Fox News Hourly Update – 10PM ET Newscast (April 12, 2026)

Episode Overview
This Fox News Hourly Update delivers a fast-paced synopsis of key political developments, international tensions, domestic policy debates, and a historic milestone in space exploration. The newscast covers Congressman Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal from California’s gubernatorial race, mounting US-Iran conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, political friction over Virginia redistricting, and the Artemis 2 lunar mission's triumphant return.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Eric Swalwell Suspends Campaign Amid Scandal

[00:03–00:55]

• Announcement: Rep. Eric Swalwell ends his campaign for California Governor following sexual misconduct allegations.
• Details:
  • Swalwell publicly acknowledged "mistakes and judgment" in his past and expressed regret to supporters.
  • He will focus on personally addressing the allegations, separating his fight from his campaign.
  • Several campaign and congressional staffers sided with the accuser.
  • Major Democratic figures, including Sen. Adam Schiff and ex-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, withdrew their support.

Notable Quote:

• Jill Nader reads from Swalwell’s statement:

  “I am deeply sorry for mistakes and judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious false allegations that have been made by. But that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
  (Jill Nader quoting Eric Swalwell, [00:13])

2. US Implements Naval Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz

[00:55–01:49]

• Presidential Action: President Trump announces a US naval blockade targeting Iranian oil shipments.
• Operational Scope:
  • Only ships from Iranian ports/coastal areas will be stopped. Others unaffected.
  • US begins demining efforts and plans to share safe navigation routes with commercial mariners.
  • The move comes after failed diplomatic talks in Pakistan.
• Iranian Response:
  • Iran’s Revolutionary Guard asserts the Strait is under Iranian control, threatening force against warships entering.
• Presidential Statement:

  “We’re putting on a complete blockade. We’re not going to let Iran make money on selling oil to people that they like and not people that they don’t like or whatever it is. It’s going to be all or none.”
  (President Donald Trump, [01:34])

3. Tensions with Cuba

[02:41–03:07]

• Diplomatic Strain: Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel says the US lacks justification for an attack.
• Defensive Posture: On NBC’s Meet the Press, he claims Cubans would defend the country if attacked.

4. Virginia Redistricting Battle

[02:41–03:18]

• Proposal: A ballot initiative seeks to temporarily return redistricting power to the state legislature (currently Democrat-controlled).
• GOP Critique:
  • Republican Rep. Rob Whitman argues this would silence and disenfranchise 2.1 million rural voters.
  • The redistricting push is portrayed as Democratic retaliation against GOP map changes after recent midterms.

Notable Quote:

• “It is a complete, complete silencing of the voices of over 2.1 million voters across the Commonwealth of Virginia disenfranchises them.”
  (Unattributed, likely Congressman Rob Whitman, [03:07])

5. Artemis 2 Lunar Mission Returns Home

[03:18–04:20]

• Historic Mission: Artemis 2 astronauts complete a 10-day trip around the Moon, returning to a hero's welcome.
• Crew: Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialists Christina Koch (US), and Jeremy Hansen (Canada).
• Emotional Insight: Wiseman reflects on the distance and longing for home while celebrating the significance of their achievement.

Notable Quote:

• “This was not easy. Being 200,000 plus miles away from home—like before you launch, it feels like it’s the greatest dream on earth and when you’re out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends... It’s a special thing to be a human and it’s a special thing to be on planet Earth.”
  (Astronaut Reid Wiseman, [03:57])

• Achievement: Crew set a record for deepest human space travel and experienced a flawless Pacific Ocean splashdown.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Jill Nader on Swalwell’s apology:
  “I am deeply sorry for mistakes and judgment I’ve made in my past...” ([00:13])
• President Trump on the blockade:
  “It’s going to be all or none.” ([01:34])
• Rep. Whitman (paraphrased):
  “It is a complete silencing of the voices of over 2.1 million voters...” ([03:07])
• Reid Wiseman, Artemis 2 Commander:
  “It’s a special thing to be a human and it’s a special thing to be on planet Earth.” ([03:57])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Swalwell campaign suspension & scandal: [00:03–00:55]
• US-Iran Strait of Hormuz blockade: [00:55–01:49]
• Cuban President statement: [02:41–03:07]
• Virginia redistricting debate: [02:41–03:18]
• Artemis 2 lunar mission return: [03:18–04:20]

Summary:
This episode centers on breaking developments across US politics, national security, and scientific exploration, providing listeners with timely updates, firsthand statements, and high-stakes context from Washington to the Moon.