Summary4 min read

Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: 2AM ET 05/09/2026 Newscast
Date: May 9, 2026
Host: Debra Valentine (FOX News Podcasts)

Overview

This episode delivers concise updates on major global and national news stories, including developing ceasefire agreements in major conflict zones, diplomatic activity involving the US, a high-profile court ruling in Virginia, and updates on the legal proceedings in the Charlie Kirk assassination case. The update maintains FOX News's signature tone: urgent, direct, and focused on high-stakes political and security developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Russia-Ukraine Temporary Ceasefire

[00:02–00:41]

Announcement: Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire starting May 9, coinciding with Russia's Victory Day (marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in WWII).
Ceasefire Details:
- Suspension of all “kinetic activity.”
- Prisoner swap: 1,000 prisoners from each country.
Diplomatic Context: The agreement followed a meeting between US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ukraine’s top negotiator in Miami.
- Quote: “President Trump says the ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity and a prisoner swap of 1,000 prisoners from each country.” – Jared Halpern [00:25]

Iran-US Tension and Fragile Persian Gulf Ceasefire

[00:41–01:23]

Escalating Incidents:
- US F/A-18 Super Hornet fired on and disabled two empty Iranian-flagged oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz; both vessels were headed toward Iran.
Ceasefire in Jeopardy: Despite the ceasefire’s existence, both sides continue testing its limits.
- Quote: “Let’s not forget there is a ceasefire in existence, but apparently it’s a little shaky now.” – Ashley Webster [01:03]
Strategic Impact: US Central Command maintains a blockade, holding back over 70 tankers capable of transporting $13 billion in oil from entering Iranian ports.
Diplomatic & Sanctions Developments:
- President Trump signaled a possible peace deal “soon” with Iran.
- US State Department sanctioned four Chinese-based entities for aiding Iran’s military, including providing satellite imagery tied to attacks on US and allied forces.
  - Key entities: Meantropy Technology and Earth Eye.
  - Support linked to “Operation Epic Fury.”

Virginia Supreme Court Invalidates Congressional Map

[02:17–03:01]

Court Ruling: By a 4–3 vote, Virginia Supreme Court struck down newly redrawn, voter-approved congressional maps.
- Maps would have enabled Democrats to win all but one of Virginia's 11 seats.
Controversy: The ballot measure was deemed rushed and a possible violation of the Virginia constitution, particularly regarding gerrymandering of GOP-leaning seats.
Political Fallout:
- Virginia Governor Abigail Spamberger said, “I am disappointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia’s ruling, but my focus as governor will be on ensuring that all voters have the information necessary to make their voices heard.” – Chanley Painter quoting Gov. Spamberger [02:51]
- Democrats plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Charlie Kirk Assassination Case: Legal Update

[03:01–03:45]

Case Status: Judge issued two rulings in the case against Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk.
- Hearing Delay: Defense request to delay the May 18th preliminary hearing granted due to a large amount of evidence, including bullet analysis.
  - Quote: “…given the volume of discovery, the request isn’t unexpected or unreasonable.” – Christina Coleman [03:28]
- Camera Access: Motion to exclude cameras from the courtroom denied.
  - Defense argued it was necessary for due process and impartial jury.
  - Transparency Push: Charlie’s widow, Erica Kirk, advocated strongly for camera access.
Related Incident:
- Indianapolis Police confirmed an officer was shot and is in stable condition; no further information released.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Russian-Ukrainian Ceasefire:
- “President Trump says the ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity and a prisoner swap of 1,000 prisoners from each country.”
  – Jared Halpern, [00:25]
On Persian Gulf Tensions:
- “Let’s not forget there is a ceasefire in existence, but apparently it’s a little shaky now.”
  – Ashley Webster, [01:03]
On Virginia's Political Fallout:
- “I am disappointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia’s ruling, but my focus as governor will be on ensuring that all voters have the information necessary to make their voices heard.”
  – Virginia Governor Abigail Spamberger, quoted by Chanley Painter, [02:51]
On Courtroom Transparency:
- “Erica Kirk, Charlie’s widow, had strongly pushed for the inclusion of cameras in the courtroom, arguing the case deserved transparency.”
  – Debra Valentine, [03:45]

Timestamps for Important Segments

Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Coverage: 00:02–00:41
Iran-US/Persian Gulf Conflict: 00:41–01:23
Sanctions on China for Iran Aid: 01:23–02:00
Virginia Supreme Court Congressional Map Ruling: 02:17–03:01
Charlie Kirk Case Updates: 03:01–03:45
Police Officer Update (Indianapolis): 03:45–04:14

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provides rapid-fire updates on rapidly evolving international and domestic stories, with commentary and reporting from correspondents on the ground and in the studio.

