Fox News Hourly Update: 2PM ET 07/07/2025 Newscast Summary
Release Date: July 7, 2025
The latest episode of Fox News Hourly Update delivered a comprehensive overview of significant national and international events, focusing on the devastating flash floods in Texas, President Donald Trump's new trade policies, a high-profile criminal case, maritime security issues in the Red Sea, and a controversy involving a pediatrician's social media activity. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the broadcast.
1. Devastating Flash Floods in Texas
The newscast opened with a tragic update on the catastrophic flash flooding in Texas, which has resulted in the loss of at least 89 lives, including more than 20 children. The disaster has left 10 campers and a counselor missing, intensifying the urgency of ongoing search and rescue operations.
President Trump's Response
- Timestamp [00:14]: President Donald Trump addressed the affected Texans, stating, "May God bless the great people of Texas, especially the parents who have lost their children. President Trump loves you. We are praying for you and he will be traveling to see you later this week."
Government Accountability
- Timestamp [00:25]: Lisa Brady reported on Spokeswoman Caroline Levitt's defense against claims that government cuts hindered flood warning systems.
- Timestamp [00:33]: President Trump countered accusations by asserting, "The National Weather Service office in New Braunfels, which delivers forecasts for Austin, San Antonio and the surrounding areas, had extra staff on duty during the storms despite claims of the contrary."
Local Government Efforts
- Timestamp [00:47]: Dalton Rice, Kerrville's city manager, highlighted the extensive search areas, noting, "From Hunt all the way to Como county in a straight line. Distance is over 100 km. This is a massive field that is happening. And again, this is unprecedented, unprecedented flood events."
- Timestamp [00:58]: Rice also emphasized ongoing welfare checks amid widespread power outages, citing challenges faced by utility crews in accessing power lines.
Impact on Public Services The extensive flooding has disrupted essential services, leading to power outages and impeding rescue operations. The White House has pledged support, with President Trump planning a visit to the affected areas later in the week.
2. President Trump's New Trade Policies and Market Impact
Transitioning from the humanitarian crisis, the newscast covered President Trump's recent announcement regarding new tariff rates affecting international trade.
Implementation of Tariffs
- Timestamp [01:20]: President Trump explained the rationale behind the tariffs, stating, "This is decades of bad trade policy that has led to a deficit that is ravaging our country, that is ravaging our middle class. And the president is taking a very deliberate approach to correcting this wrong of many decades, of many past presidents."
Specific Tariffs and Targets
- Timestamp [01:33]: The administration introduced 25% tariff rates targeting Japan and South Korea. Spokeswoman Levitt mentioned that the administration is "close on some trade deals," aiming to mitigate the economic impact.
Market Reaction
- Timestamp [01:33]: The announcement led to a significant market downturn, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping over 500 points. Both the S&P and Nasdaq indices also declined by approximately 1%, reflecting investor concerns over the new trade measures.
3. High-Profile Criminal Case: Suspect May Be Spotted in Idaho
The update included a concerning development in an ongoing criminal investigation.
Travis Decker's Possible Sighting
- Timestamp [02:15]: A man suspected of murdering his three young daughters in Washington state may have been seen in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest.
- Timestamp [02:21]: Chris Foster detailed the suspect's description: "58 to 51, wearing a black mesh cap, black gauged earrings, a cream-colored shirt and black shorts with a long ponytail, a black watch, an overgrown beard, mustache, and a black backpack." The U.S. Marshals Service is urging anyone in the area to report sightings.
Background of the Case Decker's daughters, aged 5, 8, and 9, were found deceased at a campground in Leavenworth, Washington, on June 2, just two days after their mother reported them missing following a brief visitation period.
4. Maritime Security Incident in the Red Sea
A concerning incident in international waters was reported, highlighting ongoing security challenges.
Houthi Rebels' Attack
- Timestamp [02:56]: Houthi rebels from Yemen attacked a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier in the Red Sea using small boats and drones. The assault resulted in the ship being disabled and two security guards sustaining injuries. As of the broadcast, no group had officially claimed responsibility for the attack.
5. Controversy Over Pediatrician's Social Media Post
The newscast addressed a local incident involving a medical professional's online activity amidst the Texas flood tragedy.
Incident Details
- Timestamp [02:56]: Dr. Christina B. Props from Houston was fired following a social media post that was widely circulated. The deleted post criticized Kerr County's stance on FEMA funding and climate change, stating, "Kerr County MAGA voted to gut FEMA. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for, bless their hearts."
Employer's Response
- Timestamp [03:21]: Bluefish Pediatrics initially suspended Dr. Props before terminating her employment, clarifying that her post did not align with the company's values or mission.
Official Statements
- Timestamp [03:44]: CJ Papa, head of the Texas Medical Board, emphasized that politicization has no place in the medical field and assured that any complaints would be thoroughly investigated.
Fox News' Supportive Actions
- The network announced a donation to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country's Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, encouraging listeners to contribute via their platform.
Conclusion
The Fox News Hourly Update provided listeners with urgent information on severe flooding in Texas, reflecting both the human tragedy and the governmental response. Concurrently, President Trump's aggressive stance on international trade has stirred significant market reactions, indicating the economic ramifications of his policies. The episode also delved into a critical criminal investigation, maritime security threats, and the delicate interplay between professional responsibilities and personal expressions on social media. Through detailed reporting and direct quotes, the broadcast offered a thorough analysis of these pressing issues, ensuring viewers are well-informed on the day's most important developments.