Fox News Hourly Update – 4PM ET, July 9, 2025
Hosted by Lisa Brady
1. Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations and Leadership Visits
The latest developments in the Middle East center around ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel. Hamas has announced its agreement to release 10 hostages as part of a broader ceasefire deal that remains under negotiation. However, the agreement faces hurdles, with Hamas insisting that an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza is a critical component that remains unresolved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently visiting Washington, emphasized the shared objectives between Israeli leadership and the U.S. administration:
“Want to achieve the release of our hostages. We want to end Hamas rule in Gaza. We want to make sure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel anymore.” ([00:18])
Netanyahu's visit underscores the strong alignment between Israel and the United States in addressing the complex dynamics in Gaza and ensuring regional stability.
2. U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Florida's Immigration Enforcement Law
In a significant legal decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has denied Florida's requests to enforce a state law that criminalizes illegal immigrants arriving in the state. This ruling effectively keeps the law blocked while the legal challenges continue. The decision highlights the ongoing national debate over immigration policies and states' rights.
3. Devastating Floods in Texas: Survivor Stories and Casualties
Tragic flooding has devastated parts of Texas, with more than 170 people still unaccounted for and at least 119 confirmed dead. The floods struck pre-dawn on Friday, leading to widespread devastation along the Guadalupe River.
Survivor Dion McGee shared his harrowing experience:
“If I would have decided to stay here and didn't pay attention to my surroundings and just what was going on then, yes, would have been a statistic.” ([00:49])
McGee's account underscores the perilous conditions faced by residents and the importance of vigilance during natural disasters.
4. President Trump Implements New Tariff Measures
President Donald Trump is intensifying trade actions by sending tariff letters to various trading partners. These letters outline new tariff rates and express the administration's intentions to address trade deficits and perceived unfair treatment over the years.
President Donald Trump stated:
“Tariff rates range from 20 to 40%. So far, new trade agreements have not come as quickly as some in the administration had hoped.” ([01:10])
He further explained the timeline for these tariffs:
“So called reciprocal tariffs were first announced by President Trump on April 2. Those were paused for several weeks and are now set to be collected beginning August 1st.” ([01:29])
An unnamed trade official added:
“The formula was a formula based on common sense, based on deficits, based on how we've been treated over the years.” ([01:19])
These tariff measures reflect the administration's strategy to leverage economic policies in achieving more favorable trade agreements.
5. Legal Battle Over Transgender Athletes in California
The Trump administration has initiated a lawsuit against California, alleging that the state is violating President Trump's executive order by allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports. The administration claims this undermines Title IX protections and negatively impacts female athletes.
An unnamed Trump Administration Official commented:
“The Trump administration says California's Department of Education has thwarted President Trump's executive order barring men in women's sports and says California is defying Title IX.” ([02:43])
Governor Gavin Newsom defended the state's position:
“California follows a 2013 state allowing competition based on gender identity. He calls the lawsuit a cynical attempt to distract from cuts he says are defunding nearly 3 million girls enrolled in the state's public schools.” ([03:06])
This lawsuit highlights the contentious and polarized views on transgender rights in sports and education.
6. Public Defender Funding Crisis and Its Impact on Justice
A critical issue in the criminal justice system is the funding shortage for public defenders, particularly in Massachusetts. The lack of adequate representation has severe consequences for defendants.
Reporter Jessica Rosenthal reported:
“Being represented by counsel when you're accused of a crime is a constitutional right, but public defenders in Massachusetts aren't all available. They're demanding a pay increase that would require the state legislature to redo the budget for next year, and there's no sign of that happening right now, the state's highest court said.” ([03:30])
As a result, several individuals have been released from custody due to the inability to provide legal representation within the mandated timeframe:
“If you don't have enough attorneys, those accused of crimes have to be released within seven days.” ([03:30])
One notable case involves a man accused of strangling his pregnant girlfriend, highlighting the dire impact of this funding crisis on public safety and justice.
7. Nvidia Achieves Historic Market Valuation
In a landmark achievement, Nvidia has become the first publicly traded company to surpass a $4 trillion market valuation. This surge is largely driven by the booming artificial intelligence (AI) sector, positioning Nvidia as a key player in the technological advancements shaping the future.
Lisa Brady noted:
“Nvidia Surge driven by the artificial intelligence boom. Recapping stocks overall, the dow up to 17 in a late rally, the S&P up 37, the Nasdaq up 192.” ([04:06])
This milestone reflects investor confidence in AI technologies and Nvidia's pivotal role in their development.
8. Stock Market Recap
The stock market closed higher, buoyed by optimistic minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting, which suggested that an interest rate cut is still expected within the year. Major indices saw notable gains:
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: Up by 17 points
- S&P 500: Increased by 37 points
- Nasdaq: Rose by 192 points
These movements indicate a positive outlook among investors, anticipating favorable economic policies and continued growth in key sectors.
Conclusion
The Fox News Hourly Update for July 9, 2025, covered a broad spectrum of pressing issues, from international conflicts and legal battles to economic developments and natural disasters. Key takeaways include the delicate negotiations surrounding the Gaza ceasefire, significant legal rulings impacting immigration and transgender rights, the dire consequences of natural disasters, and landmark achievements in the corporate and financial sectors. Stay informed with Fox News for the latest and most comprehensive news coverage.