Fox News Hourly Update: Rising Death Toll in Texas Flooding

Release Date: July 7, 2025
Host: Tom Graham
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update

Overview

In this episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, host Tom Graham covers a range of pressing national and international issues. The primary focus revolves around the devastating flash flooding in Central Texas, which has resulted in a significant loss of life and ongoing rescue efforts. Additionally, the update touches on economic policies involving new tariff rates, stock market fluctuations, geopolitical developments in the Middle East, unforeseen events in Russia, migration policies affecting immigrants from Honduras and Nicaragua, and updates on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

Texas Flooding: Rising Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Timestamp: [00:02] - [00:56]

Tom Graham opens the episode by addressing the catastrophic flash flooding in Central Texas, where the death toll has tragically risen to 89 with several individuals still missing. The floodwaters, particularly in areas like Foxes Brook Taylor and Kerrville, have overwhelmed residents.

Key Highlights:

• Rapid River Rise: Brook Taylor reports that the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet within a mere 45 minutes, causing unprecedented destruction.

  Brook Taylor [00:14]: "The Guadalupe river rose 26ft within just 45 minutes. So all of that happening within just an hour."

• Impact on Communities: Children at a local camp described water levels reaching the tops of their bunk beds, forcing them to swim for safety. Debris and destroyed homes have made rescue operations perilous, with many clinging to trees awaiting rescue.

• Rescue Operations: First responders have successfully rescued 850 people, including hundreds airlifted to safety. Despite the National Weather Service issuing flood watch warnings since Thursday afternoon, many residents feel the warnings were insufficient.

  Brook Taylor [00:14]: "Kids at a nearby camp say the water came up to the top of their bunk beds. They had no other choice but to swim out."

Economic Policies: New Tariff Rates Announced

Timestamp: [00:56] - [01:43]

The discussion shifts to economic developments, where Grady Trimble reports on President Trump's announcement of new tariff rates affecting several nations.

Key Points:

• Tariff Details: New tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% are set to take effect on August 1st, impacting nations previously subject to the April 2nd Liberation Day tariffs unless new deals are reached.

  Grady Trimble [01:05]: "They set new tariff rates at anywhere between 25 and 40%... The president says the 25% tariffs, or in some cases 40%, will go into effect on August 1st."

• Political Transparency: President Trump has committed to posting these tariff letters to each country's leaders on Truth Social, emphasizing transparency in his administration's trade policies.

• Market Reaction: Following the announcement, Wall Street experienced a downturn with the Dow Jones falling 422 points, the Nasdaq dropping 49 points, and the S&P 500 decreasing by 189 points.

  Tom Graham [01:43]: "Stocks taking a dip on Wall Street. The Dow falling 422 points. The Nasdaq dropping 49. The S&P down 189."

Middle East Conflict: Ceasefire Proposal and Hostage Situation

Timestamp: [02:16] - [03:10]

The update covers ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Gaza, featuring insights from White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt.

Key Highlights:

• Ceasefire Proposal: The latest ceasefire offers a 60-day truce, requiring Hamas to release 10 remaining hostages and mandating Israeli forces to withdraw to a buffer zone near Gaza's border.

  Caroline Levitt [02:21]: "The utmost priority for the president right now in the Middle east is to end the war in Gaza and to return all of the hostages."

• Diplomatic Efforts: Israel supports the ceasefire, and there is hope that Hamas will agree, facilitating the release of hostages.

International Developments: Russia and Migration Policies

Timestamp: [02:38] - [03:55]

The episode touches on two significant international stories: the mysterious death of Russia's transport minister and changes in U.S. migration policies affecting immigrants from Honduras and Nicaragua.

Key Points:

• Death of Russian Transport Minister: Russia's transport minister was found dead from a gunshot wound, reported as an apparent suicide shortly after being dismissed by President Vladimir Putin.

  Tom Graham [02:38]: "Authorities say Russia's transport minister was found dead from a gunshot wound and an apparent suicide."

• Migration Policy Changes: Approximately 76,000 immigrants from Honduras and Nicaragua are losing their Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the temporary nature of TPS and encouraged affected individuals to utilize the CBP1 app for self-deportation, which includes incentives like a plane ticket and a $1,000 exit bonus.

  Kristi Noem [03:10]: "Temporary protected status is designed to be just that, temporary..."

  TPS allowed these migrants to live and work in the U.S. amidst natural disasters and conflicts, with required renewals every 18 months. Many have resided in the U.S. since the 1990s with legal work authorization.

Jeffrey Epstein Investigation: Lack of Client List

Timestamp: [03:55] - [04:13]

Tom Graham reports on recent developments in the investigation of the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The Justice Department claims Epstein did not maintain a client list, contradicting previous promises made by Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Tom Graham [03:55]: "News...Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain a client list. At least that's the claim by the Justice Department."

The department announced that no additional files related to Epstein's sex trafficking investigation would be released, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the case.

Community Stories and Additional Content

Timestamp: [04:13] - [04:23]

Janice Dean introduces a segment focusing on stories of hope and community positivity, aiming to highlight individuals making a difference.

Janice Dean [04:13]: "Join me every Sunday as I focus on stories of hope and people who are truly rays of sunshine in their community and across the world."

Will Cayne also promotes his show and podcast offerings, encouraging listeners to engage with Fox News content across various platforms.

Conclusion

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update presents a comprehensive overview of critical events affecting the United States and the world. From the heart-wrenching floods in Texas to significant economic policies, international conflicts, and migration challenges, the update provides listeners with timely information and authoritative insights. Notable quotes from key speakers enhance the narrative, offering firsthand perspectives on unfolding stories.

For those seeking to stay informed on these and other pressing issues, the Fox News Hourly Update serves as a reliable source of news and analysis.

This summary is intended to provide an informative overview of the podcast episode for those who have not listened to it. All quotes are accurately attributed with their respective timestamps for reference.