2AM ET 06/29/2026 Newscast

Summary

---

Fox News Hourly Update – 2AM ET 06/29/2026

Host: Sue Guzman, FOX News Radio
Date: June 29, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced summary of the most pressing news stories in the U.S. and abroad, featuring escalating tensions in the Middle East, key political developments, severe weather impacting Kentucky, and the lead-up to America’s 250th birthday. The newscast covers diplomatic efforts, election updates, legal cases before the Supreme Court, and ongoing national celebrations, offering listeners a succinct digest of current affairs.

---

Key News Segments & Insights

1. US-Iran Ceasefire under Pressure

• Recent agreements to end hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz have been strained by renewed military attacks.
• Tensions Flare: Despite a memorandum of understanding, military strikes over the weekend threatened the frail ceasefire.
• US Response: Following an Iranian attack near the Strait (Saturday morning), U.S. CENTCOM targeted Iranian surveillance, air defense, drone, and minelayer facilities.
• Diplomacy in Motion: Both governments have signaled readiness for “high-stakes talks” in Doha, Qatar starting Tuesday.

Quote (Sue Guzman, 00:05):

“CENTCOM says the US targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, air defense strikes, drone storage facilities and minelayer capabilities following the attack on a merchant vessel Saturday morning.”

---

2. Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalation

• The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) destroyed a significant underground tunnel used for weapon storage in Lebanon.
• US Notified: The US was informed in advance of the strike.
• Ceasefire in Jeopardy: The action follows a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon—but Hezbollah claims the strikes are a “flagrant violation” and pledges continued resistance.
• Israeli Conditions: Israel asserts withdrawal will only occur if the Lebanese army directly opposes Hezbollah.

Quote (Ashley Strohmeier, 00:57):

“The IDF says it targeted a 650 foot tunnel in a village where guns were stored. The US was about the attack before it happened.”

---

3. Louisiana Senate Primary Update

• Winner Declared: Julia Ludlow (Republican, Trump-backed) outpaces State Treasurer John Fleming in the Louisiana primary runoff.
• Significance: Ludlow advances to the senate race against Democrat Jamie Davis in November. Incumbent Bill Cassidy (who voted to remove Trump post-Jan. 6) lost his primary in May, reflecting shifting political tides.

Quote (Julia Ludlow speech excerpt, 01:30):

“Louisiana sent a clear message that they want a candidate ... who will always put America first and never turn her back on Louisiana voters.”

---

4. Upcoming Supreme Court Rulings

• Session Closing Looms: The Court still has eight outstanding cases, with decisions expected in the coming days.
  • Major Cases Pending:
    • President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship.
    • Transgender student participation in female athletics (cases from Idaho and West Virginia).
    • Campaign finance regulations ahead of midterms.
    • Counting of late-arriving mail-in ballots (Mississippi case).

Quote (Jared Halpern, 02:41):

“Among the high profile opinions, a ruling on President Trump's executive order to eliminate birthright citizenship ... a pair of cases from Idaho and West Virginia over transgender students participating in female athletics. ... a case over campaign finance is unresolved as well as a Mississippi case about counting late arriving mail in ballots.”

---

5. Deadly Flash Flooding in Kentucky

• Crisis Response: Governor Andy Beshear declares a state of emergency after torrential rains cause deadly flash floods (at least four dead) and lead to widespread rescues.
• Widespread Impact: Madison and Jackson counties hardest hit; some victims swept away while in their vehicles; further rain expected overnight.

Quote (Chanley Painter, 03:23):

“Crews have their hands full rescuing people trapped in cars and homes. The flooding is blamed for at least four deaths. More rain is expected throughout the night.”

---

6. Controversy Over America 250 Celebration

• Event Background: America’s 250th anniversary is marked with major events at the National Mall, featuring high-profile speeches.
• Political Debate: Arizona Senator Mark Kelly sharply criticizes the event, labeling it “more of a political event than a celebration of America’s history."
• Presidential Role: President Trump is heavily involved, opening festivities and scheduled to return July 4th.

Quote (Senator Mark Kelly, 04:03):

“This is really an opportunity to think about, like, the history of our country and all the great things we’ve done, all the innovation. But what’s going to happen on July 4th? Yeah, we’re going to have a rally.”

