Fox News Hourly Update: Detailed Summary of 4AM ET Newscast (June 28, 2025)
On June 28, 2025, Fox News Radio delivered its early morning newscast, covering a range of critical topics from Supreme Court rulings and Senate budget negotiations to high-profile legal cases and significant weather events. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, enriched with notable quotes and organized into clear sections for easy reference.
Supreme Court Rulings and President Trump's Response
Executive Orders and Separation of Powers
The newscast opened with President Donald Trump lauding the Supreme Court’s recent decision that limits lower courts' authority to block executive orders. Carmen Roberts reported at [00:02]:
"President Trump cheering the Supreme Court's ruling that curbs lower courts power to block executive orders, saying that it's a huge victory for separation of powers and the rule of law."
Senator John Thune added his perspective at [00:18]:
"Well, this really brings back the Constitution. This is what it's all about. And this is really the opposite of that. I mean, the question is fine, but it's the opposite. The Constitution has been brought back."
Birthright Citizenship Case
The ruling, resulting in a 6-3 decision, pertained to a case challenging birthright citizenship. Christina Coleman elaborated at [00:31]:
"The Supreme Court made it clear that."
However, Gary Baumgarten clarified at [00:33]:
"Its ruling did not address whether Trump's executive order banning birthright citizenship is constitutional."
LGBTQ Curricula and Obamacare Protections
In another significant decision, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that parents in Maryland have the right to opt their children out of school lessons that include LGBTQ themes. Additionally, the Court preserved a crucial component of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), ensuring that health insurers continue to cover preventive care, such as cancer screenings and HIV prevention medications, at no cost to patients.
Senate Budget Negotiations and Legislative Challenges
Budget Bill Passage Efforts
Carmen Roberts reported at [00:39] that the Senate was diligently working to meet President Trump's Fourth of July deadline to pass his comprehensive budget bill. A primary obstacle delaying the vote involved the Senate parliamentarian's stance on Medicaid spending.
Parliamentarian's Ruling and Senate Leader's Response
John Thune addressed the situation at [01:17]:
"The parliamentarian's been a little difficult."
Christina Coleman provided further context at [01:20]:
"Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they will not overrule the parliamentarian. Doing so could subject the bill to a 60 vote threshold rather than the simple majority that's not needed now."
This adherence to parliamentary procedure underscores the Senate's commitment to maintaining streamlined legislative processes without escalating the vote threshold.
High-Profile Legal Cases: Sean "Diddy" Combs Trial
Trial Proceedings and Charges
The newscast highlighted the upcoming trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs on charges of sex trafficking. Carmen Roberts announced at [01:32]:
"Are expected to begin Monday in Sean Diddy Combs sex trafficking trial, the judge."
Gary Baumgarten detailed the judge's instructions at [01:37]:
"Telling jurors he wants them to have fresh minds going into deliberations."
Prosecution's Argument and Defendant's Plea
Prosecutors, as reported, argued that Diddy operated a "criminal kingdom" and exerted undue influence over his inner circle, refusing to accept refusal. Carmen Roberts noted at [01:53]:
"Fox says CB Cotton Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges."
The trial marks a significant moment in Hollywood and highlights ongoing concerns about high-profile figures and legal accountability.
Department of Justice Changes and January 6 Cases
Firing of Prosecutors
Attorney General Pam Bondi made headlines by abruptly dismissing three prosecutors involved in the January 6 Capitol riot cases. Carmen Roberts reported at [02:31]:
"Attorney General Pam Bondi abruptly fires three prosecutors involved in the January 6 Capitol riot criminal cases."
Implications for DOJ Independence
These terminations have heightened concerns regarding the Trump administration's respect for civil service protections and the potential erosion of the Department of Justice's independence from the White House. The moves have sparked alarm among observers about the administration's commitment to maintaining a non-partisan legal system.
Natural Disasters: West Virginia Mudslide
Impact and Public Response
A devastating mudslide in West Virginia caused significant disruptions, stranding thousands of motorists for over eight hours. Carmen Roberts provided the initial report at [02:57]:
"A mudslide along a West Virginia highway stranded thousands of people for more than eight hours."
Authorities' Response and Public Frustration
Tom Rigotti elaborated on the causes and response at [02:57]:
"Heavy rains caused the mudslide, which blocked a storm drain, flooding the West Virginia Turnpike, forcing people to spend the night in their stranded cars."
Motorists expressed frustration on social media over the lack of immediate assistance. The state's parkways authority took responsibility for the insufficient response, acknowledging the challenges faced during the natural disaster.
Crime and Rescue Operations
Jail Escapee Captured
In criminal news, the ninth escapee from a New Orleans jail was apprehended, bringing the total fugitives to one still at large. Carmen Roberts reported at [03:25]:
"The ninth escapee from a New Orleans jail is captured, leaving one on the run."
The recently captured individual, Antwan Massey, faced charges including vehicle theft and domestic abuse.
Arizona Infant Rescue
A poignant story from Arizona involved the rescue of an infant who survived being alone for several days in a south Phoenix apartment. Jessica Rosenthal detailed the incident at [03:45]:
"Phoenix police say a person called them to check on their neighbor who had recently given birth but had not been seen or heard from for several days."
Upon arrival, officers found the mother deceased and the infant, though emaciated, alive and expected to recover fully. The cause of the mother's death remains under investigation.
Financial Markets Update
Stock Market Performance
Closing on a positive note, the financial markets saw significant gains. Carmen Roberts reported at [04:17]:
"500 and NASDAQ closed at records on Friday on hopes of more trade deals. The Dow rose 432 points."
The S&P 500 and NASDAQ reached unprecedented highs, driven by optimism over forthcoming trade agreements, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average also saw substantial growth.
Interactive Segment: The Fox News Quiz
Engaging the Audience
To engage listeners, the newscast introduced an interactive quiz segment. Gary Baumgarten announced at [04:28]:
"It is time to take the quiz."
Tom Rigotti explained the format at [04:30]:
"It's five questions in less than five minutes. We asked people on the streets of New York City to play along. Let's see how you do."
Carmen Roberts encouraged daily participation at [04:36]:
"Take the quiz every day at thequiz fox, then come back here to see how you did."
Attorney General Pam Bondi concluded the segment with a thank you at [04:41]:
"Thank you for taking the quiz."
Conclusion
The June 28, 2025 episode of Fox News Hourly Update provided listeners with a thorough overview of pressing national issues, legal proceedings, and significant events affecting various facets of society. From Supreme Court decisions and Senate budget battles to high-profile trials and natural disasters, the newscast delivered comprehensive coverage enriched with insightful commentary and real-time updates. By structuring the content into clear sections and including notable quotes with timestamps, the summary ensures that those who did not listen to the broadcast can easily grasp the essential information and context of each story.
