Fox News Hourly Update: 8PM ET 07/16/2025 Newscast Summary
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host: Fox News Radio
1. Jeffrey Epstein’s Sex Trafficking Case and Presidential Support for Attorney General Pam Bondi
Reporter: Lisa Licera
The latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case have emerged as Republicans and other stakeholders push for more transparency. President Donald Trump has publicly expressed his support for Attorney General Pam Bondi amid calls for releasing additional documents related to the case.
Pam Bondi stated at [00:15]:
"Whatever is credible, she can release. If a document is credible, if a document's there that is credible, she can release. I think it's, I think it's good."
Despite these assurances, the Justice Department has concluded its investigation, asserting that no further documents will be made available. This decision coincides with the dismissal of Maureen Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, who was involved in federal prosecutions against high-profile figures like Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jeffrey Epstein. Notably, Comey's prosecution led to an acquittal on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
2. President Trump Signs Fentanyl Legislation to Combat Drug Trafficking
Reporter: Lisa Licera
In a significant move to address the escalating fentanyl crisis, President Trump signed the Halt Fentanyl Act, aimed at imposing harsher penalties on drug dealers, traffickers, and cartels involved in fentanyl distribution.
Donald Trump remarked at [00:53]:
"The Halt Fentanyl act strikes a blow to drug dealers, traffickers and cartels President Trump says will be getting the drug."
Pam Bondi emphasized the administration's commitment at [01:00]:
"Dealers, pushers and peddlers off our street. And we will not rest until we have ended the drug overdose epidemic."
The legislation, supported by the families affected by fentanyl overdoses, classifies fentanyl as a Schedule 1 narcotic and mandates longer prison sentences for related offenses. This bill garnered bipartisan support in both the House and Senate earlier in the year, reflecting a united front against the drug crisis.
3. Senate Bill to Cut Foreign Aid and Public Broadcasting Approaching Vote
Reporter: Lisa Licera
A contentious bill proposing a $9 billion reduction in foreign aid and funding for public broadcasting is nearing a Senate vote. Should it pass the Senate, the bill will proceed to the House for final approval. This legislative effort marks a significant shift in federal budget priorities, reflecting ongoing debates over government spending.
Additionally, President Trump announced on Truth Social that Coca-Cola has agreed to switch from high fructose corn syrup to real cane sugar as a sweetener in its U.S. products. However, Coca-Cola has not confirmed this change, leaving the details unverified.
4. Capitol Police Detain Armed Individual Near Capitol Building
Reporter: Lisa Licera
Capitol Police Spokesperson: Gernall Scott
A male individual was detained near the Capitol building after law enforcement officers noticed unusual activity involving a tricycle secured on his car's roof. Upon inspection, officers found a bow and arrow alongside empty gun holsters inside the vehicle.
Gernall Scott reported at [03:13]:
"A spokesperson for the U.S. Capitol Police said the man's car drew attention from law enforcement because it had a tricycle secured to its roof. When officers looked inside the car, they reported seeing the bow as well as empty gun holsters."
The suspect was moved to a secure location away from the car near a Capitol barricade for questioning, where he admitted ownership of the weapons. Capitol Police have noted a near tripling of direct threats against Congress members and their families since 2017, highlighting increased security concerns.
5. Push for Psychedelic Drugs Approval for Mental Health Treatment
Reporter: Lisa Licera
A growing movement within Washington, supported by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other Trump officials, is advocating for the approval of psychedelic drugs to treat persistent mental health conditions. This shift aligns with broader acceptance as psychedelic therapies gain traction in states like Texas.
Texas authorities recently allocated $50 million to study a controversial psychedelic drug, a move backed by former Governor Rick Perry and veterans' groups seeking access to these treatments. This initiative marks a significant investment in alternative mental health therapies, reflecting changing attitudes toward their potential benefits.
6. PGA Golfer Windham Clark Banned from Oakmont Country Club
Reporter: Jared Max
Windham Clark, a professional PGA golfer, faces a ban from the prestigious Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania following an incident of property damage. The ban remains in place until Clark completes anger management training and compensates for the damages caused to a century-old locker at the club.
The incident occurred after Clark narrowly missed the cut by one stroke at the US Open, leading to a moment of frustration where he struck a sign near a tee box with his driver. As a result, Oakmont Country Club requires him to make a meaningful contribution to a charity of his choice to lift the ban.
Jared Max concluded at [04:58]:
"Golfer Windham Clark prepares to tee off Thursday in the opening ground of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. He will do so knowing that in one course in his native country, he's not allowed to play golf anymore."
Conclusion
The Fox News Hourly Update for July 17, 2025, covered a range of pressing issues from high-profile legal cases and legislative actions to public safety concerns and developments in mental health treatment. With insightful reporting and influential voices contributing to the discussions, the newscast provided a comprehensive overview of current events shaping the national landscape.