Fox News Hourly Update - 12PM ET | June 30, 2025
Hosted by Therese Crowley
1. Senate Voterama: Prospects for President Trump's Budget Bill
Therese Crowley opens the newscast discussing the ongoing Senate voterama focused on passing President Trump's ambitious budget proposal, which includes extending the Trump tax cuts by the Fourth of July.
Unnamed Republican Senator provides insight into the legislative process:
"It's going to be a very, very, very long day. This is going to be a very long, strenuous process here. But Republicans are inching very, very closely to getting this done and sending this big, beautiful bill over to the House" ([00:14]).
Despite the progress, the bill faces internal challenges. Over the weekend, the Senate passed the House's version of the bill with a narrow margin of 51 to 49. Notably, two Republican senators, Rand Paul and Thom Tillis, dissenting their votes, marking significant fractures within the party.
2. Senator Thom Tillis Opposes Trump's Budget Bill
Therese Crowley highlights the political tensions arising from the budget bill:
"The Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer warns Republicans about following Donald Trump off a political cliff." ([00:48]).
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina emerges as a vocal critic:
"In Washington over the last few years, it's become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species." ([01:03]).
Tillis's opposition centers on the bill's impact on Medicaid:
"The Senate's Medicaid provider tax structure will cost his state tens of billions of dollars." ([01:03]).
His stance has led to significant political repercussions, including threats from President Trump of a primary challenge and Tillis announcing he will not seek reelection next year.
3. Sean "Diddy" Combs Trial Underway
The newscast briefly covers the high-profile trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, with Therese Crowley reporting:
"The jury is deliberating after lengthy jury instructions in Manhattan federal court. The jury [is] to decide if prosecutors actually proved a RICO case against what the defense calls Diddy's lifestyle." ([01:37]).
This case has garnered significant attention, with the defense portraying the charges as exaggerated compared to Combs's public persona.
4. Tragic Shooting Incident in Idaho
Therese Crowley transitions to a breaking news story from Idaho:
"The gunman found dead after his ambush on firefighters in a wooded mountain area outside Coeur d'Alene." ([02:36]).
Todd Pyro provides detailed coverage:
"Police confirming the suspect intentionally started a brush fire in order to lure first responders to a northern Idaho mountain community where the shooting began. Two firefighters confirmed dead while another is in stable condition after being released from surgery overnight." ([02:41]).
The investigation reveals that the suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was located using cell phone signals. Law enforcement officials believe he acted alone, though details about his demise remain unclear. The firefighting community mourns the loss, holding a procession to honor the fallen.
5. US Operation Midnight Hammer Strikes Iran's Nuclear Facilities
Therese Crowley reports on significant international developments:
"Law enforcement forced to collect the suspect's body and flee with a wildfire raging after US Operation Midnight Hammer took out Iran's three nuclear facilities." ([03:19]).
Jonathan Savage elaborates on the geopolitical ramifications:
"Last week at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, President Donald Trump said American and Iranian officials would be talking in the coming days. Now both sides have confirmed the meeting is off." ([03:32]).
The operation led to heightened tensions, with Iran's deputy foreign minister stating:
"The United States must rule out any more attacks on Iran if it wants a return to diplomacy." ([03:32]).
In response, President Trump declared on Truth Social that he is not engaging in talks with Iran, reiterating claims of the United States having successfully targeted Iran's nuclear capabilities. This action coincided with a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
6. President Trump’s Initiatives in Gaza and Middle East Peace Efforts
Therese Crowley highlights President Trump's recent activities:
"Over the weekend, President Trump [is] making the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back." ([04:09]).
In addition, discussions are underway to involve more countries in the Abraham Accords, aimed at fostering peace in the Middle East. Israel's strategic affairs minister is currently in Washington for talks to conclude the conflict with Hamas, signaling ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.
Note: The newscast concluded with a promotional segment for an upcoming special episode featuring hosts such as Rosanna Scotto and Dr. Drew Pinsky. As per instructions, non-content sections like advertisements and promos have been excluded from this summary.
