Fox News Hourly Update – Detailed Summary Episode: 2 PM ET, July 8, 2025
Host/Author: Fox News Radio
Release Date: July 8, 2025

1. Devastating Floods in Central Texas

Lisa Brady opens the newscast with a somber update on the ongoing flood crisis in Central Texas:

• Death Toll: At least 109 confirmed fatalities, with 87 in the severely affected Kerr County alone, including 30 children ([00:02]).
• Rescue Efforts: Thousands of emergency crews and volunteers from across the nation are tirelessly searching along the Guadalupe River.
  • Ben Baker, Texas Game Warden, describes the operation as "extremely treacherous, time-consuming" ([00:20]).
  • The recovery process involves peeling layers to locate victims, highlighting the arduous nature of the efforts ([00:22]).
  • Current Search Status: 26 river miles have been searched, resulting in 444 rescues at Camp Mystic. However, five children and one camp counselor remain missing ([00:27]).
  • Outlook: Forecasters anticipate a break in the rain, which is crucial for advancing the massive emergency operations in the flood-ravaged Texas Hill Country ([00:27]).

2. Political Developments and International Relations

a. Presidential Updates and Middle East Diplomacy

• President Donald Trump commends federal support for Texas-led operations during a Cabinet meeting ([00:51]).
• Upcoming Meeting: Trump confirms he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later the same day ([00:51]).
  • Recent engagements include Netanyahu holding meetings on Capitol Hill following a White House dinner focused on a Gaza ceasefire deal ([00:51]).
  • Netanyahu emphasizes progress, stating, "We're working on it," and asserts the administration's commitment: "We have a goal. We intend to achieve that goal" ([01:12]).

b. Condolences and Ongoing Conflicts

• The Prime Minister of Israel extends condolences to the grieving families in Texas affected by the floods ([01:21]).
• Ukraine Conflict:
  • President Volodymyr Zelensky announces an expansion of military supply contacts with the U.S. to ensure critical deliveries, following President Trump's commitment to send more weapons to Ukraine ([01:21]).
  • President Trump condemns Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring, "Putin is killing a lot of people," specifically referring to his soldiers and their actions ([01:42]).
  • Putin's Response: Putin acknowledges considering additional sanctions on Russia, a move watched closely by American officials ([01:50]).

3. Domestic Policy Initiatives

a. Gig Workers Legislation

• Bill Cassidy, Senate HELP Committee Chair, discusses new bipartisan legislation aimed at improving conditions for gig workers without reclassifying them as employees ([02:24]).
  • Proposed Benefits: Gig workers at companies like DoorDash, Uber, and Lyft would gain access to sick leave, health insurance, and retirement plans while maintaining their status as independent contractors ([02:24]).
  • Current Scenario: Approximately 27 million Americans work as independent contractors, governed by outdated century-old laws ([02:24]).
  • Cassidy's Statement: "The US needs new laws for the new economy," emphasizing the necessity to adapt legal frameworks to modern work environments ([02:24]).

b. State Department's AI Impersonation Warning

• The State Department alerts diplomats about attempts to impersonate officials using artificial intelligence ([03:05]).
  • Incident Details: A fake Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to contact several foreign ministers, a U.S. Senator, and a governor, as detailed in a cable to consulates ([03:05]).
  • Implications: Such impersonations pose significant security risks and underscore the evolving challenges in diplomatic communications ([03:05]).

4. Consumer Safety Alert

Ritz Cracker Recall Due to Mislabeling

• Jenny Cosola reports on a voluntary recall of certain Ritz cracker sandwiches due to mislabeling concerns ([03:25]).
  • Issue: Peanut butter sandwiches were potentially mislabeled as cheese, despite the outer packaging indicating the presence of peanuts ([03:25]).
  • Manufacturer: Mondelez, the parent company, states that only specific filled crackers manufactured in the U.S. for national distribution are affected ([03:25]).
  • Health Risk: Mislabeling could lead to life-threatening allergic reactions for individuals with severe peanut allergies ([03:25]).
  • Recall Scope: Involves various package sizes; no other Ritz products are included in the recall ([03:25]).
  • Consumer Guidance: Mondelez advises customers with concerns to contact the company for more information ([03:25]).

5. Financial Markets Update

• Jenny Cosola highlights a mixed performance in the stock market, noting that the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down by 129 points ([04:06]).

6. Promotional Segment

• Ben Baker briefly promotes the new Bret Baier podcast, emphasizing its focus on finding common ground and in-depth talks with bipartisan lawmakers. The podcast is available on foxnews.com/podcasts or various podcast platforms ([04:14]).

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Fox News Hourly Update broadcast on July 8, 2025. From the tragic floods in Texas and significant political maneuvers on the international stage to domestic policy changes affecting gig workers and consumer safety alerts, the episode covers a wide array of pressing topics. Notable quotes and precise timestamps provide clarity and depth, ensuring that listeners gain a thorough understanding of the day's most critical news events.