Texas Flooding: Dozens Dead as Search Efforts Intensify
Tragedy struck Texas as catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River claimed at least 24 lives, with additional individuals, including children, reported missing. The community reels from the devastating impact of the floods, prompting relentless search and rescue operations.
Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the ongoing commitment to finding all victims:
"They will continue in the darkness of night. They will be taking place when the sun rises in the morning. They will be nonstop seeking to find everybody who is unaccounted for." [00:19]
In response to the disaster, Governor Abbott has officially declared a state of emergency across several counties in the Hill Country, facilitating the mobilization of resources and aid to the affected areas.
Tropical Storm Chantelle Set to Make Landfall
As Texas copes with unprecedented flooding, attention shifts to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Chantelle. Originating as a tropical depression off the Southeast coast, Chantelle is anticipated to strengthen before making landfall tomorrow morning, marking the third named storm of the season.
Adam McWilliams of Fox Carolina provided insights into the storm's trajectory:
"As the system does make landfall, we'll break up rapidly. But the majority of that bad weather is going to be well to the north of the center, affecting parts of North Carolina and areas near Florence." [00:47]
Officials are monitoring Chantelle closely, preparing for potential disruptions while aiming to mitigate the storm's impact on vulnerable regions.
President Trump Signs 'Big Beautiful Bill' into Law
In a significant legislative move, President Donald Trump signed the highly touted Republican tax and spending cuts package, dubbed the "big beautiful bill," into law on July 4th. The ceremony was marked by a display of military might, with B2 bombers and F22/F35 jets flying over the White House in celebration.
President Trump lauded the bill's popularity and impact:
"It's the most popular bill ever signed in the history of our country. Whether you're military or anybody else, this is the most single most popular bill ever signed." [01:20]
Jared Halpern detailed the bill's provisions:
"The bill extends and expands tax cuts approved during his first term and provides a substantial funding boost to border and immigration enforcement. It also includes an overhaul of Medicaid and food stamps." [01:32]
However, the legislation has faced criticism from Democrats, who argue that the cuts will result in millions losing essential health and nutrition benefits.
Protests Erupt Over Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' Detention Center
Amidst national debates on immigration enforcement, protests continue against the newly established detention center in Florida, colloquially known as "Alligator Alcatraz." The facility, located at an airstrip traditionally used for military training with thousands of flights, has become a focal point for environmental and humanitarian activists.
Samantha Sosa of Fox affiliate WSVN 7 in Miami reported:
"On the Fourth of July, a day that for many symbolizes freedom, a group of protesters gathered in front of the so-called Alligator Alcatraz detention center. Despite the state's assertion that the airstrip is an active training site, protesters raised significant environmental and humanitarian concerns." [03:18]
Simultaneously, similar demonstrations unfolded in downtown Miami. In response to the growing unrest, approximately 200 U.S. Marines from the Core Air Station in North Carolina have been deployed to Florida to support ICE's immigration enforcement efforts, primarily in a logistical capacity.
Hunter Biden Allegedly Sought DNC Assistance for Legal Fees
Controversy surrounds Hunter Biden following revelations from a new tell-all book titled "2004: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America." The book alleges that Hunter Biden approached the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for financial support to cover his legal expenses related to tax and gun cases.
Gary Baumgarten of Fox News reported:
"According to the book, the DNC was already covering legal fees for President Biden over a separate federal probe into documents taken home when he left office as vice president. Hunter's friend, Kevin Morris, had contributed over $2 million to bail him out for unpaid taxes but refused to extend that support to additional legal fees." [04:03]
These claims have fueled ongoing political debates, with implications for both the Biden family and the Democratic Party.
French Air Traffic Controllers' Strike Causes Major Flight Disruptions
Air travel in France has been significantly impacted by a strike from air traffic controllers, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays. Reports indicate that 40% of flights to and from Paris were canceled yesterday, causing inconvenience for travelers across the country.
The air traffic controllers' union articulated their demands:
"We are seeking better working conditions and increased staffing to manage the surge in air travel during the summer season." [04:37]
However, the France Transport Minister has dismissed the union's demands and criticized the timing of the strike as unacceptable, highlighting the tensions between workers and government officials amid high travel volumes.
This comprehensive update encapsulates the pressing issues discussed in the Fox News Hourly Update broadcast on July 5, 2025, providing listeners with a detailed overview of significant national and international events.