Fox News Hourly Update - 4PM ET | July 3, 2025
Legislative Breakthrough: Major Bill Passed in the House
In today's top story, a significant legislative achievement unfolded in the House of Representatives. Lisa Brady reported that the House Speaker expressed relief following the final passage of a pivotal bill championed by former President Trump. This bill faced strong opposition from Democrats, who ultimately lacked the necessary votes to halt its progress.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a compelling address just before dawn, speaking for nearly nine hours in an attempt to sway opinions on the bill. At [00:26], Jeffries emphasized the Democratic stance:
"Stop before a vote on the one big beautiful bill." — Hakeem Jeffries [00:26]
Despite his efforts, the bill advanced with only two Republicans opposing the sweeping tax and spending measures advocated by President Trump. Ryan Reynolds highlighted the administration's confidence in the bill's benefits:
"We are ready now. We are going to deliver what we were sent here to do and every American will benefit from it." — Ryan Reynolds [00:42]
Lisa Brady added that Fox's Jared Halpern reported a signing ceremony is scheduled for the following day. However, former President Biden criticized the legislation, labeling it "recklessly and cruelly," and asserted that "working people deserve better." In contrast, President Trump argued the bill would "strengthen Medicaid while extending the 2017 tax cuts." The President is set to attend an event in Iowa that evening to launch a year-long countdown to America's 250th birthday, coinciding with widespread Independence Day celebrations across the nation.
Record Holiday Travel Anticipated
As Independence Day approaches, travel is reaching unprecedented levels. According to a AAA Representative at [01:24], the total number of travelers is expected to hit an all-time high of 72.2 million, marking a significant increase compared to pre-pandemic figures. Breaking down the numbers:
- 61 million travelers are planning to drive.
- Nearly 6 million will fly, also setting a record.
Additionally, substantial numbers are expected to cruise or use buses and trains, underscoring a robust return to traditional travel methods. However, Lisa Brady warned of potential disruptions due to stormy weather, with FlightAware reporting over 4,000 flight delays.
ICE Agents Under Investigation
A troubling incident has emerged involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Lisa Brady reported that surveillance video from the El Rancho Unified School District shows ICE agents urinating in the parking lot of Reuben Salazar High School in broad daylight, near a preschool playground in an elementary school still conducting summer classes.
Kristin Goodwin detailed the community's response at [02:37]:
"This is a slap in the face to our communities, especially to our children." — Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
District officials have officially requested an investigation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), accusing the agents of unlawful trespassing and poor judgment that endangered minors. A DHS spokesperson confirmed that the matter is currently under investigation.
"Alligator Alcatraz" Opens in Florida
In immigration news, Florida has unveiled a new detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." Lisa Brady reported that the first detainees have arrived at this site, which repurposes a former military training airfield in the Everglades.
Evan Brown elaborated at [03:27]:
"The facility has the capacity to house thousands of detainees and is planned to operate as a facility for housing, processing and eventually deporting captured criminal aliens."
The state of Florida collaborates with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain and process individuals identified as being in the country illegally, marking a significant expansion in the state's role in immigration enforcement.
In Memoriam: Actor Michael Madsen
The entertainment world mourns the loss of actor Michael Madsen, who passed away this morning at the age of 67. Known for his roles in iconic films such as "Donnie Brasco" and "Thelma & Louise," Madsen was celebrated for his portrayal of menacing characters, especially in Quentin Tarantino's works like "Reservoir Dogs" and "Kill Bill." His manager announced that Madsen was found unresponsive in his Malibu home, with suspected cardiac arrest.
Market Update: Wall Street Sees Early Gains
Despite the holiday weekend, Wall Street experienced a robust start. Lisa Brady noted that the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 344 points, reflecting investor confidence ahead of the markets' closure for Independence Day celebrations.
This summary is based on the Fox News Hourly Update podcast released on July 3, 2025.