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Transcript12 lines

[00:03]
Debra Valentine
A temporary ceasefire. I'm Debra Valentine, Fox News. Russia and Ukraine agreeing to a three day ceasefire over the weekend. Fox's Jared Halpern the three day ceasefire
[00:13]
Jared Halpern
beginning May 9th and ending May 11th coincides with victory Day when Russia marks the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. In a social media post, President Trump says the ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity and a prisoner swap of 1,000 prisoners from each country. The ceasefire announced. The announcement comes a day after special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Ukraine's top negotiator in Miami. At the White House, Jared Halpern, Fox News.
[00:41]
Debra Valentine
Iran and the US Are trading blows in the Persian Gulf for a second day, testing the limits of a fragile ceasefire. Fox's Ashley Webster has more from Tel Aviv.
[00:51]
Ashley Webster
There has been plenty of military action around the Strait of Hormuz. The very Latest saw a US FA18 Super Hornet fire on two empty Iranian flagged oil tankers that were heading towards a port in Iran. Both vessels were disabled. Let's not forget there is a ceasefire in existence, but apparently it's a little shaky now. According to Central Command, the blockade is preventing more than 70 tankers capable of transporting more than $13 billion worth of oil from entering Iranian ports.
[01:23]
Debra Valentine
President Trump has signaled that a peace deal with Iran could soon be signed. The State Department Friday sanctioned four Chinese based entities accused of supporting Iran's military operations, allegedly providing satellite imagery tied to attacks on U.S. forces and allied facilities in the Middle East. Among those targeted are geopatial intelligence company Meantropy Technology and the Earth Eye. Officials claim they provided satellite imagery to Iran during operation epic fury. America's listening to Fox News
[02:00]
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[02:17]
Debra Valentine
The Virginia Supreme Court in a 4 to 3 ruling, strikes down newly redrawn congressional maps approved by voters finding the process flawed. Fox's Chanley Painter reports the new map
[02:28]
Chanley Painter
would have given Democrats a chance to win all but one of Virginia's 11 congressional seats. Opponents of the recent referendum, which gerrymandered four GOP leaning seats into the Democrats. Democrats column said the ballot measure was rushed in a violation of the state constitution and the Virginia Supreme Court agreed. Democrats from Richmond to Washington were staggered. Virginia Governor Abigail Spamberger responding, quote, I am disappointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia's ruling, but my focus as governor will be on ensuring that all voters have the information necessary to make their voices heard.
[03:02]
Debra Valentine
Democrats say they plan to appeal their decision to the U.S. supreme Court. A judge issuing two rulings in the case against Tyler Robinson, the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk, Fox's Christina Coleman, has more.
[03:14]
Christina Coleman
Up first was their request to delay his May 18th preliminary hearing. They said they needed more time to review the large amount of evidence, including a bullet analysis. The judge ultimately sided with the defense, saying given the volume of discovery, the request isn't unexpected or unreasonable. The defense was granted one motion but not the other, which was a request to keep cameras out of the courtroom. Robinson's lawyer said it would ensure his right to due process and an impartial jury. The judge, however, disagreed and denied that request.
[03:45]
Debra Valentine
Erica Kirk, Charlie's widow, had strongly pushed for the inclusion of cameras in the courtroom, arguing the case deserved transparency. Police confirmed that an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officer has been shot. According to a post on the department's X account, the officer has been transported to a hospital. The officer is reported in stable condition. No further information is available at this time. I'm Debra Valentin, Time this is FOX News.
[04:15]
Bloomberg Announcer
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