Fox News Hourly Update - 4AM ET 07/13/2025 Newscast Summary
Release Date: July 13, 2025
Host: Debra Valentine
Source: Fox News Radio
1. Devastating Floods in Texas and Presidential Response
Flood Situation and Impact
The newscast opens with Debra Valentine reporting on severe weather conditions in Texas. A flood watch has been issued for the hill country region, where flash flooding tragically claimed at least 129 lives on July 4th. San Antonio National Weather Service meteorologist Constantine Pashos provides insights into the impending weather threats.
Presidential Visit and Search Efforts
President Donald Trump addressed the nation regarding the flooding, emphasizing the primary threat: "The main threat will be the heavy rain and flooding" (00:17). Debra Valentine further elaborates that up to 9 inches of rain are anticipated, complicating ongoing search and rescue operations. The President and the First Lady recently visited Kerrville, Texas, to show support and assess the damage firsthand (00:20).
Meeting with Affected Families
Garrett Tenney reports that search teams have recovered the remains of two 8-year-old girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic. He highlights a poignant moment during the President's visit:
"We mourn for every single life that was swept away in the flood and we pray for the families." — President Trump (00:49).
Despite these recoveries, over 170 people remain missing (00:55), underscoring the ongoing severity of the disaster.
2. President Trump Announces New Tariffs on EU and Mexico
Tariff Implementation and Rationale
In a significant economic move, Debra Valentine announces that President Trump is instituting new 30% tariffs on goods imported from the European Union (EU) and Mexico, effective August 1st (00:59). Alexandria Hoff, reporting from Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, details that the President unveiled this plan on Truth Social, distributing official letters to the affected nations.
Critique of Mexico's Border Security Efforts
The tariff letters, particularly to Mexico, state:
"Mexico has been helping me secure the border, but what Mexico has done is not enough. Mexico still has not stopped the cartels who are trying to turn all of North America into a narco trafficking playground." — President Trump (01:13).
President Trump further emphasizes the misuse of American advantages:
"We've been taken advantage of for many, many years by countries both friend and foe." (01:35).
International Response
The EU has not taken the announcement lightly. French President Emmanuel Macron has notably expressed his disapproval of the tariff plan, highlighting that the decision follows weeks of intense negotiations and a solid offer made in good faith by the European Commission (01:40).
3. One-Year Anniversary of Assassination Attempt on President Trump
Reflection on the Tragic Event
Marking a somber milestone, Debra Valentine recalls the one-year anniversary of the assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania (03:08). In an exclusive interview on Fox's My View with Lara Trump, the President shares his memories of that fateful day:
"People were screaming and I got down quickly, fortunately, because I think they shot eight bullets and one got me and one another one and one got another one and one killed Corey the firefighter. Great guy." — President Trump (03:22).
Government Accountability and Investigations
A new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), released by Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, reveals that Secret Service agents were allegedly aware of a threat against President Trump’s life 10 days before the Butler rally but failed to inform law enforcement (03:36). The Secret Service has responded by committing to implement all recommendations from the report.
Further complications arise as reports indicate that Attorney General Pam Bondi has terminated approximately 20 lawyers, support staff, and U.S. Marshals who were involved in special counsel Jack Smith's investigations into President Trump. Jill Nada from Fox News elaborates:
"Since January, the Justice Department has been dismissing employees who worked on issues involving Trump, citing the president's executive powers under the constitution. At least 37 people who worked on Smith's team have been fired since Trump took office." (04:07). Additionally, Jack Smith himself resigned from his position in January, concluding his involvement in the investigations.
4. Shooting Incident at Chattanooga Class Reunion
Details of the Incident
In a distressing development, Debra Valentine reports a shooting that occurred in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Saturday afternoon during a class reunion. Four individuals have been taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries (04:45). As of the report, authorities have not identified a suspect nor made any arrests, leaving the community in shock as investigations continue.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and updates presented in the Fox News Hourly Update from July 13, 2025. For real-time information and further details, listeners are encouraged to engage with Fox News Radio broadcasts.