Fox News Hourly Update: 4PM ET - July 30, 2025

Hosted by Lisa Brady

Political Landscape in California

Kamala Harris Opts Out of Gubernatorial Race At the outset of the broadcast, Lisa Brady reports that former Vice President Kamala Harris has officially announced she will not be running for Governor of California in the upcoming election. Instead, Harris expressed her commitment to supporting Democratic candidates nationwide.

Lisa Brady [00:02]: “Former Vice President Kamala Harris just announced she will not run for California governor next year, saying for now her public service will be helping to elect Democrats across the nation.”

Republican Hopeful Steve Hilton Sees Opportunity for Change Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton shares his optimism about the political climate in California, emphasizing the public's exhaustion with prolonged single-party rule.

Steve Hilton [00:20]: “People are absolutely sick of what's been happening after 15 years now of one party rule. And so I'm very encouraged by the prospects of winning that election next year and bringing the change that we need.”

Shifting Democratic Strategies in New York

Mayor's Race Post-Mass Shooting In the wake of a tragic mass shooting at a Manhattan office tower, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor has retracted previous statements advocating for defunding the police. This shift comes after criticism from figures like Zoran Mamdani, who defends his own proposals for enhanced community safety.

Zoran Mamdani [00:54]: “Is beyond me that politicians are looking to use these days to score such cynical political points.”

Mamdani [01:05]: “...defending his plan to create a Department of Community Safety, saying it would not replace the NYPD.”

He further remarks on personal connections to law enforcement by stating his intention to attend the funeral of Officer Diderol Islam, highlighting his commitment to community safety and solidarity with fallen officers.

Federal Reserve and Housing Market Concerns

President Trump Criticizes Fed's Interest Rate Policy President Donald Trump continues to pressure the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, arguing that high rates hinder Americans' ability to purchase homes. Despite these calls, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announces that rates will remain unchanged for the fifth consecutive time this year.

Jerome Powell [01:42]: “The Federal Reserve is keeping a key short term interest rate unchanged despite regular calls from President Trump for a rate cut.”

A Reporter [01:35]: “I hear they're going to do it in September, not today. For what reason? Nobody knows.”

Jerome Powell [01:42]: “Fed Chairman Jerome Powell has favored keeping rates unchanged, wanting first to see how inflation is impacted by new tariffs imposed by the president.”

Market Reaction and Economic Outlook The Dow Jones Industrial Average experiences a downturn, falling by 171 points at the market close. Steve Hilton comments on the implications of the Fed's decision for the economy.

Steve Hilton [01:50]: “The FOX News Podcasts Network.”

(Note: The transcript's mention of Steve Hilton here appears incomplete. Based on context, it likely pertains to economic insights.)

Natural Disasters: Earthquake and Tsunami Impact

Massive Earthquake Near Russia Triggers Pacific Tsunami Alerts A seismic event of magnitude 8.8 strikes off the coast of Russia, one of the strongest earthquakes recorded. This triggers tsunami warnings across the Pacific region, including Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast.

Lisa Brady [02:15]: “Tsunami waves reach Hawaii and the US west coast after a powerful earthquake near Russia.”

Stephen Logan [02:21]: “A magnitude 8.8 earthquake striking off the coast of Russia sparking tsunami warnings, watches, advisories and evacuations across the Pacific. Hawaii bracing for severe impact, but alerts were downgraded early this morning.”

Zoran Mamdani [02:34]: “The Pacific Tsunami Warning center has downgraded the forecast from a tsunami warning to a tsunami advisory.”

Stephen Logan [02:41]: “A tsunami with a four foot wave amplitude was reported at Hanalei on the north shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. In California's Crescent City, a tsunami with a 3.6 foot wave amplitude was reported. While conditions continue to improve, the National Weather Service stresses currents will be very strong across the Pacific throughout the day.”

Lisa Brady adds that despite widespread alerts and evacuations, there have been no reports of major damages, and international evacuations have been minimal with no significant impact reported in Japan and South America.

Lisa Brady [03:06]: “The quake was one of the strongest on record, with the tsunami also prompting evacuations in Japan and South America. No reports of major damage.”

Violent Incident in Danville, Virginia

Council Member Attacked and Set on Fire A disturbing incident unfolds in Danville, Virginia, where a city council member and staffer, Lee Vogler, was brutally attacked. The assault took place at Showcase Magazine near the North Carolina border.

Andrew Brooks [03:19]: “Witnesses say it happened at Showcase magazine in Danville, Virginia, near the North Carolina border.”

Andrew Brooks [03:35]: “Vogler ran, but the suspect caught up to him and set him on fire. Brooks says he's being treated at a burn center. Police say they busted that suspect near the incident. He's been identified as Shotzi Michael Buck.”

Zoran Mamdani [03:35]: “An individual forced his way into our office carrying a five gallon bucket of gasoline and poured the gasoline on Lee.”

Lisa Brady reports that authorities believe the attack was motivated by a personal matter, with no broader political implications identified at this time.

Lisa Brady [03:58]: “Police say the attack stemmed from a personal matter.”

Economic Recap and Market Movements

Stock Market Rebounds Amid Fed Rate Hold Following the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates, the stock market experiences a partial recovery after earlier declines. The Dow Jones Industrial Average drops by 171 points, a reduction from a previous decline of over 300 points.

Lisa Brady [03:58]: “Recapping stocks a partial rebound after a sell off from the Fed decision. The Dow down 171, had been down more than 300.”

Additional Segments

Community and Hope Stories Janice Dean introduces a segment focused on positive stories, highlighting individuals who make significant contributions to their communities and beyond.

Janice Dean [04:10]: “Join me every Sunday as I focus on stories of hope and people who are truly rays of sunshine in their community and across the world.”

Podcast Promotion Steve Hilton encourages listeners to engage with Fox News' podcast offerings.

Steve Hilton [04:23]: “Listen and follow now @foxnewspodcast.com.”

Conclusion

The July 30, 2025, episode of the Fox News Hourly Update delivered a comprehensive overview of significant political developments in California and New York, economic policies and their impacts, natural disaster responses, and a serious violent incident in Virginia. The broadcast emphasized the ongoing political shifts, economic challenges, and community resilience in the face of adversity, providing listeners with detailed insights and firsthand accounts from key figures.