Fox News Hourly Update – 8PM ET 06/24/2025 Newscast Summary
Release Date: June 25, 2025
1. U.S. Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Program
Host: Lisa Lacera
Speaker: Steve Witkoff
The episode opens with Lisa Lacera introducing Steve Witkoff, Fox News' Special Envoy to the Middle East, who addresses the recent Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report concerning Iran's nuclear program. The DIA report indicated that Iran's nuclear capabilities were not entirely dismantled by the U.S. strikes over the weekend, revealing that some highly enriched uranium was relocated and survived the attacks.
Notable Quote:
- Steve Witkoff: "The reporting out there that in some ways suggests that we did not achieve the objective is just completely preposterous." [00:16]
Witkoff asserts that the strikes were effective, stating that the bombs targeted Iran's nuclear sites successfully and that it would take Iran years to rebuild its nuclear infrastructure. He dismisses the DIA's findings as misleading, emphasizing the strategic impact of the U.S. military actions.
2. NATO Summit and Defense Spending
Host: Lisa Lacera
Speaker: Peter Ducey
Lisa Lacera transitions to the NATO summit currently taking place in the Netherlands, where U.S. President Donald Trump is advocating for increased defense spending among member nations. Peter Ducey reports on the potential outcomes of these discussions.
Notable Quote:
- Peter Ducey: "Europe is going to pay in a big way, as they should and it will be your win." [00:49]
Ducey highlights that the NATO Secretary General has signaled support for President Trump's push, suggesting that European countries are likely to contribute more significantly to defense budgets. However, Spain has already declared it will not meet the 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) defense spending target set by President Trump, indicating potential resistance within the alliance.
3. New York City Democratic Mayoral Primary
Host: Lisa Lacera
Speaker: N/A (Reporter Nate Foy)
The focus shifts to the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City, which is entering its final hours of polling. The race is primarily between former Governor Andrew Cuomo and state lawmaker Zoran Mamdani.
Key Points:
- Andrew Cuomo: Seeking a political comeback after resigning due to a sexual harassment scandal. He is backed by prominent figures such as former Mayor Mike Bloomberg and former President Bill Clinton.
- Zoran Mamdani: A 33-year-old state lawmaker aiming to become New York City's first Muslim mayor. He denies accusations of anti-Semitism and has been critical of Israel, not Hamas, following the October 7 terror attack. Mamdani identifies as a democratic socialist, proposing policies like free city buses, free child care, and city-owned grocery stores.
Notable Quote:
- Zoran Mamdani: [Not directly quoted in the transcript, but his policy positions and stance are highlighted.]
Reporter Nate Foy emphasizes the high stakes of this primary, noting its potential impact on the city's future leadership and policies.
4. Sean "Diddy" Combs Sex Trafficking Trial
Host: Lisa Lacera
Speaker: Grinal Scott
The podcast covers the recent developments in the high-profile sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs. After over a month of testimony, both the prosecution and defense have rested their cases.
Key Points:
- Prosecution: Presented 34 witnesses over 33 days, including Combs himself, ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, and rapper Kid Cudi.
- Defense: Requested the judge to dismiss all charges, arguing that the prosecution failed to substantiate racketeering and sex trafficking allegations.
Notable Quote:
- Grinal Scott: "When cross examination of a final prosecution witness, a federal Homeland Security investigator, came to a close, prosecutors rested their case." [03:24]
Closing arguments are scheduled to commence the following day in New York City, with significant attention on whether the prosecution can uphold its charges against Combs.
5. Alaskan Airlines Plane Incident and NTSB Actions
Host: Lisa Lacera
Speaker: Jeff Manasseh
Seventeen months after a catastrophic incident involving an Alaskan Airlines Boeing 737 Max, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is poised to implement measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Incident Details:
- Date: January of the previous year
- Flight: Alaskan Airlines Flight 1282
- Event: Shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon, a door plug was forcibly removed mid-flight, causing an air vacuum that expelled debris from the cabin. Eight passengers and crew members sustained injuries.
Notable Quote:
- Jeff Manasseh: "Bolts securing what's known as the door plug panel were removed and never replaced during a repair." [04:07]
The NTSB is examining the root causes, including maintenance oversights, and is expected to endorse new safety recommendations to ensure such a mishap does not recur. This meeting underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance aviation safety standards.
6. U.S. Economy: Consumer Confidence Index Decline
Host: Lisa Lacera
The economic outlook is concerning as recent data reveals a significant decline in consumer confidence, potentially signaling broader economic challenges ahead.
Key Points:
- Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index: Dropped to 93 in June, a decrease of 5.4 points from May.
- Implications: A reading below 80 is often viewed as a harbinger of an impending recession, marking the current decline as alarming.
- Wall Street Performance:
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: Increased by 507 points
- Nasdaq: Rose by 81 points
- S&P 500: Gained 67 points
Lisa Lacera highlights the mixed signals from the economy, where consumer sentiment is waning despite gains in key stock indices. The decline in confidence may reflect underlying economic stresses that could impact future growth and stability.
Conclusion
The Fox News Hourly Update for June 24, 2025, encapsulates critical developments in international relations, economic indicators, major legal proceedings, and significant political races. From the U.S.'s strategic military actions in the Middle East and NATO's defense budget negotiations to the high-stakes Democratic mayoral primary in New York City, the update provides a comprehensive overview of pressing national and global issues. Additionally, the coverage of the consumer confidence dip offers insight into potential economic trends that could influence future policy and market movements.