4PM ET 06/29/2025 Newscast

Summary

Fox News Hourly Update - Detailed Summary Episode: 4PM ET 06/29/2025 Newscast Release Date: June 29, 2025 Host/Author: Fox News Radio

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1. U.S. Political Landscape

Senator Thom Tillis' Crucial Vote and Future: Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina made headlines by casting a decisive "no" vote against President Trump's highly touted "big beautiful bill." This decision, which Tillis described as honoring both his conscience and his constituents' interests, has significant political repercussions. Daria Albinger reported at [00:02] that Tillis' stance may have jeopardized his position, leading to his recent announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2026.

President Trump's Response: Following Tillis' vote, President Trump reacted sharply. As reported by Chad Pergram at [00:15], Trump criticized Tillis twice that night on social media platforms, including Truth Social. Trump stated, "I am going to be talking to people in the coming days about trying to engineer some sort of a primary challenge against Senator Tillis," indicating potential intra-party challenges ahead.

Debate Over the "Big Beautiful Bill": In an exclusive interview on Fox's Sunday MORNING Futures with Maria Bartiromo, the question of whether the "big beautiful bill" would pass by the July 4 deadline was addressed. At [01:04], Maria Bartiromo stated, "I don't know," reflecting uncertainty about the bill's timely passage. An unnamed president candidate elaborated, "[...] I'd like to say yes. But the problem is if we're two days late or five days late, everybody says, oh, you had a tremendous failure, whatever it is, as long as we have it."

Opposition from Democrats: Senator Chris Coons voiced strong opposition to the bill, labeling it detrimental to the middle class. At [01:23], he stated, "This bill is a bad deal for the middle class. It'll raise health care costs and throw millions off of needed health care," highlighting concerns about the bill's long-term impact on American families.

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2. International Affairs

Efforts to End the Israel-Hamas War: After more than 630 days of conflict, efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are intensifying. Trey Yingst reported from Tel Aviv at [03:26] that President Trump believes a ceasefire could be achieved within a week, potentially leading to the release of the remaining 50 hostages held by Hamas. President Trump remarked, "If that happens, the region could see the remaining 50 hostages freed from Hamas captivity and much of the suffering alleviated for the Palestinian people."

Diplomatic Initiatives: Further diplomatic movements include the scheduled visit of Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to Washington. This visit aims to advance peace efforts and could pave the way for additional normalization agreements in the Middle East, fostering greater regional stability.

Russian Military Actions in Ukraine: In related international news, Russia has launched its largest aerial assault of the war against Ukraine to date. Daria Albinger reported at [04:02] that the Kremlin deployed over 500 drones and missiles. While Ukraine claims that nearly half of these were intercepted, the attacks still impacted areas distant from the front lines. In response, the Ukrainian Air Force scrambled its F-16 jets to defend against the assault.

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3. Domestic Issues

Alligator Alcatraz Migrant Detention Center: A new lawsuit has been filed against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis concerning the newly constructed migrant detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." Madison Scarpino reported at [02:41] that the facility, situated on a former training base in the Everglades, is set to begin housing migrants imminently. Environmental groups and protesters argue that the detention center poses significant threats to the fragile Everglades ecosystem. Governor DeSantis maintains that the project "will not have any effect on the environment," despite ongoing legal challenges and public demonstrations.

Economic Implications: The establishment and operation of Alligator Alcatraz come with a hefty price tag, estimated at approximately $400 million annually. FEMA is slated to reimburse Florida for these costs, highlighting the federal government's role in supporting state-level immigration enforcement infrastructure.

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4. Notable Passings

Death of D. Wayne Lucas: The Fox News Hourly Update also paid tribute to D. Wayne Lucas, a renowned Hall of Fame horse trainer. At [01:29], it was announced that Lucas, a 15-time Triple Crown winner, passed away at the age of 89. His legacy in the horse racing community is celebrated, and his family expressed gratitude, stating, "America's listening to FOX News."

