Fox News Hourly Update – 4PM ET, July 2, 2025

Host: Fox News Radio
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Episode: Newscast

1. Guilty Plea in Idaho University Murders Case

In a significant development, Brian Kohberger has entered a guilty plea in the tragic case involving the murders of four University of Idaho students.

• Courtroom Reactions: Jonathan Hunt reports that "members of the victim's families wipe away tears as for the very first time" (00:18).

• Admissions: Brian Kohberger publicly admitted to "brutally stabbing to death" the four young students on the night of November 13, 2022 (00:21).

• Plea Deal Details: Under the agreement, Kohberger will forgo the death penalty and receive a life sentence in prison, with sentencing scheduled for July 23rd (00:54).

• Family Responses: While some families have expressed dissatisfaction with the plea deal, attorney Leander James conveyed support from Matty Morgan's family: "While we know there are some who do not support it, we ask that they respect our belief that this is the best outcome possible for the victims, their families and the state of Idaho" (00:44).

2. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Bail Decision Pending

Following his federal sex trafficking trial, Sean "Diddy" Combs faces a critical bail decision.

• Trial Outcome: Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges but convicted on two prostitution-related counts (00:54).

• Potential Sentencing: He could still serve several years in prison despite the acquittal on major charges (00:54).

• Defense Stance: The defense is advocating for his release, while a bail decision is expected shortly (00:54).

3. US House Republicans Struggle with Legislative Progress

Republicans in the House of Representatives are currently in a holding pattern as they attempt to garner sufficient support to advance a comprehensive tax cut and spending plan.

• Legislative Stalemate: Jonathan Hunt highlights the impasse, stating, "We're waiting for the House of Representatives to get to this test vote that would let the House of Representatives begin to debate the big beautiful bill. But if you can't even get to the test vote, you certainly can't even get to the debate" (01:25-01:29).

• Internal Concerns: Several Republicans have voiced apprehension about the bill and have been meeting with the President and other officials at the White House to address these issues (01:43).

4. Education Grants Review Threatens After-School Programs

The Department of Education is scrutinizing $6 billion in grant funding allocated to various educational programs, potentially leading to the shutdown of numerous after-school and summer camps.

• Impact on Organizations: Tony Giannualdo reports that "hundreds of [programs] will have to close," including those run by the Boys and Girls Club of America and school districts in Gadsden, Alabama, affecting hundreds of low-income families (02:19-02:34).

• Government Rationale: The Department of Education is reviewing funds across six programs to ensure alignment with the President's priorities and statutory responsibilities (02:19).

• Political Opposition: Democrats, including California's school superintendent, argue the review is unlawful, asserting that the funds were already appropriated by Congress (02:34).

5. Trump Administration Seeks Supreme Court Intervention

The Trump administration is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court to remove three Democratic members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

• Background: These members were initially dismissed by President Trump but were reinstated by a federal judge. They are Biden nominees currently serving seven-year terms (02:56).

6. Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings

Chick-fil-A continues to dominate customer satisfaction metrics among fast-food chains.

• Ranking Details: Jessica Rosenthal reports, "Chick Fil A has been voted highest in customer satisfaction for the 11th consecutive year" according to the American Consumer Satisfaction Index, maintaining a score of 83 (03:16).

• Competitor Performance:

  • Panda Express: Achieved the most significant growth with a four-point increase, securing second place (03:16).
  • KFC: Experienced the steepest decline, dropping four points (03:16).
  • McDonald's: Placed last with a score of 70 (03:16).

7. Stock Market Recap

The stock market saw mixed results with notable movements across major indices.

• Dow Jones: Dropped by 10 points at the bell (03:50).

• S&P 500 and Nasdaq: Achieved new record highs, with the S&P closing at 6,227 and the Nasdaq increasing by 190 points (03:50).

• Industry Insights: Tony Giannualdo commented on the restaurant industry's challenges, noting, "the restaurant industry has been struggling to appeal to consumers frustrated by rising prices" (03:50).

Conclusion:
The July 2, 2025 edition of the Fox News Hourly Update covered a range of critical topics, from high-profile legal cases and legislative battles to impacts on education funding and market trends. Notable highlights include Brian Kohberger's guilty plea, ongoing legal proceedings involving Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Republican struggles in the House, and significant developments in the customer satisfaction rankings of major fast-food chains. Stock markets exhibited volatility with mixed performances across indices.

For more detailed analysis and updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into future broadcasts of the Fox News Hourly Update.