Fox News Hourly Update: Detailed Summary of the 2AM ET Newscast (July 25, 2025)

The Fox News Hourly Update episode released on July 25, 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of the latest national and international developments. Hosted by Carmen Roberts, the episode delves into significant legal actions, high-profile interviews, political tensions, local tragedies, environmental crises, and international conflicts. Below is a structured summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Justice Department Sues New York City Over Sanctuary Policies

[00:02 – 00:10]

Carmen Roberts opens the newscast with a report on a substantial legal move by the Justice Department (DOJ) against New York City. The DOJ alleges that the city's sanctuary city policies are fostering an environment where individuals unlawfully present in the country are free to commit serious crimes.

Key Points:

• The lawsuit accuses New York City of enabling illegal immigrants to roam freely.
• A specific incident highlighted involves the shooting of an off-duty ICE agent in a park, described as an ambush by two alleged illegal immigrants.
• The DOJ is seeking to have the sanctuary policies validated, mirroring efforts in other states such as Colorado, Illinois, and New Jersey.

Notable Quote:

Unnamed DOJ Representative [00:10]: "The action accuses New York City of allowing criminals in the country illegally to roam the streets and commit heinous crimes."

2. Ghislaine Maxwell's Upcoming Meeting with Deputy Attorney General

[00:38 – 01:43]

The update transitions to legal proceedings involving Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted of sex trafficking underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch is scheduled to engage in a second day of meetings with Maxwell.

Key Points:

• Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in Florida.
• Her attorney, David Marcus, emphasizes her full cooperation during previous interviews.
• Maxwell did not invoke any privileges and answered all questions truthfully and honestly.

Notable Quotes:

Carmen Roberts [00:38]: "Fox says Colonel Scott Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch plans to meet Friday for a second day with Ghislaine Maxwell..."

David Marcus [00:56]: "She never stopped. She never invoked a privilege. She never declined to answer. She answered all the questions truthfully, honestly and to the best of her ability."

The segment also touches on the political discourse surrounding the demand from both Democrats and Republicans for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Additionally, President Trump voices concerns over the financial expenditures related to the Federal Reserve headquarters renovations, a point of contention with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Notable Quotes:

David Marcus [01:35]: "You just added in a third building is what that is. That's a third building."

Jerome Powell [01:39]: "It's a building that's being built."

Carmen Roberts [01:43]: "And the president has been highly critical of Powell for refusing to cut interest rates this year."

3. Philadelphia Shooting During Graduation Celebration

[03:07 – 03:42]

Carmen Roberts reports a tragic incident in Philadelphia where a celebration was marred by a deadly shooting, leaving at least four individuals, including a mother and her two children, in critical condition.

Key Points:

• The shooting occurred at a graduation party on Lambert Street.
• An assailant fired shots into the crowd, both outside and inside the residence as victims sought cover.
• Authorities have not made any arrests, and the motive remains unknown.

Notable Quote:

Shaunette Wilson [03:15]: "That's when they believe someone came up to the intersection here at Dolphin and Lambert and fired shots into the crowd outside that home where the graduation party was happening."

4. Texas Flooding and Legislative Response

[03:55 – 04:22]

The newscast shifts focus to the aftermath of severe flooding in Texas over the 4th of July weekend, which has resulted in significant loss of life and property. The state's special legislative session is addressing the crisis, emphasizing accountability and future preparedness.

Key Points:

• At least 135 people have died, including 30 children, predominantly in Kerr County, with three individuals still missing.
• State Representative Armando Martinez highlights that the legislative hearing aims to understand the response mechanisms rather than assign blame.
• Emphasis is placed on transitioning from reactive to proactive measures in disaster management.

Notable Quotes:

Armando Martinez [03:55]: "Some tough questions in Austin as the state legislature interviewed officials about a lack of proper warning and the initial response response to the deadly hill country floods July 4."

David Marcus [04:11]: "It's more about, you know, what a response is, what we have to do in the future and how to address the issues that have come up and be a little more, a whole lot more proactive instead of reactive."

5. Heat Dome Creates Dangerous Temperatures Across the U.S.

[04:22 – 04:53]

Carmen Roberts warns of an impending heat dome set to impact over 129 million Americans from the southern to the eastern coasts, bringing extreme temperatures that pose serious health risks.

Key Points:

• States along the I-95 corridor, including Boston, New York, Raleigh, and Washington D.C., will experience dangerously high "feels like" temperatures, with New York and Philadelphia reaching up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Urban areas, referred to as "concrete jungles," are particularly vulnerable due to the heat absorption of buildings and infrastructure.

Notable Quotes:

Carmen Roberts [04:33]: "A heat dome is going to create dangerous temperatures Friday for more than 129 million people from the south to the east coast all."

Shaunette Wilson [04:40]: "108 will be the feel like temperature of New York and Philadelphia. Concrete jungles here. It is just too hot in some of these cities."

6. International Tensions: Thai and Cambodian Troop Clashes

[04:53 – 05:18]

The newscast briefly touches upon escalating military tensions between Thai and Cambodian troops along their shared border, indicating a second day of clashes. Details are sparse, but the situation underscores ongoing regional instability.

Conclusion

The Fox News Hourly Update effectively covers a broad spectrum of pressing issues, from domestic legal battles and high-profile legal interviews to local tragedies, environmental emergencies, and international conflicts. By providing detailed reports enriched with direct quotes and precise timestamps, the newscast ensures that listeners are well-informed about the multifaceted challenges shaping the current landscape.

This summary is designed to provide an informative and comprehensive overview of the podcast episode for those who have not listened to the original broadcast.