Fox News Hourly Update: 2PM ET 09/02/2025 Newscast

Date: September 2, 2025
Host: Lisa Brady, FOX News Podcasts

Overview

This episode provides a concise roundup of the latest national news as Congress returns from summer break. Key topics cover the looming threat of a government shutdown, high-profile political maneuvers, updates in the Trump-related legal case, notable Senate announcements, an airline crash investigation, and market news. The update is fast-paced, sticking to headline news with succinct reporting and brief correspondents’ notes.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Congressional Return and Shutdown Deadline

• Congress reconvenes with a September 30th deadline to avert a government shutdown.
• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries coordinate on messaging, holding Republicans accountable for potential shutdowns and emphasizing Democratic priorities.
• Republicans are accused by Democratic leaders of failing the American people, with Jeffries telling caucus members that “you deserve better.” (00:11)
• The President’s current priorities include 'restoring America,' tackling crime in Chicago, and expectedly relocating the Space Command HQ from Colorado to Alabama—reversing a previous Biden-era decision. (00:30)

Trump-Related Legal Proceedings

• Ryan Ruth faces a final pre-trial hearing for his alleged second assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in 2024. (00:47)
• Ruth is now representing himself after dismissing his public defenders, though the judge requires standby counsel and clarifies courtroom procedures:
  • Explicit instructions given on courtroom conduct and limitations on objections.
  • Judge mandates removal of Ruth’s shackles and requires business attire (not political clothing) for proceedings. (01:19)
• Ruth seeks exclusion of some evidence and admission of personal letters, though deadlines have passed; jury selection set for Monday. (01:43)

Defense Department Immigration Support

• A memo reveals up to 600 military lawyers may assist the Justice Department as temporary immigration judges, aiming to address backlogs and caseload surges. (03:09)

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst’s Retirement

• Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), an Iraq War veteran and the state’s first female member of Congress, announces she will not seek re-election. (03:33)
  • Expresses gratitude in her social media video:
    “I never imagined this farm girl would have the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant colonel and then a United States senator. Only in America and by the grace of God.” — Joni Ernst [03:33]
• Ashley Hinson (R-IA), a third-term Congresswoman, is widely expected to join the Senate race.

Potomac Plane Crash Investigation

• Police investigate possible airplane seat debris related to a deadly January 2025 crash (American Airlines jet vs. Blackhawk helicopter) with 67 fatalities.
• Eyewitness Andrew Guevara describes the debris:
  • “There had to be to be like a leather pouch at the bottom. And just the curvature of the top of it, it very much looked like an airplane seat.” — Andrew Guevara [04:20]
• The investigation is ongoing regarding the connection of this debris to the crash.

Economic and Market News

• Constellation Brands (brewer and marketer of Modelo, Corona) reports declining U.S. beer sales.
  • Shares hit a five-year low as the company cuts sales and profit outlooks. (04:46)
• Broader stock market sell-off:
  • "The Dow’s down 347 points. That’s off sess lows." — Lisa Brady [04:46]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joni Ernst on her career and stepping down:
  “I never imagined this farm girl would have the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant colonel and then a United States senator. Only in America and by the grace of God.” [03:33]

• Andrew Guevara, eyewitness to airplane debris:
  “There had to be to be like a leather pouch at the bottom. And just the curvature of the top of it, it very much looked like an airplane seat.” [04:20]

• Court instructions in the Ruth trial:
  “She explained how the trial will work, making it clear to him that he cannot give lengthy objections. She ordered the shackles be removed and is requiring him to wear business attire after prosecutors raised concerns that he might wear political clothing.” [01:19]

Important Timestamps

• 00:02 – 00:11: Congress returns, shutdown deadline looms
• 00:30: Democratic and Republican messages, presidential priorities
• 00:47 – 01:43: Ryan Ruth pre-trial updates
• 03:09: Military lawyers to serve as immigration judges
• 03:33: Joni Ernst’s Senate retirement announcement
• 04:07 – 04:33: Potomac River airplane debris investigation
• 04:46: Constellation Brands beer sales fall, market update

Episode Tone

Informative, urgent, and concise—the episode highlights political divides, legal developments, and shifts in the national landscape, reflecting the fast-moving, headline-driven style typical of FOX News hourly updates.