Fox News Hourly Update – 12PM ET Newscast Summary (July 9, 2025)

The latest edition of the Fox News Hourly Update, hosted by Fox News Radio, provided comprehensive coverage of significant national and international events. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the broadcast.

Tragic Flash Flooding in Texas

The newscast opened with a heartbreaking report on devastating flash floods in Texas, resulting in 119 deaths and leaving over 170 individuals missing.

Lisa Brady reported at [00:02], "Flash flooding now blamed for 119 deaths with more than 170 people missing." Highlighting both the tragedy and the heroic efforts, Joe Herring Jr., Kerrville Mayor, stated at [00:12], "This is a story of tragedy, but it's also a story of heroes."

During a briefing, Sheriff Larry Letha addressed concerns regarding the local response to flood warnings. At [00:26], he emphasized, "The Hill country is not a one size fit all place," explaining the varied approaches necessary for effective emergency responses. He assured that emergency crews acted promptly, adding at [00:36], "As with other significant events that are emergencies services encounter, this incident will be reviewed. You have my word."

Christina Coleman detailed the ongoing search efforts at [00:45], describing the resources deployed: "crews on horseback, K9 units, helicopters and swift water boats." She underscored the severity of the flood, labeling it "one of the deadliest in U.S. history."

Trump Administration Sues California Over Transgender Athletes Policy

A significant legal battle was highlighted as the Trump administration launched a lawsuit against California concerning the participation of transgender athletes in female sports categories.

Linda McMahon, speaking at [01:09], explained the Justice Department's stance: "California is violating federal Title 9 requirements and eviscerating equal athletic opportunities for girls and requiring girls to share intimate spaces like locker rooms with boys."

Echoing the administration's commitment, Joe Herring Jr. remarked at [01:22], "Women fought hard for these rights and it is the law and the president means business with it."

Responding to the lawsuit, California officials maintained their position. At [01:28], McMahon underscored the administration's directive for California to repeal its policy, while California counterparts expressed strong disagreement with the findings, asserting that the state is not in violation of Title 9.

Immigration Case Resolved Through Congressional Intervention

A notable humanitarian case was covered involving Donna Kashanian, who was released by immigration officials after intervention by the House Majority Leader.

Jessica Rosenthal narrated at [02:21], detailing Donna's long-standing residency in the U.S. for 47 years and her contributions to the community. Despite her family's citizenship and her voluntary work, Donna faced deportation due to previous visa complications and an unsuccessful asylum application based on her father's political affiliations.

Following widespread support and advocacy efforts, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise intervened, leading to her release. However, Homeland Security remained firm, stating at [02:21], "nothing about this case has changed, that she's here illegally and has exhausted all of her options."

Houthi Rebels Attack Cargo Ships in the Red Sea

International tensions were evident as European rescuers reported attacks on cargo ships by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The second attack targeted a Liberian-flagged vessel since Sunday, resulting in at least three fatalities.

At [03:03], Lisa Brady informed listeners of the ongoing maritime threats: "European rescuers say just six crew members are found so far from a cargo ship attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, the second Liberian flagged ship sunk by the Houthis since Sunday, killing at least three in the second attack."

Trump Administration Revises Mortgage Qualification Criteria

In an effort to aid prospective homeowners, the Trump administration announced a change allowing rent payments to be considered in mortgage qualifications.

Lauren Simonetti reported at [03:23]: "FICO scores are used in mortgage underwriting traditionally, but now the Federal Housing Finance Agency says Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can also use what's called a Vantage score that incorporates a borrower's rent payment history to determine if they qualify for a mortgage." She highlighted the potential impact, noting that historically, about 2 million people annually purchase their first home, a number that had declined to 1.1 million last year.

Echoing the economic implications, Lisa Brady added at [03:54], "Fox Business Lauren Simonetti, a partial rebound on Wall street even as the president announces more tariff letters to trading partners as efforts continue to make." She provided an update on the stock market's performance, mentioning, "Right now, the Dow is up about 90 points. The S and P and the Nasdaq also in the green."

Additional Segments

While the newscast primarily focused on the aforementioned topics, brief segments included local stories and promotions for other Fox News programs. Janice Dean introduced her Sunday segment on inspirational stories at [04:09], and Larry Letha concluded with a prompt to follow Fox News Podcast at [04:22].

This comprehensive update from Fox News Hourly underscores the network's commitment to delivering timely and detailed reporting on critical issues affecting communities both domestically and internationally.