Fox News Hourly Update – 8AM ET, July 3, 2025

Host: Dave Anthony
Release Date: July 3, 2025

1. Congressional Budget Bill Approval

Final Push for the Budget Bill

The episode opens with host Dave Anthony discussing the pending vote in the House of Representatives on President Trump's proposed budget bill. Anthony states, “...FOX News to give final approval to President Trump's one big beautiful budget bill” [00:02].

Republican Support Highlighted by Steve Scalise

Republican Leader Steve Scalise emphasizes the positive economic impacts, declaring, “There are going to be a lot of great jobs, Mr. Speaker, a lot of great jobs in this country. America's coming back” [00:15].

Bill Provisions and Republican Stance

Anthony details the bill’s key components, including the permanency of the 2017 tax cuts and proposed spending cuts to programs like Medicaid, where Republicans are advocating for work requirements: “...the bill would make the soon to expire 2017 tax cuts permanent. It also makes spending cuts to programs like Medicaid with Republicans adding a work requirement” [00:21].

Democratic Opposition and Delay Tactics

Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticizes the bill, labeling the work requirements as “just a smokescreen” [00:29]. He has delayed the vote with an extensive three-hour speech, arguing, “More than 90% of the people who receive Medicaid benefits, who can work, do work” [00:40]. This move by Jeffries underscores the partisan divide over the budget proposal.

2. Crime and Legal Developments

Chicago Nightclub Shooting Investigation

The update covers a tragic incident in Chicago where a late-night drive-by shooting outside a nightclub resulted in four deaths and 14 injuries. Authorities are actively searching for the gunmen involved.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Legal Battle

A significant portion of the broadcast focuses on Sean “Diddy” Combs, who remains in jail after a judge denied his bail request in New York City. Combs is awaiting sentencing on multiple charges related to prostitution, although he was acquitted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Host Dave Anthony reports, “Combs attorney Mark Agnifolo” [02:14], highlighting attorney Mark Agnifolo’s defense: “The kidnapping, he was innocent of that. The arson, he was innocent of that. The obstructing justice, he was innocent of that” [02:23].

Plea Deal on Quadruple Murder Charges

Brian Kohberger has pleaded guilty to one count of burglary and four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the 2022 stabbings of four University of Idaho students. Judge Steven Hippler records the plea: “Guilty” [02:35]. While some families, like those of Matty Mogan, support the plea agreement, others, such as the family of Kaylee Gonzalez, express deep frustration and anger [02:46].

Closure and Controversy

Steve Scalise comments on the plea deal, stating, “We have closure. We embark on a path of hope and healing” [02:46]. However, differing family opinions reflect ongoing tensions surrounding the resolution of this high-profile case.

3. International Affairs: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Escalation in Gaza

Israel has intensified its military actions against Hamas in Gaza, conducting more airstrikes that have resulted in significant casualties. Palestinian officials report that “94 people were killed in the strikes and in shootings near a food distribution site amid a US Brokered ceasefire attempt” [01:21].

Ceasefire Negotiations and Hostage Situations

Jonathan Savage discusses the ongoing ceasefire efforts, noting, “Hamas's lead leaders will debate the plan and ask for clarifications before issuing an official response” [01:32]. Meanwhile, President Trump asserts, “Israel has already agreed to a 60 day ceasefire” and mentions hostage negotiations, with approximately 20 Israelis still believed to be alive [01:35].

Netanyahu’s Strong Stance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a firm promise regarding Hamas, declaring, “Hamas would cease to exist when the war ends” [01:57]. This statement underscores Israel’s determination to decisively address the threat posed by Hamas.

4. Economic Outlook: June Jobs Report

Predicted Job Market Slowdown

Dave Anthony anticipates the release of the June jobs report, expecting a slowdown in hiring with “110,000 jobs predicted” [03:09]. Hilary Barski provides further analysis, forecasting the unemployment rate to rise to 4.3%, the highest since October 2021, up from three consecutive months at 4.2% [03:15].

Impact of Tariffs and Trade Tensions

Barski elaborates on the economic factors at play: “Investors will be watching for any signs that tariffs are starting to weigh more. Heavy on hiring. A weaker reading may reinforce the view that trade tensions and higher tariffs are slowing the economy and the labor market, while a strong report could lessen expectations for near-term Fed rate cuts” [03:15]. This insight highlights the delicate balance between trade policies and economic performance.

Market Reactions

Following the jobs report, stock futures show positive movement, building on the previous day’s Nasdaq record high.

5. Sports Highlight: Clayton Kershaw’s Milestone

Historic Achievement in Baseball

Sports commentator Jimmy Phela announces a significant milestone in Major League Baseball: Clayton Kershaw has joined the exclusive “3,000 K” strikeout club, a feat achieved by only 20 pitchers in MLB history [03:52]. Kershaw, a lifelong Los Angeles Dodgers player, reached this milestone during last night’s game where the Dodgers triumphed over the Chicago White Sox with a score of five to four [04:03].

Legacy and Recognition

Host Dave Anthony underscores the achievement: “Clayton Kershaw joins the 3,000 K club... the Dodgers won the game last night” [03:52]. This accomplishment cements Kershaw’s legacy as one of the great pitchers in baseball history.

6. Closing Remarks

Upcoming Coverage and Access

The broadcast wraps up with information on accessing further Fox News programming. Will Kane promotes the "COUNTRY" segment, available live at noon Eastern and on various platforms, encouraging listeners to follow the podcast for daily updates [04:11].

This comprehensive update from the Fox News Hourly provides listeners with the latest developments in U.S. politics, significant legal cases, international conflicts, economic forecasts, and noteworthy sports achievements. Notably, the discussions around the budget bill highlight the ongoing partisan debates, while legal updates on high-profile cases like Sean Combs and Brian Kohberger reflect the complexities of the justice system. Internationally, the focus remains on the escalating conflict in Gaza and the broader implications for peace efforts. Economically, the anticipated jobs report and its potential impact on market sentiments are closely monitored. Lastly, in sports, Clayton Kershaw’s remarkable career milestone offers a celebration of athletic excellence.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Scalise: “There are going to be a lot of great jobs, Mr. Speaker, a lot of great jobs in this country. America's coming back.” [00:15]
• Hakeem Jeffries: “These so called work requirements are just a smokescreen.” [00:29]
• Hakeem Jeffries: “More than 90% of the people who receive Medicaid benefits, who can work, do work.” [00:40]
• Steve Scalise: “We have closure. We embark on a path of hope and healing.” [02:46]
• Hakeem Jeffries: “More than 90% of the people who receive Medicaid benefits, who can work, do work.” [00:40]

This summary provides a detailed overview of the Fox News Hourly Update for listeners seeking insight into the latest national and international news, economic indicators, legal proceedings, and sports highlights.