Fox News Hourly Update - 2PM ET | July 30, 2025

On the July 30th episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, hosted by Lisa Brady and featuring insights from economic experts and reporters on the ground, several pressing national and international issues were discussed. This summary encapsulates the key topics covered, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. U.S. Economic Performance and Tariff Implications

Robust GDP Growth Surpasses Expectations

The newscast opened with a positive note on the U.S. economy, highlighting the latest GDP report. The economy grew at an impressive 3% in the second quarter, marking a stronger rebound than the contraction observed in the first quarter. Lisa Brady introduced the segment by citing a White House official's description of the economic data as "a beautiful day in economic data land" [00:02].

Expert Analysis by Kevin Hassett

Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett provided a deeper analysis of the GDP figures, emphasizing the significance of the performance. He stated, "We had one of the better GDP releases that we've ever seen. It was absolutely in a sweet spot of what you want to see, National." [00:17]. Hassett further elaborated on the role of tariffs, noting that $170 billion flowed in tariff revenue—contrary to expectations that tariffs would trigger inflation and potentially lead to a recession. Instead, the economy demonstrated resilience, achieving the opposite effect [00:29].

Impact of Tariffs and Federal Reserve's Stance

The first quarter's economic contraction was attributed mainly to a surge in imports, as companies anticipated new tariffs. In response to the positive GDP report, President Trump publicly advocated for an interest rate cut, aiming to support homebuyers and further stimulate economic growth. However, a FOX News Alert revealed that the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged, opting to monitor the potential impacts of tariffs on inflation [00:37].

President Trump defended the administration's trade policies, asserting that the current tariffs would not be extended beyond their August deadline. He praised existing trade deals for their pledged investments in the U.S., stating, "Trillions of dollars ultimately being brought into our country. And it was something that had to be done and it is being done and it's being done properly." [01:20]. Despite the positive economic indicators, the Fed's decision was not unanimous, reflecting ongoing uncertainties about the economy [04:14].

2. International Affairs and Natural Disasters

Middle East Developments

Amidst the economic discussions, Lisa Brady reported on diplomatic efforts concerning the Middle East. The President's Mideast envoy was scheduled to travel to Israel to discuss next steps in addressing the situation in Gaza [01:29].

Tsunami Fears Following Russian Earthquake

Turning to natural disasters, Brady updated listeners on the aftermath of an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia, which raised tsunami fears for the U.S. West Coast and Japan. Initial alerts and evacuations were issued, though current fears are diminishing. She reassured listeners, "America is listening to FOX News," emphasizing the network's role in disseminating crucial safety information [01:29].

3. Local News: New York City Tragedy and Political Implications

Midtown Shooting and Community Response

A tragic event unfolded in New York City, where four individuals were killed by a gunman who subsequently took his own life. The community has established a makeshift memorial outside the office building where the incident occurred [02:33].

Political Ramifications for Mayoral Candidates

In the wake of the shooting, Democratic mayoral nominee Zoran Mandani expressed his sorrow and gratitude for first responders. However, his remarks have come under scrutiny due to his previous statements critical of police units. Mandani had previously pledged to dismantle the NYPD's Strategic Response Group (SRG), the same unit that responded to the Midtown shooting. He stated, "As mayor, I will disband the SRG, which has cost taxpayers millions in lawsuit settlements and brutalized countless New Yorkers exercising their First Amendment rights." [02:52].

Additionally, Fox's reporter Brian Yanes' mother, Donnie, was reported to have met with the family of the NYPD officer killed in the shooting ahead of a scheduled news conference, highlighting the personal toll of the tragedy [03:20].

4. Legal News: Fatal Drowning Case in Florida

Sheriff Charged in Child's Death

In a somber legal news segment, Chris Foster reported on a heartbreaking case from Palm Bay, Florida. Sheriff Omar Smith from Atlanta was charged with aggravated manslaughter following the drowning of his three-year-old son in a hotel pool. On the morning of the incident, Smith was allegedly asleep on the pool steps when his son drowned [03:34]. A housekeeper witnessed the child in distress and attempted to alert Smith, who reportedly made obscene gestures towards hotel staff and paramedics during the rescue effort.

Investigations revealed that Smith had an empty wine bottle in his room and another in a bag beside the pool, raising concerns about his responsibility at the time of the incident. The child's mother stated that she had advised Smith against taking the child to the pool, labeling him as irresponsible [03:34].

5. Federal Reserve's Monetary Policy Decision

Interest Rates Hold Steady Amid Economic Uncertainty

Concluding the economic segment, Lisa Brady reported on the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain current interest rates. The move was not unanimous among Fed members, reflecting lingering uncertainties about the economy's trajectory [04:14]. The Fed's pause aims to better understand the potential long-term effects of tariffs on inflation and overall economic stability.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments were excluded from this summary to focus solely on the content discussed during the newscast.

For those interested in more detailed discussions and updates, the Fox News Hourly Update continues to provide comprehensive coverage on a wide range of topics, ensuring listeners stay informed on the latest developments both nationally and internationally.