Fox News Hourly Update - 2PM ET 07/04/2025 Newscast Summary

Release Date: July 4, 2025

The latest episode of the Fox News Hourly Update delivered comprehensive coverage of significant national and international events, interspersed with updates on local news and community happenings. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed during the broadcast.

1. Devastating Floods in Texas

The newscast opened with a somber report on the severe flooding in Texas, where record-breaking rains have triggered flash flood emergencies along the Guadalupe River in south-central Texas.

• Lisa Brady reported:

  "A flood disaster in Texas... Multiple deaths reported after record rain led to flash flood emergencies along the Guadalupe river in south central Texas."
  [00:02]

• Rob Kelly, Kerr County Judge, emphasized the tragedy:

  “This has been a very devastating and deadly flood.”
  [00:12]

Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities striving to identify bodies and locate missing individuals amidst high-water rescues.

2. International Relations: Ukraine-Russia Conflict

The podcast delved into the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting recent diplomatic interactions involving the United States.

• Lisa Brady detailed the interaction:

  "A day after a call with Russia's president, President Trump speaking with Ukraine's leader."
  [00:16]

• Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President, shared insights from his conversation with President Trump:

  "Very important and fruitful conversation... We agree to work together to strengthen the protection of Ukraine's skies."
  [00:29]

Despite the cooperative tone, the Pentagon announced a temporary pause on some air defense weapons shipments to Ukraine, citing concerns over U.S. stockpiles.

Furthermore, President Trump held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though he acknowledged:

"I did not make any progress on the peace process."
[00:29]

Shortly after these diplomatic efforts, Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine to date, deploying hundreds of drones and missiles.

[01:01]

3. White House Activities and Legislative Developments

Amidst the Fourth of July celebrations, the President is set to host a White House picnic for military families and sign a significant legislative bill.

• Kevin Hassett, National Economic Council Director, expressed enthusiasm:

  “We’re going to have one of the best bill signing celebrations you’ve ever seen. Can you imagine signing a bill this big on the 4th of July at the White House? How wonderful is that going to be?”
  [01:19]

The bill aims to advance President Trump's agenda, including tax cuts and enhanced immigration enforcement. However, Democrats caution that the legislation may adversely affect American workers and families.

• Democratic Concerns:

  "Democrats keep warning the bill will hurt American workers and families."
  [01:28]

In terms of security, NYPD has assured the public there are no credible threats to the day's celebrations, despite operating in a heightened threat environment since the October 7th Hamas terror attack.

• NYPD Spokesperson stated:

  “It’s operating in a heightened threat environment and it has been ever since October 7th in the Hamas terror attack... concerned about terrorist sympathizers inspired by the tension overseas.”
  [01:39]

4. National Security Concerns in New York City

With the heightened alert in New York City, authorities remain vigilant against potential threats, especially those inspired by international tensions.

• NYPD Spokesperson reiterated:

  “It’s operating in a heightened threat environment and it has been ever since October 7th in the Hamas terror attack... concerned about terrorist sympathizers inspired by the tension overseas.”
  [01:39]

5. Nuclear Developments in Iran

The United Nations has recently withdrawn its nuclear inspectors from Iran, raising alarms about the oversight of Iran's nuclear activities.

• Lisa Brady reported:

  "The United nations pulls its nuclear inspectors out of Iran over safety concerns."
  [02:15]

• Tanya J. Powers, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) representative, elaborated:

  “The inspectors have been driven out of Iran... Their departure means Iran is free to carry out its nuclear work unchecked.”
  “Iran's activities are still being watched closely by Western and Israeli intelligence agencies, and the IAEA still has access to satellite images of the sites.”
  [02:20]

In response to Iran's nuclear advancements, the Pentagon announced that recent U.S. airstrikes have potentially set back Iran's nuclear program by up to two years.

• Pentagon Statement:

  “Recent US Airstrikes have set back Iran's nuclear program by as much as two years.”
  [02:58]

6. Weather Updates: Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

Fox Weather’s Mike Seidel provided an update on impending weather conditions, focusing on potential tropical developments off the southeastern coast of the United States.

• Mike Seidel reported:

  "The Hurricane Warning is on the way... we'll find out later today if we have something as far as a tropical depression or a subtropical depression, or maybe nothing at this point. Nothing organized."
  [03:07]

Regardless of the storm's development, residents along the Carolina beaches should prepare for heavy rainfall (potentially exceeding 3.4 inches) and gusty winds surpassing 30 mph over the weekend.

7. Local Events: Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest

In a lighter segment, the broadcast covered the iconic Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest held at Coney Island.

• Joey Chestnut reclaimed his title by consuming 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, reaffirming his status as the event’s champion.

  [03:36]

• Mickey Sudo, the defending women's champion, secured her 11th title by downing 33 hot dogs, though both competitors fell short of their previous records.

  [03:36]

It was noted that Jess would not be returning to the event on ESPN after missing it last year due to a contract dispute.

8. Community Stories of Hope

Janice Dean introduced a heartfelt segment dedicated to stories of hope, spotlighting individuals who are making a positive impact within their communities and beyond.

• Janice Dean encouraged:

  "Join me every Sunday as I focus on stories of hope and people who are truly rays of sunshine in their community and across the world."
  [04:13]

Conclusion

The Fox News Hourly Update provided listeners with a thorough overview of pressing issues ranging from natural disasters and international conflicts to significant legislative moves and community events. The broadcast successfully balanced hard-hitting news with uplifting stories, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging update for its audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Rob Kelly: “This has been a very devastating and deadly flood.”
  [00:12]

• Volodymyr Zelensky: “We agree to work together to strengthen the protection of Ukraine's skies.”
  [00:29]

• Kevin Hassett: “We’re going to have one of the best bill signing celebrations you’ve ever seen. Can you imagine signing a bill this big on the 4th of July at the White House? How wonderful is that going to be?”
  [01:19]

• NYPD Spokesperson: “It’s operating in a heightened threat environment and it has been ever since October 7th in the Hamas terror attack...”
  [01:39]

• Tanya J. Powers: “Their departure means Iran is free to carry out its nuclear work unchecked.”
  [02:20]

• Mike Seidel: “Regardless of what we have, the impacts later.”
  [02:58]

This summary encapsulates the essential information presented in the Fox News Hourly Update, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who did not listen to the live broadcast.