Fox News Hourly Update – 8PM ET 07/30/2025: Comprehensive Summary

On the July 30, 2025, episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, host Tom McCarthy, along with correspondents Rich Edson and Kevin Cork, delved into a spectrum of pressing national and international issues. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented throughout the newscast.

1. Federal Reserve Maintains Interest Rates Amid Presidential Pressure

The newscast opened with a significant economic update. Tom McCarthy reported that the Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged despite persistent appeals from President Trump to lower them.

“The Federal Reserve is again ignoring calls from President Trump to lower interest rates. At their meeting today, they left rates unchanged.”
— Tom McCarthy, [00:02]

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell justified the decision by highlighting the stable economic conditions, noting, “The economy is in a solid position. The unemployment rate remains low and the labor market is at or near maximum employment” ([00:02]). Notably, two members of the Fed's board of governors advocated for rate reductions, signaling internal disagreements. Meanwhile, President Trump dismissed inflation concerns, asserting it is no longer a significant factor in the current economic landscape.

2. President Trump Imposes New Tariffs on India and Brazil

Shifting focus to international trade, Rich Edson detailed President Trump's recent tariffs on India and Brazil, marking a continued assertive stance in global trade negotiations.

“The president announced the United States will impose a 25% duty on imports from India, including an additional penalty.”
— Rich Edson, [00:39]

The tariffs on India are a retaliatory measure against the country's procurement of Russian oil and weaponry. President Trump announced plans to escalate penalties against Russia contingent on its actions regarding the Ukraine conflict.

Similarly, Brazil faced an additional 40% tariff on imports following accusations of “politically motivated persecution, intimidation, harassment, censorship and prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro” ([00:39]). These moves underscore the administration's intent to leverage tariffs as a bargaining chip in broader trade negotiations, particularly with China, where Rich Edson reported that American and Chinese negotiators concluded their Stockholm meetings without reaching an agreement.

3. Trade Negotiations and Expansion of Tariffs

Continuing on trade, Tom McCarthy reported that President Trump has announced a trade deal with South Korea at a 15% tariff rate and has set a firm deadline of August 12 for China to finalize a trade agreement.

“Trump also announced a trade deal with South Korea at 15% and has given China a deadline of Aug. 12 to agree to a trade deal.”
— Tom McCarthy, [01:20]

These developments indicate a strategic push to secure more favorable terms with key trading partners, underscoring the administration's focus on strengthening the U.S. economy through robust trade policies.

4. Vice President Kamala Harris's Political Future

In a significant political development, Kevin Cork reported on Vice President Kamala Harris's decision regarding her future in politics.

“Kamala Harris, says she will not run for governor in California in 2026, putting to end, at least for now, the speculation that she might seek the state's top executive role.”
— Rich Edson, [01:33]

While Harris has decided against a gubernatorial bid, she has not dismissed the possibility of pursuing higher office, including the presidency in 2028. Tom McCarthy conveyed her stance:

“Harris has not ruled out another run for president in 2028, saying she will share more about her in the months ahead.”
— Tom McCarthy, [01:47]

This announcement potentially reshapes the political landscape as the 2028 elections approach, positioning Harris as a prominent figure to watch.

5. Tragic Shooting in Midtown Manhattan

A harrowing report from Gurnall Scott shed light on a tragic shooting incident in Midtown Manhattan, where four individuals lost their lives.

“The NYPD says it was a supervisor Shane Tamura worked with at the Horseshoe Casino in Vegas who legally bought, then sold Tomura the rifle used to shoot five people, killing four in New York for fourteen hundred dollars.”
— Gurnall Scott, [02:31]

The shooter, Shane Tamura, a supervisor at the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas, legally acquired and subsequently sold the firearm used in the attack for $1,400. Authorities have not named the supervisor but noted his cooperation with ongoing investigations. Further evidence discovered at Tamura's Las Vegas residence included ammunition, prescribed medications, and a poignant note expressing feelings of familial disappointment. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about gun control and the mechanisms of firearm transfers.

6. International Diplomacy: Canada’s Recognition of a Palestinian State

In international relations, Tom McCarthy reported that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced Canada’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September, aligning with similar declarations from the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will recognize a Palestinian state in September.”
— Tom McCarthy, [02:31]

This initiative follows French President Emmanuel Macron and marks a broader Western movement towards Palestinian state recognition. However, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have opposed this move, arguing that it would reward the terror group Hamas and shift diplomatic pressure unfavorably against Israel. While largely symbolic, this recognition is viewed as part of an escalating global dialogue aiming to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

7. Trump Administration Launches New Health Records Initiative

Advancing into domestic policy, Tom McCarthy highlighted a new initiative by the Trump administration aimed at digitalizing health records to enhance efficiency and accessibility.

“A new system announced by the Trump administration will let people connect their health records to apps and online platforms.”
— Tom McCarthy, [02:31]

This initiative leverages artificial intelligence and partners with over 60 prominent companies, including tech giants like Google and Amazon, as well as leading healthcare institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic. President Trump praised this collaboration during a White House address, stating:

“The key breakthrough we've made is getting many of the biggest names in health care and technology to agree to that real those standards of electronic medical records.”
— Tom McCarthy, [02:31]

Despite the potential for improved healthcare delivery, critics have voiced concerns regarding the security of highly personal medical data, emphasizing the need for stringent safeguards against data breaches.

Conclusion

The July 30th episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provided a thorough exploration of pivotal issues ranging from economic policies and international trade to tragic incidents and political maneuvers. Through expert reporting and incisive commentary, the newscast offered listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current events shaping the national and global landscape.

For more detailed updates and analyses, listeners are encouraged to follow the Fox News Podcasts channel.