Fox News Hourly Update Episode: 8PM ET 06/29/2025 Newscast Release Date: June 30, 2025
Senate Battles Over President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill"
Daria Albinger opens the newscast by addressing the prolonged Senate debate over President Donald Trump's significant legislative proposal, unironically dubbed the "big beautiful bill." After an extensive delay, the Senate is inching closer to a crucial vote, though the process could be stalled for hours longer.
"After an hours long delay, the Senate has taken a big step toward President Trump's big beautiful bill and it could take hours to get to the next vote."
[00:02] Daria Albinger
The bill, spanning 940 pages, has become a contentious issue. Senate Democrats have effectively hampered the debate by mandating that Senate clerks read the entire bill aloud, a process seen as a strategic move to delay proceedings.
"Senate Democrats hamstrung debate on the bill. They mandated that Senate clerks take turns reading the Entire bill, all 940 pages out loud."
[00:15] Unknown Speaker
Democrats argue that the bill poses a threat to millions by potentially stripping away health benefits. In contrast, Republicans highlight the bill's tax provisions and enhanced border security measures as significant positives. House conservatives express frustration, claiming that essential provisions were removed by the Senate parliamentarian to comply with budgetary constraints, thereby weakening the original legislation.
Republican Dissent and Political Repercussions
As the Senate moves toward a "votorama" — a series of rapid votes — internal divisions within the Republican Party begin to surface. A notable rebel is North Carolina's Senator Thom Tillis, who announced his intention to vote against the bill, citing concerns for his constituents.
"North Carolina's Thom Tillis, who says the measure is not in the best interests of his constituents."
[00:49] Daria Albinger
President Trump has not been pleased with Tillis's stance, expressing his dissatisfaction on three separate occasions since the previous night. In a significant development, Senator Tillis has declared that he will not seek reelection in 2026, signaling potential shifts within the Republican landscape.
Trump's Push to Acquire TikTok
Shifting gears, Donald Trump made headlines by announcing progress in acquiring the popular social media app TikTok. He indicated that a deal is likely pending approval from China's President Xi Jinping.
"We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way. I think I'll need probably China approval and I think President Xi will probably do it. I'll tell you in about two weeks."
[01:28] Donald Trump
Trump emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, highlighting the involvement of a "big technology company" and "very, very wealthy people." He also credited the app with boosting his support among young voters during the last November presidential election.
"Mr. Trump telling Fox News the app boosted his support among young voters in last November's presidential election."
[01:42] Daria Albinger
Additionally, Trump mentioned extending a congressional deadline for TikTok to divest from China or face a potential ban in the United States, underscoring the administration's commitment to regulating foreign influence in digital platforms.
Russia's Largest Aerial Assault on Ukraine
In international news, Russia has launched its most substantial aerial assault in the ongoing war with Ukraine, deploying over 500 drones and missiles overnight. The Kremlin asserts that this attack marks a significant escalation.
"Russia launched its largest aerial assault of the war with Ukraine overnight. The Kremlin says it fired more than 500 drones and missiles."
[02:32] Daria Albinger
Ukraine counters by stating that nearly half of the incoming threats were successfully intercepted or neutralized through jamming technologies. However, Ukrainian officials acknowledge the unprecedented scale of the attack, describing it as the most extensive strike from the front lines in a considerable time.
"Ukraine says nearly half of them were either intercepted or they were jammed. Ukrainian officials add though that it was the largest area that was hit from the front lines in a long time and that it was indeed a large attack."
[02:32] Daria Albinger
The First American-Born Pope and Church Fundraising Efforts
Jack Callahan reports on the Catholic Church's optimism regarding fundraising prospects under the leadership of the first American-born pope. Celebrating the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the church has initiated a fundraising campaign to address a significant structural deficit.
"Pope Leo the 14th Sunday celebrating the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, which often includes a special collection for the operations of the church's central government and pays for the pope's personal acts of charity."
[03:03] Jack Callahan
The Vatican has launched a fundraising video featuring a QR code and a dedicated website to facilitate donations via credit card or bank transfer. The church aims to mitigate a structural deficit estimated at up to $68 million.
"The church has released a fundraising video complete with a QR code and a website soliciting donations online via credit card or bank transfer."
[03:03] Jack Callahan
In his blessing, the pope expressed gratitude to supporters, emphasizing the importance of their contributions in his role as the successor of St. Peter.
"I thank those who with their gifts are supporting my first steps as the successor of St. Peter."
[03:03] Jack Callahan
Legal Challenges to Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" Migrant Detention Center
Madison Scarpino covers the contentious issue surrounding Florida's proposed migrant detention center, ominously nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz." The facility, intended to be operational by Tuesday, is being constructed on a former training base in the environmentally sensitive Everglades.
"Governor DeSantis says alligator Alcatraz could start housing migrants on Tuesday. It's being built on a former training base in the marshy, florid Everglades."
[03:49] Madison Scarpino
Opponents, including environmental groups and local residents, have filed a lawsuit aiming to halt construction due to potential environmental damage. Protests have erupted near nearby highways, with demonstrators voicing strong opposition through signs and speeches.
"The groups filing this lawsuit and people who are just against Alligator Alcatraz say it could really harm the environment."
[03:49] Madison Scarpino
Governor Ron DeSantis remains unyielding, asserting that the project will not negatively impact the local environment despite the legal challenges and public outcry. The estimated annual cost for the facility is around $400 million, with FEMA anticipated to reimburse Florida for these funds.
"Governor DeSantis says this will not have any effect on the environment."
[03:49] Madison Scarpino
Conclusion
In this episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, key national and international issues were dissected, ranging from legislative battles in the Senate and political maneuvers within the Republican Party to significant developments in international conflict and major fundraising efforts by the Catholic Church. Additionally, Florida's controversial "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center remains a hot-button issue, reflecting ongoing debates over immigration and environmental conservation.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the Fox News Hourly Update episode from June 30, 2025, encapsulating all major discussions and insights for listeners seeking a detailed briefing.