Fox News Hourly Update – July 8, 2025

Devastating Floods in Texas: Over 100 Dead, 160 Missing

In today's top story, Texas is reeling from catastrophic flooding in Kerr County. Governor Greg Abbott, following a helicopter tour of the affected area, reported a grim toll. As Lisa Licera reported at [00:02], "Governor Greg Abbott... states that 109 deaths have been confirmed so far and over 160 are still missing, including five campers and one Camp Mystic."

The governor emphasized the ongoing rescue efforts, declaring, "He says they won't leave until the job is finished" ([00:02]). The tragedy has deeply impacted the local community, with Jared Halpern adding at [00:17], "Breaking every single day because of what the people of this community and the surrounding area are going through."

Supreme Court Permits Significant Downsizing of Federal Workforce

In a pivotal legal development, the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Trump administration's plan to significantly reduce the federal workforce. As detailed by Lisa Licera at [00:24], "The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to significantly downsize the federal workforce."

Jared Halpern further explained the implications at [00:39]: "An order from the justices reverses a lower court ruling that temporarily froze funding cuts and mass layoffs for federal agencies." The decision underscores the Court's stance on executive authority, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissenting: "It was reasonable for the district court to maintain the status quo while judges evaluate whether the president's overhaul usurps Congress's policymaking prerogatives."

Changes to Airport Security: Shoe Removal No Longer Mandatory

Homeland Security is implementing significant changes to airport security protocols. Lisa Licera reported at [01:15] that, "For the first time in 20 years, most travelers will not have to remove their shoes when going through airport security."

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem clarified the new policy, stating that "there will be some exceptions" where individuals may still be required to remove their shoes if additional screening deems it necessary. This adjustment aims to streamline the security process while maintaining safety standards established since the 2001 Paris to Miami flight incident involving explosives in shoes.

North Carolina Struggles with Tropical Storm Chantal

North Carolina is currently grappling with severe flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal. As Lisa Licera reported at [02:27], "A state official in North Carolina says there are three potential storm-related deaths after flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal." The storm made landfall on Sunday, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and prompting emergency responses across the state.

International Criminal Court Targets Taliban Leadership

In international news, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for key Taliban leaders in Afghanistan. Jonathan Savage elaborated at [02:44], "The courts now issued arrest warrants for Afghan Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhunzada and the head of the supreme court, Abdul Hakima Kani."

Prosecutor Karim Khan criticized the Taliban's treatment of women, girls, and the LGBTQ community, declaring, "The treatment of Afghan women and girls and the LGBTQ community is unprecedented and unconscionable." This marks a significant move against the Taliban, highlighting ongoing global concerns regarding human rights abuses under their regime.

Scorching Heat Forces Acropolis Closure in Greece

Greece is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 104 degrees in certain regions. Lisa Licera reported at [03:21], "Authorities in Athens closed the Acropolis for several hours today." Mandatory work breaks remain in effect, particularly on the islands and central areas, to help residents cope with the intense heat.

Ritz Cracker Recall Due to Potential Allergens

Consumers are urged to exercise caution as Ritz Cracker Sandwiches are part of a voluntary recall. As reported by Lisa Licera at [03:39], "Multi-pack carton sizes of Ritz cracker sandwiches are part of a voluntary recall because peanut butter sandwiches might have been mislabeled as cheese."

Mondelez, the parent company, stated that the mislabeling could pose life-threatening risks to individuals with peanut allergies. "The mislabeling could result in a life-threatening allergic reaction to people who are allergic or have severe sensitivity to peanuts," the company warned. Only specific package sizes are affected, and no other Ritz products are included in the recall.

Market Movements: Mixed Results Following Broad Sell-Off

Wall Street experienced a turbulent day with major indexes showing mixed results after a significant sell-off. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 16 points, the NASDAQ rose by 6 points, and the S&P 500 decreased by 4 points. Despite the volatility, trading experts suggest that the market may stabilize as investors digest the day's events.

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