Summary4 min read

Fox News Hourly Update – 12PM ET Newscast (May 17, 2026)

Overview

This Fox News hourly update provides a roundup of major news stories as of May 17, 2026. Key themes include a high-profile Senate primary shake-up in Louisiana, escalating tensions between the U.S., Iran, and Israel, a Texas children’s hospital’s legal settlement over gender-affirming care, Tom Brady’s memorable Georgetown commencement speech, and a recap of the Preakness Stakes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Political Shake-Up in Louisiana Senate Race

Bill Cassidy, Trump Critic, Defeated:
Incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy, known for his opposition to Donald Trump, failed to advance in the Republican primary, finishing third.
Runoff Candidates Announced:
Trump-backed Congresswoman Julia Letlow led the field, with State Treasurer John Fleming advancing to a runoff. Jamie Davis's second-place finish is described as "too close to call."
- Quote [00:20] (Chanley Painter):
  “Incumbent Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy finished third in the Republican primary, ending his bid for re-election. … Cassidy, who faced backlash from many Republicans after voting to convict President Trump in his second impeachment trial following the January 6 riot at the US Capitol.”
Trump's Reaction:
President Trump labeled Cassidy a "disloyal disaster for Democrats," highlighting ongoing intraparty tensions.

2. U.S.–Iran–Israel Tensions Mount

Possible Return to Military Action:
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are expected to discuss renewed action against Iran. Regional intelligence suggests Iran is attempting to stall and delay negotiations, perhaps to avoid conflict at sensitive geopolitical moments, such as the World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary.
- Quote [01:07] (Fox’s training in Tel Aviv):
  “The prevailing assessment inside of Iran is that President Trump may resort to military action, and Tehran is now deliberately pursuing a strategy of deception and delay… buying time will complicate any potential return to war.”
Diplomacy at an Impasse:
Efforts toward a diplomatic resolution continue to fail, with Iran unwilling to make needed concessions.
Trump’s Statement on Iran [01:49]:
“President Trump on his return trip from China saying he was unhappy with the opening response from Iran.”

3. Texas Children’s Hospital Settlement

Cease of Puberty Blockers & New Clinic:
Texas Children’s Hospital agrees to halt administration of puberty blockers to minors, pay $10 million in penalties, and open a detransition clinic after a joint investigation by U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Texas.
- Quote [02:12] (Debra Valentine):
  “Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston has agreed to open a detransition clinic funded by the hospital and stop administering puberty blockers to children. … The settlement mandated TCH fire five woke doctors who performed gender transition surgeries on children.”
Attorney General’s Statement:
Texas AG Ken Paxton cited fraudulent Medicaid billing and announced personnel changes as part of the agreement.

4. Tom Brady Delivers Georgetown Business School Commencement

Life Lessons from the NFL:
Legendary quarterback Tom Brady used sports analogies to deliver an inspirational commencement speech.
- Quote [03:01] (Tom Brady):
  “In life and work, you guys are going to get knocked down a lot. How are you going to navigate those moments? Are you going to push through the self-doubt… You do it the same way you overcome a 25-point deficit. One decision at a time, one play at a time.”
Lighthearted Moments:
Brady joked about his dynamic with former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, referencing their six Super Bowl wins together.

5. Preakness Stakes: Napoleon Solo Wins

Race Recap:
With Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo absent, the Preakness Stakes was wide open. Napoleon Solo, ridden by Paco Lopez, surged ahead in the final furlong to win.
- Quote [03:27] (Race Caller):
  “Napoleon Solo still there. Iron Honor of the outside cannot get him. Napoleon Solo and Paco Lopez have won the Preakness.”
Field Review:
A field of 14 horses participated, setting the stage for a surprise finish at Laurel Park.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |-----------|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:20 | Chanley Painter (B) | “Cassidy, who faced backlash … after voting to convict President Trump…” | | 01:07 | Fox’s Training (C) | “Tehran is now deliberately pursuing a strategy of deception and delay…” | | 02:12 | Debra Valentine (D) | “Texas Children’s Hospital… stop administering puberty blockers to children.” | | 03:01 | Tom Brady (E) | “How are you going to navigate those moments? … One decision at a time…” | | 03:27 | Race Caller (F) | “Napoleon Solo still there… Napoleon Solo and Paco Lopez have won the Preakness.” |

