Fox News Hourly Update: 8PM ET 07/17/2025 Newscast – July 18, 2025

The latest episode of the "Fox News Hourly Update" provides a comprehensive overview of significant national and international events, ranging from legislative developments in cryptocurrency to poignant stories from the world of sports. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed during the broadcast.

1. Congressional Approval of Cryptocurrency Bills

Hosts: Jessica Rosenthal, Kristen Goodwin, Pam Bondi

The U.S. Congress has made substantial progress in regulating the burgeoning cryptocurrency sector, with three pivotal bills receiving approval with broad bipartisan support.

• US Stablecoins Creation: Kristen Goodwin highlighted the passage of the "genius bill," which facilitates the creation of U.S. stablecoins—cryptocurrencies backed by the U.S. Dollar. "The genius bill backs the creation of US stablecoins, a cryptocurrency backed by the US Dollar," Goodwin reported at [00:12].

• Clarity Act: This legislation aims to delineate what constitutes a commodity versus a security within the crypto landscape. Currently passed by the House, it awaits Senate consideration.

• Anti-Central Bank Digital Currency Bill: Another significant bill that has passed the House is set to prevent the establishment of a central bank digital currency, reinforcing the dollar's status as the world's reserve currency. Pam Bondi emphasized, "Three combined deliver on the America first digital assets agenda by solidifying the dollar's dominance as the world's reserve currency," at [00:32].

Despite initial hesitations from some conservative Republicans concerned about the bills' efficacy in thwarting central bank digital currencies, consensus prevailed, ensuring the bills' progression to the Senate ([00:41]).

2. $9 Billion Spending Package Passed by Senate

Jessica Rosenthal reported on the House's imminent vote on a substantial spending package aimed at public broadcasting and foreign aid. The Senate has already approved this $9 billion initiative early on the morning of July 18, 2025.

• House Vote: The House is expected to finalize its approval during overnight sessions, cementing the package's passage.

• President Trump's Consideration on Prison Reopening: In related news, President Trump is deliberating the reopening of a notorious prison, signaling potential shifts in the nation's correctional policies ([00:50]).

3. Trump Administration Considers Reopening Alcatraz Prison

Reporter: Pam Bondi

In an exclusive report, Pam Bondi details the Trump administration's exploration into reinstating Alcatraz as an operational prison.

• Challenges Highlighted: Bondi conveyed the substantial hurdles faced, noting, "This is not going to be an easy climb. This building is rotting, literally from inside. It's well over 100 years old with quite a history," at [01:06].

• Fact-Finding Mission: Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum embarked on a tour of the dilapidated facility to assess the feasibility of its renovation. Their mission underscores the administration's commitment to evaluating robust solutions for the prison system ([01:31]).

Follow-Up: David Spunt from Fox News in San Francisco added that the administration is currently estimating the renovation costs, transforming the museum into a functioning penitentiary.

4. Federal Judge Dismisses January 6 Investigation Lawsuits

Jessica Rosenthal reported a significant legal development concerning the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

• Lawsuit Dismissal: A federal judge has dismissed lawsuits filed by FBI agents attempting to prevent the Trump administration from disclosing the identities of individuals involved in the January 6 investigation.

• Implications: This dismissal allows the administration to proceed with publicly identifying those who worked on the probe, a move that has stirred political and public reactions ([01:31]).

5. Arrest of Man Impersonating a Firefighter in Los Angeles

Reporter: Kristen Goodwin

In a noteworthy law enforcement action, the LAPD's Major Crimes Division, in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), executed a search warrant resulting in the arrest of a man accused of multiple offenses.

• Charges Filed: The individual faces charges of impersonating a firefighter, firearms violations, and government fraud. Notably, authorities seized an older model fire truck linked to a fraudulent volunteer fire department ([02:30]).

• Contextual Significance: The arrest location near areas affected by the January Palisades fire adds a layer of complexity, raising concerns about public safety and fraud in disaster-stricken zones ([02:36]).

6. Passing of Former NFL Linebacker Brian Braymond

Reporter: Pam Bondi

The Fox News community mourns the loss of Brian Braymond, a respected former NFL linebacker who tragically passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

• Career Highlights: Braymond, 38, celebrated a seven-year professional career, including a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played 97 games, primarily contributing on special teams and was an alternate for the Pro Bowl in 2012 ([03:19]).

• Personal Life: Born in Spokane, Washington, Braymond leaves behind two young daughters, ages 8 and 11, evoking heartfelt tributes from fans and colleagues alike.

Pam Bondi reflected on his legacy, "He blocked a punt in a divisional round playoff game," underscoring his impact on the field ([03:19]).

7. Provisional Suspension of Marathon Record Holder Ruth Cheping

Reporter: Lisa Licera

In sports news, Ruth Cheping, a world record holder in women's marathon running from Kenya, faces a provisional suspension following a positive doping test.

• Details of Suspension: The Athletics Integrity Unit announced that Cheping tested positive for a banned diuretic and masking agent in March. She has opted for a voluntary provisional suspension as the investigation continues ([04:03]).

• Impact on Career: This suspension marks a significant setback for Cheping, who has been a prominent figure in track and field, raising questions about fair play and the integrity of competitive sports.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments from LegalZoom and NetSuite by Oracle were aired during the newscast but have been excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the core news content.

This episode of the "Fox News Hourly Update" delivers a blend of legislative updates, legal proceedings, law enforcement actions, and personal stories from the sports world, providing listeners with a well-rounded perspective on current events.