4AM ET 05/20/2026 Newscast

Summary

Fox News Hourly Update — 4AM ET 05/20/2026 Newscast

Host: Chris DiMaio
Date: May 20, 2026

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Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provides an early-morning briefing on major political developments in the U.S., national security events, and international affairs. Key themes include the influence of former President Trump on GOP primaries, a tragic mosque shooting in San Diego, U.S.–Iran tensions, and a potential DOJ indictment of former Cuban leader Raul Castro.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump-Backed Candidates' Primary Victories

(00:02–01:04)

• Kentucky GOP Primary:

  • Chris DiMaio announces the results of a pivotal Kentucky race, highlighting Trump's sway among Republican voters.
  • Navy SEAL veteran Edgar, endorsed by Trump, defeats incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie for the GOP nomination in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.
  • Massie, reflecting on his loss, expresses pride in his campaign:

    "I got seven months left in Congress." — Thomas Massie [00:32]

  • Kristin Goodwin on the ground, shares the candidate and Trump’s involvement.

• Texas Senate Race:

  • Trump endorses Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging Senator John Cornyn in a high-profile runoff.
  • Ken Paxton emphasizes the power of Trump's endorsement:

    "I think he's the most significant endorsement in at least my lifetime. If you get his endorsement, it's better than—it's the gold standard." — Ken Paxton [00:56]

  • Trump’s ongoing kingmaker status looms large as the Texas GOP heads to a crucial Senate primary.

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2. San Diego Mosque Shooting

(01:04–01:47)

• Details of the Attack:

  • Christina Coleman reports on the tragic shooting at San Diego’s Islamic Center, in which three were killed by two radicalized teenagers.
  • The suspects, identified as 17-year-old Kane Clark and an 18-year-old accomplice, reportedly became radicalized online before carrying out the attack.
  • After the shooting, the gunmen turned their weapons on themselves; their bodies were found in a nearby BMW.
  • Police discovered hateful writings in the vehicle and confirmed that the guns were registered to one suspect’s parents. Authorities have not ruled out filing charges against the parents.

• Community & Security Response:

  • Chris DiMaio notes that San Diego’s mayor has announced increased police protection for all houses of worship in response to the incident.

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3. Middle East & Iran Tensions

(03:08–03:54)

• U.S. Pauses Attack on Iran:
  • President Trump halts planned military action against Iran, citing appeals from Gulf Arab partners.
  • Jeff Paul elaborates on the precarious U.S.–Iran ceasefire, with Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE urging Washington to allow negotiations to proceed.
  • Despite the ceasefire, regional instability continues; a drone attack at the UAE’s Baraka nuclear power plant prompts Emirati officials to warn of possible retaliation.

    "Emirati officials said they wouldn't tolerate any threat to its security and... reserve the right to respond to any hostilities in Dubai." — Jeff Paul [03:42]

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4. War Powers Act & GOP Rifts

(03:54–04:16)

• Congressional Division:
  • The Senate advances the War Powers Act concerning U.S. actions in Iran.
  • Notably, a growing group of Republicans breaks with the president, including Senator Bill Cassidy, whose recent primary loss followed Trump’s endorsement of his opponent.
  • Cassidy’s decisive switch provided the necessary vote to move the legislation forward, signaling deepening GOP fractures over foreign policy.

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5. DOJ Indictment of Raul Castro

(04:16–05:01)

• Upcoming Legal Action:
  • Reporter Colonel Scott reveals law enforcement sources expect the DOJ to unseal an indictment against former Cuban leader Raul Castro.
  • The DOJ has not confirmed specifics, only that a news conference will be held in Miami to honor the victims of a 1996 incident involving Cuban refugees.
  • The DOJ event is expected to be led by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
  • Raul Castro, 94, is the younger brother of Fidel Castro. The exact charges remain unreleased as of the episode’s airing.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ken Paxton on Trump's Endorsement:

  "I think he's the most significant endorsement in at least my lifetime. If you get his endorsement, it's better than—it's the gold standard." — Ken Paxton [00:56]

• Massie Responds to Defeat:

  "I got seven months left in Congress." — Thomas Massie [00:32]

• On Security in the UAE:

