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

On this Independence Day edition of the Fox News Hourly Update, host Lisa Brady and her team deliver comprehensive coverage of the day's most pressing events, ranging from natural disasters and political developments to significant legal cases and sports updates. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed during the 4PM ET newscast.

1. Devastating Flash Floods in Texas

Lisa Brady opens the broadcast with alarming news about severe weather conditions impacting Texas.

"[00:02] Mass devastation in Texas. I'm Lisa Brady. FOX News. After record rainfall in some areas led to flash flood emergencies along the Guadalupe river north of San Antonio. One Kerr county official reporting multiple deaths. Hill county also hit hard with damage and high water rescues."

Joined by Lillian Wu, the team elaborates on the evolving situation:

"[00:18] More rain is expected and those who were unable to leave evacuation zones are being urged to now shelter in place or if there are long creeks, streams and the river, to seek higher ground. And even outside, outside the hardest hit areas in the region, many holiday events have been canceled because of weather conditions."

Further emphasizing the severity, Lillian Wu reports a startling statistic:

"[00:37] Fox's Lillian Wu won river gauge recording a 22 foot rise in only about two hours before it was submerged."

The latest forecasts suggest that the situation may worsen, with continued rainfall posing additional risks to affected communities.

2. President Trump to Sign Landmark Legislation

Shifting focus to national politics, Lisa Brady announces a significant legislative milestone:

"[00:37] President Trump will sign his big beautiful bill into law today."

During the signing ceremony, President Trump highlights the administration's achievements:

"[00:48] A signing ceremony here will coincide with July 4th celebrations and make good on an Independence Day deadline. President Trump gave Republicans and Congress to deliver a mega tax and spending policy bill."

An unnamed Republican underscores the bill's popularity and impact:

"[01:01] I think it's very popular. It does many things, but one of them is the biggest tax cut in our country's history and that alone makes it very popular."

However, President Trump addresses concerns regarding public opinion:

"[01:11] The president responding to questions about polling that shows a majority of Americans oppose the legislation."

The administration faces criticism from Democrats in Congress, who warn that the bill's cuts to Medicaid funding could disenroll millions from health insurance coverage:

"Democrats in Congress warned cuts to Medicaid funding threatened to strip millions of Americans off the health insurance benefit."

The passage of this bill marks a pivotal moment in the Trump administration's policy agenda, reflecting both substantial support and significant opposition.

3. Immigration Policy Update: Deportation Plan on Hold

Lisa Brady brings attention to ongoing legal battles surrounding immigration:

"[01:25] Fox's Jared Halpern at the White House. The Trump administration's plan to send eight deported migrants to South Sudan is on hold again, at least temporarily."

A federal judge has intervened, halting the deportation flights and granting the migrants additional time to challenge the move in a Massachusetts court:

"A federal judge just halting the flight, giving the men more time to challenge the move in a Massachusetts court."

This development follows a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which clarified that a federal judge in Boston could no longer require Homeland Security to maintain custody of these migrants:

"This less than 24 hours after the US Supreme Court clarified that a federal judge in Boston could no longer require Homeland Security to keep custody of those migrants."

Currently, the migrants are detained at a military base in Djibouti as legal proceedings continue, highlighting the complexities and contentious nature of immigration enforcement policies.

4. Catastrophic Explosion at California Fireworks Factory

Tragedy strikes Northern California as an explosion at a fireworks factory disrupts regional festivities. Lisa Brady provides the initial report:

"[02:32] Lisa Brady: After an explosion at a fireworks factory in Northern California, where it's also having ripple effects on plans around the region."

Jeff Paul details the incident's impact:

"[02:39] Jeff Paul: Because so many cities throughout the Bay Area, like San Jose, stored their pyrotechnics at that very warehouse. Many are now either modifying, postponing or altogether canceling their fireworks shows the massive explosions erupting at that California pyrotechnics warehouse on Wednesday."

The situation escalated rapidly as first responders encountered a formidable fireball upon arrival:

"Firefighters got calls for explosions and fires and shortly after they responded, there was a massive fireball as the warehouse seemingly detonated."

Due to the intensity of the fire and ensuing explosions, first responders were forced to retreat, leading to evacuations in nearby areas:

"[02:39] ... The fire and explosions were so strong, first responders had to pull back, even forcing some to evacuate."

Jeff Paul continues with the aftermath:

"[03:10] Fox's Jeff Paul in LA. That fire spreading to farm fields, forcing more evacuations in the surrounding community. At least two people were injured. It's not clear if the missing worked at the warehouse or lived nearby."

The explosion has not only caused immediate destruction and injuries but has also led to widespread cancellations of planned fireworks displays across the Bay Area, affecting local celebrations and economies.

5. Wildfires Rage in Greece and Turkey

In addition to the California explosion, wildfires are affecting regions beyond the United States. Jeff Paul reports on the situation in Greece and Turkey:

"[03:10] Wildfires in Greece now largely under control after thousands of residents and tourists were evacuated in Crete. But in neighboring Turkey, crews are battling multiple fires fueled by strong winds and hot conditions, killing at least two people."

While Greece has managed to control its wildfires through extensive evacuations and firefighting efforts, Turkey continues to struggle with multiple blazes exacerbated by adverse weather conditions, resulting in fatalities and ongoing threats to communities.

6. Legal Troubles for Powerball Jackpot Winner

In a surprising turn of events, a 67-year-old Powerball jackpot winner finds himself entangled in legal issues. Lisa Brady covers the story:

"[03:43] The winner of a $167 million Powerball jackpot reportedly has a lengthy criminal history and may be heading back to prison."

An unnamed Republican provides further details:

"[03:43] Unnamed Republican: 50 year old James Shannon Farthing, who spent 30 years in prison, won the largest jackpot in Kentucky lottery history, but he may never get the chance to spend it. Arrested in Florida for punching someone and kicking a deputy three days after cashing in the winnings with his mom and girlfriend."

Adding to his woes, Farthing is also facing issues with his parole officer for leaving Kentucky without permission, though he has utilized some of his winnings to cover his bail:

"He's also in trouble with his parole officer for leaving Kentucky without permission. He did get to spend some of the winnings to cover his bail."

Gary Baumgarten from Fox News concludes this segment, highlighting the irony and complications surrounding Farthing's newfound wealth amidst his legal battles.

7. Wimbledon Upset: Madison Keys Eliminated

Shifting to sports, Lisa Brady reports a notable upset from Wimbledon:

"[04:15] Lisa Brady: Wimbledon as the Australian Open champ Madison Keys gets knocked out in the third round today. This leaves just one of the top six women in the bracket and Lisa Brady, FOX NEWS."

Madison Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, was unexpectedly ousted in the third round, significantly altering the dynamics of the tournament and opening the field for other top competitors to vie for the title.

Conclusion

This edition of the Fox News Hourly Update has provided a thorough overview of critical events shaping the nation and the world on July 4, 2025. From the devastating floods in Texas and significant legislative changes to legal dramas and sports surprises, Fox News continues to deliver timely and detailed reporting to keep its audience informed.

For ongoing coverage and updates, listeners are encouraged to follow Fox News Radio and visit Fox News Podcasts.