Fox News Hourly Update – 8PM ET, July 9, 2025 | Summary

The 8PM ET episode of Fox News Hourly Update delivered a comprehensive roundup of national and international news, highlighting critical developments in trade policies, political investigations, natural disasters, education, sports, criminal justice, and labor relations. Below is a detailed overview of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. President Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Brazil and Other Nations

Lisa Licera opened the newscast by reporting significant developments in U.S. trade policies. President Trump announced a series of new import taxes targeting Brazil, citing disputes over former President Bolsonaro's treatment.

Edward Lawrence, reporting from the White House at [00:16], detailed the specifics of these tariffs:

"These letters are very similar to the letters that went around the first time around. In this batch, though, you talk about Libya, you talk about Iraq, Sri Lanka as well as Algeria, a 30% reciprocal tariff on August 1, Moldova and Brunei seeing a 25% tariff and the Philippines at 20% tariff."

Further, Lawrence added that President Trump emphasized these measures as strategic trade deals, despite their unilateral nature:

"Now President Trump making the point that to him these letters are trade deals."

In response, Brazil's President Lula stated that his nation would adopt reciprocal actions following Trump's announcement.

2. GOP Investigates President Biden's Fitness for Office

The newscast shifted focus to the political arena, where the House Oversight Committee, led by James Comer, intensified its scrutiny of President Biden's health and decision-making capacity.

At [01:04], Comer revealed that:

"Dr. Kevin O' Connor pleaded the fifth on just about every question asked by the committee."

An unidentified commentator added:

"This is unprecedented and I think that."

Lisa Licera connected these developments to ongoing allegations of a cover-up:

"This adds more fuel to the fire that there was a cover up."

Comer elaborated on the gravity of the situation:

"Comer issued a subpoena for President Biden's former physician as part of the GOP investigation into an alleged cover up of President Biden's declining mental acuity and the use of the auto pen during his time in office."

President Biden has vehemently denied these claims, asserting his sole authority in decision-making as Commander in Chief.

3. Devastating Floods Ravage Texas Hill Country

In a heartbreaking report, Ryan Schmelz detailed the catastrophic floods affecting Texas hill country over the weekend. At [01:35], Licera reported:

"The search for victims continues in Texas hill country after devastating flooding over the weekend. At least 119 are confirmed dead and more than 160 remain missing. The floods are now the deadliest inland flooding in the US since 1976."

Additionally, flooding claims extended to New Mexico, where at least three individuals lost their lives in the mountain town of Ruidoso.

4. Homeland Security Targets Harvard University Over Foreign Student Records

Lisa Licera reported significant actions taken by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) against Harvard University at [02:30]. Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, provided further insights:

"Trump administration wants information related to any foreign students criminality or misconduct."

Due to Harvard's refusal to comply with DHS's initial records requests, the department has escalated measures by issuing subpoenas. Earlier efforts resulted in an incomplete response, prompting Noem to enforce an effective ban on foreign students at Harvard. However, Harvard successfully sued, obtaining a temporary restraining order that permits the university to continue enrolling students through the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

Chris Foster from Fox News 3 High School added context to the legal battle, emphasizing the ongoing tension between the administration and the educational institution.

5. Oregon Track Athletes Sue State Over Gender Identity Policies

The episode highlighted a significant legal battle in Oregon, where track athletes have filed a lawsuit against the state. At [03:08], Licera reported:

"Track athletes have sued the state of Oregon over the state's policy that prohibits schools from excluding student athletes from events that align with their gender identity, violates Title IX and has harmed them through loss of competition, placements and opportunities to advance to higher level events."

In response, the U.S. Department of Education initiated investigations into the Portland Public Schools and the Oregon Schools Activities Association to examine potential violations of Title IX.

6. Recapture of New Orleans Jailbreak Inmate Antwon Mazzi

Lillian Wu provided an update on a high-profile criminal case at [03:36]. Licera reported:

"Antwon Mazzi, who spent six weeks on the run after a mass escape from a New Orleans jail, appearing in court via ZOOM from the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola to plead not guilty to domestic abuse battery involving strangulation and theft of a motor vehicle."

Mazzi, who previously escaped custody in 2007, has been ordered to remain jailed without bond. Among the ten escapees from the Orleans Justice Center in May, only one remains at large. Wu added:

"Four time convicted killer Derrick Groves. There's a $50,000 reward for tips leading to his recapture."

7. Philadelphia Union and City Workers End Garbage Pickup Strike

Concluding the major news segments, Lisa Licera reported on a significant labor agreement:

"A union representing thousands of city workers in Philadelphia and the city have reached a deal to end a strike that halted garbage pickup."

This resolution marks the end of disruptions in the city’s waste management services, restoring normalcy for Philadelphia residents.

Conclusion

The Fox News Hourly Update episode on July 9, 2025, provided an in-depth look at pivotal events shaping the current socio-political and economic landscape. From stringent trade policies and political investigations to natural disasters and legal battles over education and sports, the newscast ensured that listeners were well-informed on matters of national importance.