Timestamps for Major Segments

Louisiana Senate Primary: 00:02 – 00:53
Iran–U.S.–Israel Escalation: 00:53 – 01:49
Texas Children’s Hospital Settlement: 01:49 – 02:49
Tom Brady’s Speech: 02:49 – 03:17
Preakness Stakes Recap: 03:17 – 03:39

Memorable Moments

The ousting of a sitting senator primarily for his opposition to Trump highlights ongoing Republican rifts.
Tense anticipation over possible military flare-up between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Controversy and legal shifts on gender-affirming care in Texas impact one of the largest children’s hospitals.
Tom Brady’s blend of NFL wisdom and humor excites Georgetown grads.
Horse racing fans get a new hero with Napoleon Solo’s Preakness win.

Summary prepared based on the 12PM ET May 17, 2026 Fox News Hourly Update.

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Transcript11 lines

[00:02]
A
A major shake up in the US Senate. In Louisiana, I'm Ann Kerik, FOX News. Republican senator and vocal Trump critic Bill Cassidy defeated in Louisiana's Senate primary. Trump backed Congresswoman Julia Letlow and State Treasurer John Fleming advancing to a runoff in June. Fox's Chanley Painter.
[00:20]
B
Incumbent Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy finished third in the Republican primary, ending his bid for re election. And While Letlow finished first by nearly 20 points, Louisiana election rules call for a runoff between the top two candidates if no candidate wins a majority of the vote. Cassidy, who faced backlash from many Republicans after voting to convict President Trump in his second impeachment trial following the January 6 riot at the US Capitol. He also broke with President Trump on key issues. The president calling Cassidy a, quote, disloyal disaster for Democrats.
[00:53]
A
Jamie Davis advanced to a runoff with the second spot too close to call. Military action against the Iranian regime could be restarting, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said set to speak today. Fox's training is in Tel Aviv.
[01:08]
C
Regional intelligence sources tell Fox News they assess the Iranians believe they can drag out this current stalemate for at least two weeks. But the prevailing assessment inside of Iran is that President Trump may resort to military action and Tehran is now deliberately pursuing a strategy of deception and delay with the hopes that buying time will complicate any potential return to war. These sources say Iranian officials are looking at the World cup and America's 250th anniversary as a backdrop stop that could work in their favor. Tension remains high across the Middle east as the region waits to see if the war will resume in the days ahead. So far, efforts toward a diplomatic solution have failed, with Iran unwilling to make the necessary concessions to reach a deal.
[01:50]
A
President Trump on his return trip from China saying he was unhappy with the opening response from Iran. America's listening to Fox News. After a sweeping probe by the U.S. justice Department and the state of Texas. A Texas children's hospital will stop admitting administering puberty blockers to children and pay $10 million in penalties.
[02:12]
D
Texas Children's Hospital in Houston has agreed to open a detransition clinic funded by the hospital and stop administering puberty blockers to children. It follows a years long investigation which Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote in a statement found the hospital fraudulently billed Texas Medicaid for unallowable and illegal gender transition interventions. Baxton also revealed the settlement mandated tch fire five woke doctors who performed gender transition surgeries on children. Debra Valentine, Fox News Legendary NFL quarterback
[02:50]
A
and Fox Sports analyst Tom Brady delivered the commencement address Saturday at Georgetown University's business school graduation. He reflected on life after college, comparing it to the challenges and accomplishments of of his NFL career.
[03:02]
E
In life and work, you guys are going to get knocked down a lot. How are you going to navigate those moments? Are you going to push through the self doubt and you do it the same way you overcome a 25 point deficit. One decision at a time, one play at a time.
[03:18]
A
Brady also joked about former coach Bill Belichick, with whom he won six Super Bowls during their run with the New England Patriots. Napoleon Solo is your winner of this year's Pness Stakes.
[03:27]
F
These two to the final furlong. Napoleon Solo still there. Iron Honor of the outside cannot get him. Napoleon Solo and Paco Lopez have won the Preakness.
[03:39]
A
The Call on NBC Sports and Peacock. Napoleon Solo rallied past Iron Honor to win the Preakness Stakes at Laurel park, earning his first victory of the year. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo skipped the race, leaving a wide open field of 14 going into the Preakness. I'm Ann Carrick and this is Fox News.