Fox News Hourly Update: 8AM ET | July 15, 2025
On the July 15, 2025, episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, Fox News Radio delivers a comprehensive overview of the latest national and international developments. Hosted by Dave Anthony, the newscast covers a range of topics from technological advancements and legal battles to international conflicts and economic updates. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the broadcast.
Artificial Intelligence Innovation Summit in Pennsylvania
The episode opens with a focus on the United States' strategic push for leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation.
Dave McCormick emphasizes the critical importance of this initiative:
"We need to win the battle for AI innovation in America. And Pennsylvania is at the center of it."
(00:08)
Highlighting the significance of Pennsylvania in this technological race, Dave Anthony reports that former President Donald Trump is set to attend an innovation summit in Pittsburgh. The event, which includes Republican Senator Dave McCormick, will feature dozens of CEOs and announce substantial investments:
- $70 billion in funding
- Four new data centers
- Enhancements to power and grid infrastructure
- Industrial site conversions
- AI workforce development initiatives
(00:14-00:35)
Trump Administration's Legal Victory on Department of Education Layoffs
A significant legal update centers around the Trump administration's ability to proceed with planned layoffs within the Department of Education.
Jared Halpert reports:
"A divided Supreme Court lifted a district judge's order that temporarily reversed plan layoffs and other cuts from the Department of Education."
(00:35)
This decision allows the administration to resume laying off nearly 1,400 employees, aligning with broader efforts to eliminate the department. Halpert further explains that:
- Democrats view the closures as detrimental to students.
- 23 states have filed additional legal challenges aiming to prevent the department from blocking previously approved school funding by Congress.
(00:39-01:20)
U.S. Support for Ukraine and Tensions with Russia
The newscast shifts to international affairs, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the United States' supportive stance.
Dave Anthony notes the U.S. is reinforcing its defense of Ukraine by:
- Providing more weapons and ammunition
- Ensuring NATO covers the costs
(00:58)
Former President Trump voices his discontent with Russian President Vladimir Putin:
"The talk doesn't mean anything. My conversations with him are always very pleasant. I say, isn't that very lovely conversation? And then the missiles go off that night."
(01:20)
He warns Putin:
"The president is giving Putin 50 days to end the war or he'll impose 100% tariffs on Russia's trading partners."
(01:30)
New Tariffs on Mexican Tomatoes Spark Debate
Economic policy takes center stage with the announcement of a 17% tariff on fresh tomatoes imported from Mexico.
Hilary Varsky details the rationale and opposition:
"Those in favor of the move say it will help rebuild the shrinking US tomato industry and ensure that produce eaten in the US is also grown in the states. But opponents, including US companies that grow tomatoes in Mexico, say it will make fresh tomatoes more expensive for US buyers and possibly disrupt the supply chain."
(01:39-01:56)
Severe Flooding Impacts the Northeastern United States
A significant weather event has led to widespread flooding from North Carolina to Delaware, severely affecting New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Sue Guzman provides an in-depth report:
"Parts of New Jersey recovering from severe flooding as thunderstorms dumped heavy rains across the Tri-State area Monday. Plainfield and Scotch Plains in central New Jersey hit hard along Route 22 with portions of the New Jersey Turnpike underwater. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declaring a state of emergency. Emergency workers helped dozens of people stranded or trapped in their cars."
(02:16-02:27)
The storms have also disrupted major roadways in New York, caused significant delays on commuter trains, flooded subways, and led to ground stops at LaGuardia and JFK airports:
"Flash flooding also affecting several major roadways in New York and caused widespread delays on commuter trains and flooded subways. The storms also sparked ground stops at LaGuardia and JFK airports, causing major flight delays in New York."
(02:27-03:06)
Air Travel Disruptions Continue Amid Flooding
Following the severe storms, air travel remains heavily impacted:
Dave Anthony reports:
"There are lingering problems for air travel this morning. More than 550 flights canceled, many of them to or from Newark, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, along with over 1,100 flight delays."
(03:06-03:26)
Executions Continue in Florida Amidst Nationwide Statistics
The newscast covers the grim topic of capital punishment, highlighting Florida's ongoing executions:
Gary Baumgarten reports on the case of Michael Bernard Bell:
"54-year-old Michael Bernard Bell was convicted in 1995 for the murders of Jimmy West and Tamika Smith. His would-be execution is set for today, making him the eighth person executed in Florida this year, with a ninth scheduled later this month. Nationwide, 25 men have been executed so far in the United States this year, matching last year's total. Florida leads states in executions this year."
(03:26-03:54)
Economic Updates: Inflation and Stock Market Trends
Concluding the news segments, the broadcast touches on economic indicators and market movements:
Dave Anthony previews upcoming inflation data:
"Later this hour we will get an update on inflation. The consumer price index is expected to go up in June from May, and the annual rate of inflation is also expected to rise around 2.7%."
(03:54)
Stock market futures show mixed results:
"Ahead of that, on Wall Street, stock futures are mixed—Dow down, Nasdaq up."
(03:54-04:13)
Note: The broadcast concluded with a brief acknowledgment of fundraising efforts for flood relief; however, per instruction, non-content sections such as advertisements and calls to action have been omitted from this summary.
This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provides listeners with a thorough analysis of pressing issues, blending political developments, economic policies, natural disasters, and international affairs to deliver a well-rounded news experience.
