Fox News Radio 5-Minute Newscast Summary
Release Date: July 16, 2025

I. President Trump's Actions on Fentanyl and the Opioid Crisis

The newscast opens with Lisa Licera reporting on President Trump's recent signing of the HALT Act, a significant legislative effort aimed at combating the opioid crisis in America. The HALT Act classifies fentanyl as a Schedule I narcotic, which imposes stricter penalties and longer sentences for those convicted of fentanyl-related offenses.

Lisa Licera [00:02]:
"President Trump signing the HALT Act. The measure classifies fentanyl as a Schedule 1 narcotic, which means longer sentences for fentanyl related convictions."

In a powerful statement, President Trump emphasizes the nation's commitment to eradicating the opioid epidemic:

Donald Trump [00:16]:
"On behalf of all Americans who have lost a loved one to opioids, we renew our vow to liberate America from this horrible plague."

The legislation garnered bipartisan support in Congress earlier in the year, highlighting a unified front against the opioid crisis. Additionally, President Trump expressed his belief that China might implement the death penalty for individuals involved in the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl, underscoring the severity of the issue.

Lisa Licera [00:26]:
"The president also said he believes China will begin sentencing people to death for manufacturing and distribution of the drug."

II. Tensions Between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell

A significant portion of the broadcast focuses on the ongoing tensions between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. President Trump has been vocal in his criticism of Powell's interest rate decisions, expressing frustration over what he perceives as slow policy adjustments.

Donald Trump [00:50]:
"He's a knucklehead."

Donald Trump further elaborates on his dissatisfaction, stating:

Donald Trump [00:58]:
"I think he's not doing a good job. He's got a very easy job to do. You know what he has to do? Lower interest rates."

In response, Jerome Powell addresses the rumors surrounding his potential dismissal:

Jerome Powell [00:44]:
"Trump says it's highly unlikely he fires Fed Chairman Jerome Powell before his term ends next year."

Jerome Powell [00:51]:
"The president says he asked several House Republicans about replacing Powell early but says reports of an imminent firing are not true."

Powell also comments on Trump's allegations regarding the pace of interest rate decisions:

Jerome Powell [01:04]:
"President Trump says PAL is too slow on interest rate decisions."

Powell explains that the Fed is monitoring the impact of tariffs on inflation before making any decisions on rate cuts, maintaining a data-driven approach to monetary policy.

III. Wall Street Gains Following Fed Chair Criticism

Amid the tensions between President Trump and Jerome Powell, Wall Street experienced notable gains. Lisa Licera reports that following President Trump's apparent backtracking on the idea of firing Powell, major stock indices saw significant increases.

Lisa Licera [01:14]:
"Wall street stocks posted gains after President Trump seemed to pull back on his idea of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The Dow gained 231. The NASDAQ added 132. The S&P plus 19."

This uptick in the market indicates investor confidence in the Federal Reserve's current leadership and policy direction.

IV. Corporate News: Coca Cola's Switch to Real Cane Sugar

In a notable business development, President Trump announced on Truth Social that Coca Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its beverages sold in the United States. This decision follows discussions between the White House and the company, potentially affecting the beverage industry and supply chains.

V. Vice President J.D. Vance on Budget and Government Spending

Vice President J.D. Vance took the spotlight in Pennsylvania, promoting what he describes as the "big beautiful bill," which aims to ensure that overtime earnings remain in the pockets of workers rather than being subject to federal deductions.

J.D. Vance [01:39]:
"Called big beautiful bill thanks to President Trump's leadership. If you work overtime, the federal government is not going to take a dime of that overtime. You earn that money, you ought to keep it in your pocket."

This legislative effort reflects a commitment to financial empowerment for American workers.

VI. Senate Budget Cuts Proposal

The Senate is gearing up to vote on a substantial budget package that proposes $9 billion in government spending cuts. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce federal expenditures and address national fiscal concerns.

Lisa Licera [01:50]:
"The Senate now preparing to vote on a package of budget cuts that would claw back $9 billion in government spending."

VII. Flood Relief Efforts Fundraising

Highlighting community support, Jessica Rosenthal reports on the successful fundraising initiatives led by Fox News viewers. Following the network's initial donation to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, viewers across all Fox platforms have collectively raised $6.5 million to aid in relief and rebuilding efforts.

Jessica Rosenthal [01:59]:
"Following Fox's initial donation to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, our generous viewers have answered the call to action across all Fox platforms and have helped raise $6.5 million. Visit Go Fox.TXFloodRelief to support relief and rebuilding efforts."

VIII. Congressional Oversight of Joe Biden's Presidential Fitness

A closed-door deposition featured in the newscast involves a top aide to former First Lady Jill Biden. The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, is scrutinizing the mental and physical fitness of former President Joe Biden during his tenure.

James Comer [02:24]:
"House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said they asked former first lady Jill Biden's chief of staff Anthony Bernal did any unelected officials or family members execute the duties of the presidency."

In response to inquiries about President Biden's capability, both Biden and his doctor chose to exercise their Fifth Amendment rights.

Donald Trump [02:35]:
"Was Joe Biden fit to exercise the duties of the president? He pled the fifth."

James Comer [02:39]:
"The former president's doctor had also pled the fifth."

Florida Congressman Byron Donalds and Vice President J.D. Vance also weighed in, suggesting that any actions taken by Biden without the capacity to discharge his duties are invalid.

J.D. Vance [02:46]:
"Not have the ability to discharge his duties, then anything that he signed or the auto pen signed or whatever, as far as I'm concerned, is the low void."

Chairman Comer emphasized the committee's intention to continue its investigations by calling more former administration officials and family members for interviews.

IX. Inflation Update: Producer Price Index Steady in June

Economic analyst Jenny Coselda provides an update on the Producer Price Index (PPI), indicating that wholesale inflation remained unchanged in June. This stability suggests that tariffs and trade uncertainties are not significantly affecting the cost of goods before they reach consumers.

Jenny Coselda [03:07]:
"The producer price index was unchanged last month, the sign that tariffs and trade uncertainty are not having a significant impact on many things. The PPI measures wholesale inflation, the cost of things before they reach consumers."

The core PPI, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, also remained flat. For the year ending in June, the PPI moderated to 2.3%, while the annual core PPI rose by just 2.6%. These figures are notably cooler than what many economists had predicted, with the PPI peaking at 11.7% in the year ending March 2022.

X. Astronomical Discoveries on Planet Formation

In a fascinating shift to science news, Lisa Licera reports on groundbreaking astronomical discoveries regarding planet formation. Scientists from The Netherlands, utilizing NASA's Webb Space Telescope and a telescope in Chile, have captured what they describe as the earliest formations of planets around a young star approximately 1,370 light-years away.

Lisa Licera [03:48]:
"The earliest formation of planets forming around a baby sun like star. They're calling it unprecedented snapshot of what they call time zero, when new worlds form."

This discovery offers unprecedented insights into the initial stages of planet formation, potentially reshaping our understanding of how new worlds come into existence.

XI. Promotional Content: Unsolved with James Patterson

The newscast concludes with a promotional segment for "Unsolved with James Patterson," a Fox News Audio series that delves into real crime stories that remain unresolved.

James Patterson [04:13]:
"Fox News Audio presents Unsolved with James Patterson. Every crime tells a story, but some stories are left unfinished. Somebody knows real cases, real people listen and follow now@foxtruecrime.com."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and developments presented in the Fox News Radio 5-Minute Newscast, providing listeners with a clear and detailed overview of the topics covered.