  "Emirati officials said they wouldn't tolerate any threat to its security and... reserve the right to respond to any hostilities in Dubai." — Jeff Paul [03:42]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump-Backed Victories & Kentucky Primary — 00:02–01:04
• San Diego Mosque Shooting Coverage — 01:04–01:47
• U.S.–Iran Tensions & Middle East Report — 03:08–03:54
• Senate Advances the War Powers Act — 03:54–04:16
• Possible DOJ Indictment of Raul Castro — 04:16–05:01

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For listeners seeking a fast-paced, top-level view of the most urgent national and international news—especially on politics, security, and breaking legal actions—this episode delivers concise updates and captures the Fox News tone of urgency and direct reporting.

Transcript

[Chris DiMaio]

Trump candidates are rolling. I'm Chris DiMaio, Fox News. The results of a key primary race in Kentucky showcase President Trump's continued influence over Republican voters. Fox's Kristin Goodwin has more.

[Kristin Goodwin]

Edgar telling supporters standing in front of

[Jeff Paul]

you here tonight as the Republican nominee

[Kristin Goodwin]

for Kentucky Congressional District 4, the President TRUMP backed. Navy SEAL veteran winning the district's GOP primary, defeating incumbent Representative Thomas Massie.

[Commercial Announcer]

I got seven months left in Congress.

[Kristin Goodwin]

Massie, who has served in Congress since 2012, reacting to the loss, telling supporters they ran a race they can be proud of. Kristin Goodwin, Fox News President Trump announcing

[Chris DiMaio]

on social media yesterday that he's endorsing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a bid to oust Texas Senator John Cornyn in the runoff of the Texas GOP Senate primary next week.

[Ken Paxton]

I think he's the most significant endorsement in at least my lifetime. If you get his endorsement, it's better than it's the gold standard.

[Chris DiMaio]

That's Ken Paxton on fox's the Will Kane Show. A police revealing new details about the two teenagers who killed three at a San Diego mosque. Fox's Christina Coleman has more.

[Christina Coleman]

Police identify the teenage gunman as 17 year old Kane Clark and an 18 year old accomplice. They believe they were radicalized online before carrying out the shooting at the Islamic center of San Diego. Authorities say the teenage suspects drove off after the shooting and then turned the guns on themselves. Their bodies were found in a BMW nearby. Officers also say they found hateful writings in that vehicle. Police say the guns used were registered to one of the suspect's parents. And authorities also say they have not ruled out the possibility of charging those parents.

[Chris DiMaio]

A San Diego's mayor announced increased police protection for houses of worship in the wake of the shooting. America is listening to FOX News.

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[Chris DiMaio]

President Trump is pausing planned attacks on Iran, pulling back on his latest threat. He says he did so at the urging of several Arab partners.

[Jeff Paul]

Gulf Arab states continue down a path of uncertainty as a shaky ceasefire between the US And Iran remains intact. The leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were able to convince Washington to delay a military attack planned for Tuesday given that serious negotiations are taking place. But as time goes on without a formal peace deal, countries like the UAE are becoming more entangled in the conflict. After a drone attack on Sunday at its Baraka nuclear power plant, Emirati officials said they wouldn't tolerate any threat to its security and they reserve the right to respond to any hostilities in Dubai. Jeff Paul, FOX News.

[Chris DiMaio]

The Senate has advanced the War Powers act as a growing number of Republicans defied the president's stance on the Iran conflict. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, who just lost the primary in which the president endorsed his opponent, switched sides to deliver a crucial vote to pass the legislation. The Department of Justice is expected to indict Cuba's former president today.

[Colonel Scott]

Here's Fox's Colonel SCOTT Law enforcement sources told FOX News Digital an indictment against ex Cuban leader Raul Castro is expected to be unsealed. The DOJ did not confirm any legal action, saying it would not comment on rumors. But it did announce a news conference in Miami to honor victims of a 1996 incident where planes carrying Cuban refugees were shot down. Four people were killed. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is expected to be at the press event. Raul Castro, who is 94 years old, is the younger brother of former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Specific charges in the indictment have not been official, officially released. Granal Scott, Fox News I'm Chris DeMeo.

[Chris DiMaio]

This is Fox News.