express concerns over proposed cutbacks in UN funding, arguing that such reductions could inadvertently benefit China. Senator Jeanne Shaheen emphasized the potential geopolitical risks associated with diminishing U.S. influence at the UN.

Moreover, Waltz faced scrutiny over a past incident known as Signal Gate, where he inadvertently included a journalist in a secure chat regarding potential U.S. military actions in Yemen. When questioned by Senator Chris Coons, Waltz maintained that no classified information was exchanged.

Mike Waltz [03:54]: "Coons, there was no classified information exchange."

6. Rising Concerns Over Drone Warfare and National Security

The conversation then shifts to the escalating issue of drone warfare. Carlos Jimenez, a Republican Congressman from Florida, characterizes drones as a modern warfare tool that poses a constant and everyday danger.

Carlos Jimenez [04:10]: "Drones are a tool of modern warfare that leads to a constant, everyday danger."

Jimenez emphasizes the credible and growing threat of coordinated drone attacks targeting critical infrastructure such as airports, seaports, and mass gatherings.

During the hearing, Tom Walker, a former Navy officer and CEO of a drone company, testified about the existing threats, citing over 300 unauthorized drone flights across more than 100 military bases. Mike Waltz added that the U.S. currently lacks an integrated national framework for drone oversight.

Mike Waltz [04:37]: "We do not have an integrated national framework for drone oversight."

The discussion also featured Church Hutton, a combat veteran now working for a leading drone company, who warned of the imminent dangers if current issues are not addressed promptly.

Carlos Jimenez [04:45]: "We'll either address these issues now before we suffer a major drone attack in the homeland, or we'll address them afterward."

7. Wall Street Update: Mixed Reactions

Concluding the newscast, Dave Anthony provides a brief update on the stock market. Stock futures appear mixed following a significant drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which plunged by 436 points the previous day. In contrast, the Nasdaq reached a record high, indicating a divergent trend within the major stock indices.

Dave Anthony [04:54]: "Stock futures are mixed the day after The Dow plunged 436 points, but the Nasdaq rose to a record high."

Kevin Yoretzki from Fox News offers further insights into the Wall Street movements, reflecting the complex and dynamic nature of the current financial landscape.

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