---

Noteworthy Timestamps

• 00:05 – US-Iran ceasefire developments and CENTCOM statement
• 00:57 – Israeli-Hezbollah conflict update
• 01:30 – Louisiana Senate primary result, Ludlow statement
• 02:41 – Supreme Court pending case rundown
• 03:23 – Kentucky flooding emergency details
• 04:03 – Senator Kelly critiques America 250
• 04:15 – President Trump’s role in celebration

---

Memorable Quotes

• “CENTCOM says the US targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure... following the attack on a merchant vessel Saturday morning.” (Sue Guzman, 00:05)
• “The IDF says it targeted a 650 foot tunnel in a village where guns were stored.” (Ashley Strohmeier, 00:57)
• “Louisiana sent a clear message that they want a candidate... who will always put America first and never turn her back on Louisiana voters.” (Julia Ludlow, 01:30)
• “Crews have their hands full rescuing people trapped in cars and homes. The flooding is blamed for at least four deaths.” (Chanley Painter, 03:23)
• “This is really an opportunity to think about...the great things we’ve done...But what’s going to happen on July 4th? Yeah, we’re going to have a rally.” (Senator Mark Kelly, 04:03)

---

Summary Tone:
Succinct, focused, and urgent, reflecting the rapid developments in foreign affairs, US politics, legal decisions, emergencies, and commemorations. The reporting is direct, with clear attributions and concise updates for listeners seeking a comprehensive news snapshot.

Transcript

[A]

Standing down. I'm Sue Guzman. Fox News. And two weeks after the signing of a memorandum of understanding to end hostilities, the US And Iran have reportedly agreed to once again halt attacks in the Strait of Hormuz as a weekend of military strikes threaten the fragile ceasefire agreement. Strikes between the US And Tehran escalating before both sides agree to prepare for high stakes talks in doha, Qatar, Tuesday. U.S. central Command saying on X that Iran had a chance to honor the ceasefire agreement but a elected not to when its forces attacked near the Strait of Hormuz Saturday. CENTCOM says the US Targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, air defense strikes, drone storage facilities and minelayer capabilities following the attack on a merchant vessel Saturday morning. Meanwhile, Israel's military is ramping up strikes against Iran backed Hezbollah, this time by destroying an underground terrorist center. Fox's Ashley Strohmeier reports.

[B]

The IDF says it targeted a 650 foot tunnel in a village where guns were stored. The US Was about the attack before it happened. Strike comes just two days after Lebanon and Israel agreed to a U. S Brokered deal to stop fighting along the border. Hezbollah says Israel's attacks are a flagrant violation of the ceasefire, adding it will continue its armed resistance.

[A]

Israeli officials say they will only withdraw if the Lebanese army deploys against Hezbollah. Trump backed Louisiana Republican Congresswoman Julia Ludlow, defeating State Treasurer John Fleming in Saturday's primary runoff.

[B]

Louisiana sent a clear message that they want a candidate to them in the Senate who will always put America first and never turn her back. On Louisiana voters so vying for the

[A]

seat now held by incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted to remove President Trump from office after the January 6 riot lost his primary in May, Congresswoman will face Democrat Jamie Davis in the November general election. America is listening to Fox News.

[C]

Who helps America go farther, fly higher, dream even bigger?

[A]

People do.

[C]

Since 1879, our people have been more than a source of energy. They've been a source of progress. Today, that same progress is helping deliver record US Energy production, fueling the workers, the makers, the boundary pushers and risk takers who spark the breakthroughs that move America forward. Learn more about what our people [e-mail] USA250

[A]

the nation's highest court with a big week ahead as it wraps up its final session with some key issues expected to be decided. Jared Halpern has more from Washington.

[D]

Justices have at least two more days remaining in the term as they finalize eight cases still outstanding. Among the high profile opinions, a ruling on President Trump's executive order to eliminate birthright citizenship the high court is also still considering a pair of cases from Idaho and West Virginia over transgender students participating in female athletics. And ahead of the midterm elections, a case over campaign finance is unresolved as well as a Mississippi case about counting late arriving mail in ballots. In Washington, Jared Halpern, FOX News.

[A]

Massive flooding in Kentucky turning deadly. The heavy rains and flash flooding prompting water rescues, evacuations and emergency declarations as we hear from fox's Chanley Painter.

[E]

Kentucky is declaring a state of emergency as heavy rain floods the state. Crews have their hands full rescuing people trapped in cars and homes. The flooding is blamed for at least four deaths. More rain is expected throughout the night.

[A]

Some victims of the severe flooding swept away in their cars because of the sudden flash flooding. Governor Andy Beshear declaring a state of emerg for several counties. Upwards of 8 inches of rain fell. Madison and Jackson County's hardest hit. Arizona Democratic Senator Mark kelly criticizing the America250 event at the National Mall in Washington. The senator telling ABC's this Week that America 250 is more of a political event rather than a celebration of America's history.

[D]

This is really an opportunity to think about, like the history of our country and all the great things we've done, all the innovation. But what's going to happen on July 4th? Yeah, we're going to have a rally.

[A]

All America 250 Celebration kicked off with President Trump opening the celebration with a speech at the National Mall Wednesday night. And the president is scheduled to speak at America 250 again on July 4th. I'm Sue Guzman. This is FOX News.

[F]

Cheers to America's 250th birthday. Get 20% off your first purchase at foxnewswineshop.com with code FNRADIO20. 20% discount excludes wine club offers and cannot be combined with any other promotion. Expires July 31, 2026. Must be 21 or older to order. Please Dr. Responsibly.