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Conclusion: The June 29, 2025 edition of the Fox News Hourly Update provided a comprehensive overview of pressing political developments, both domestically and internationally. From the potential political fallout for Senator Thom Tillis to the ongoing efforts to resolve conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the broadcast delivered in-depth analysis and firsthand reports. Additionally, significant domestic issues, such as the controversial migrant detention center in Florida, were highlighted, reflecting the complex interplay of politics, environment, and human rights. The update also remembered influential figures like D. Wayne Lucas, underscoring the network's commitment to honoring notable contributors to American society.

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For more updates and detailed coverage, stay tuned to Fox News Radio.

Transcript

[Daria Albinger]

A no vote, which will be one of his last. I'm Daria Albinger. Fox News. He voted his and his constituents conscience. But saying no to President Trump's big beautiful bill may have cost Senator Thom Tillis his job.

[Chad Pergram]

The Republican senator from North Carolina has just announced that he is not going to seek reelection in 2026. Now, I should note that Thom Tillis yesterday he put out a statement and was one of the two Republican noes against proceeding to the big beautiful bill and had President Trump absolutely torch him twice last night. There was one very long statement on truth social. And then a little bit later, President Trump put out another statement saying he was going to be talking to people in the coming days about trying to engineer some sort of a primary challenge against Senator Tillis.

[Daria Albinger]

Fox's Chad Pergram in Washington. In an exclusive interview with fox's Sunday MORNING Futures with Maria Bartiromo, the president was asked if that big beautiful bill will be passed by the July 4 deadline.

[Maria Bartiromo]

I don't know.

[Unnamed President]

I mean, I can't tell you that. I hate to say yes. I'd like to say yes. But the problem is if we're two days late or five days late, everybody says, oh, you had a tremendous failure, whatever it is, as long as we have it.

[Daria Albinger]

The president says if it doesn't, there will be a 68% tax increase. But Delaware Senator Chris Coons isn't sure about that.

[Chris Coons]

This bill is a bad deal for the middle class. It'll raise health care costs and throw millions off of needed health care.

[Daria Albinger]

The president telling Fox News he's found a buyer for TikTok, which he describes as a group of very wealthy people whose identities he will reveal in about two weeks from now. He also is betting that President Xi will support it. Hall of fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lucas has died. The 15 time triple crown winner was 89 years old. His family says America's listening to FOX News.

[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Unnamed Advertiser]

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[Daria Albinger]

A migrant detention center in Florida called Alligator Alcatraz is the subject of a new lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis. Here's Fox's Madison Scarpino.

[Madison Scarpino]

Governor DeSantis says alligator Alcatraz could start housing migrants on Tuesday. It's being built on a former training base in the marshy Florida Everglades. But the groups filing this lawsuit and people who are just against Alligator Alcatraz say it could really harm the environment. The the lawsuit to protect this land was filed Friday and yesterday, protesters lining a nearby highway waving signs and making speeches. But Governor DeSantis says this will not have any effect on the environment.

[Daria Albinger]

The facility will cost about $400 million a year, with FEMA reimbursing Florida for those funds. After more than 630 days of fighting, efforts to end the Israel Hamas war are ramping up. Fox's Trey Yingst is in Tel Aviv.

[Trey Yingst]

President Trump says that a ceasefire could be reached to end the war in Gaza within a week. Now, if that happens, the region could see the remaining 50 hostages freed from Hamas captivity and much of the suffering alleviated for the Palestinian people. The president is looking to build off the momentum that was reached following the end of the 12 day war between Israel and Iran. Tomorrow, Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is scheduled to visit Washington to move the process forward. As these diplomatic efforts take place place, they may also lead to additional normalization deals in the region and more stability for the Middle East.

[Daria Albinger]

Israeli forces continue to operate in Gaza and recently killed a Hamas leader. Russia's launched its largest aerial assault of the war overnight. The Kremlin says fired more than 500 drones and missiles. Ukraine says nearly half were stopped, but adds that the attack hit areas that were far from the front lines. In an F16 crash pole, it scrambled its jets. I'm Daria Olvinger. This is FOX News.

[Bret Baier]

Listen to the all new Bret Baer podcast featuring common ground in depth talks with lawmakers from opposite sides of the aisle along with all your Bret Bear favorites like his All Star panel and much more available [e-mail] or wherever you get your podcasts.