Fox News Hourly Update – 12AM ET 04/03/2026 Newscast

Host: Sue Guzman, FOX News Podcasts
Date: April 3, 2026

Episode Overview

This newscast delivers rapid updates on key political, international, and human interest stories. Major stories include the continued shakeup in President Trump’s cabinet, latest developments from NASA’s Artemis 2 moon mission, escalating tensions in the Middle East, domestic policy moves, and a reported prisoner release in Cuba.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cabinet Shakeup: Attorney General Fired

[00:03 – 00:54]
- President Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi after 14 months of service—a move signifying ongoing cabinet turbulence during his second term.
- Criticism of Bondi came from both political parties, especially over the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and investigations involving perceived political opponents.
- Trump praised Bondi as “a great American patriot,” crediting her tenure with a nationwide drop in crime and murder rates.
- Bondi called the role “the honor of a lifetime” and announced she would move to the private sector.
- Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as Acting Attorney General until a new nominee is confirmed.

Notable Quote:

“Pam Bondi faced criticism from both parties over the Justice Department's release of Jeffrey Epstein related files and investigations of perceived political enemies of President Trump.”
— Jarrett Halperin [00:15]

2. Past & Present Cabinet Changes

[00:54 – 01:18]
- Bondi’s departure follows the recent ouster of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
- Acting AG Todd Blanche shared a message of vigilance and hard work:
  - Blanche emphasized the importance of learning from the past and safeguarding the Justice Department’s integrity.

Notable Quote:

“Have to make sure that what happened for four years never happens again. And we don't talk about investigations, but I can tell you that the Department of Justice is working hard every day.”
— Todd Blanche [01:02]

3. Artemis 2 Crew Launch & Space Toilet Troubles

[01:18 – 01:54]
- Artemis 2, the mission aiming to return Americans to the moon, successfully launched after addressing a technical hitch with the onboard space toilet ("universal Waste Management System").
- The malfunction involved the Orion capsule’s hygiene bay, which is necessary for crew comfort on long flights.
- NASA astronaut Christina Koch was guided through troubleshooting steps by Mission Control; backup options, including plastic bags, are in place.

Notable Quote:

“Even in space, you gotta go.”
— Reporter on Artemis 2 [01:24]

4. Trump’s White House Ballroom & Federal Oversight

[03:08 – 03:39]
- Trump's plan to expand the White House ballroom has been greenlit by the National Capital Planning Commission—despite a federal judge’s order requiring Congressional approval for such major structural changes.

5. U.S.–Iran–Israel Escalation

[03:39 – 04:16]
- President Trump touted a military strike on Iranian infrastructure, sharing video of a bridge collapse with the message that Iran should “make a deal before it is too late.”
- Iran dismissed U.S. and Israeli claims of damaging its war machine and warned that multiple regional bridges are now targeted in retaliation.
- The attack reportedly killed 8 and wounded 95, per Iranian state media.
- Israeli Defense Minister issued stern threats to Hezbollah’s new secretary general.

Notable Quotes:

“You will be deep at the bottom of hell. Together with Nasrallah, Khamenei, Sinwar and all the eliminated members of the axis of evil.”
— Jarrett Halperin, attributing Israeli Defense Minister’s remarks [03:50]

“President Trump posted a video he says shows the biggest bridge in Iran tumbling down with a message it is time for Iran to make a deal before it is too late.”
— Mike Tobin [03:57]

6. Cuba’s “Humanitarian” Prisoner Release

[04:16 – 04:37]
- The Cuban government announced the pardon of over 2,000 prisoners, coinciding with Holy Week and amid intensified U.S. oil blockades.
- The administration described the move as a humanitarian gesture but avoided commenting on U.S. pressure or providing names and conditions of those released.

7. Governor Kay Ivey’s Health Update

[04:37 – 05:04]
- Alabama Governor Kay Ivey was released from hospital after a procedure to remove fluid that was causing her pain.
- The 81-year-old plans to continue working and looks forward to returning to the state capitol next week.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

“Pam Bondi faced criticism from both parties over the Justice Department's release of Jeffrey Epstein related files and investigations of perceived political enemies of President Trump.”
— Jarrett Halperin [00:15]
“Even in space, you gotta go.”
— Artemis 2 segment reporter [01:24]
"Have to make sure that what happened for four years never happens again... the Department of Justice is working hard every day."
— Todd Blanche [01:02]
"You will be deep at the bottom of hell. Together with Nasrallah, Khamenei, Sinwar and all the eliminated members of the axis of evil."
— Israeli Defense Minister statement via Jarrett Halperin [03:50]
“President Trump posted a video he says shows the biggest bridge in Iran tumbling down with a message it is time for Iran to make a deal before it is too late.”
— Mike Tobin [03:57]

Timestamps for Noteworthy Segments

00:03 – 00:54: AG Pam Bondi fired, cabinet shakeup details
01:02 – 01:18: Acting AG Todd Blanche addresses DOJ integrity
01:18 – 01:54: Artemis 2 moon mission and space toilet issues
03:08 – 03:39: White House ballroom expansion approval
03:39 – 04:16: U.S. strikes Iran; Israel-Hezbollah escalation; Iran’s response
04:16 – 04:37: Cuban government pardons prisoners amid U.S. pressure
04:37 – 05:04: Governor Kay Ivey's health update

Summary

This Fox News radio newscast captures a moment of political upheaval in D.C., technological ambition in space, and mounting tension in the Middle East, while also highlighting humanitarian moves and personal updates from key figures. The tone is urgent, straightforward, and at times sensational—allowing listeners to quickly absorb headline-grabbing developments across the globe.

Fox News Hourly Update – 12AM ET 04/03/2026 Newscast

Host: Sue Guzman, FOX News Podcasts
Date: April 3, 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cabinet Shakeup: Attorney General Fired

[00:03 – 00:54]
- President Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi after 14 months of service—a move signifying ongoing cabinet turbulence during his second term.
- Criticism of Bondi came from both political parties, especially over the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and investigations involving perceived political opponents.
- Trump praised Bondi as “a great American patriot,” crediting her tenure with a nationwide drop in crime and murder rates.
- Bondi called the role “the honor of a lifetime” and announced she would move to the private sector.
- Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as Acting Attorney General until a new nominee is confirmed.

Notable Quote:

“Pam Bondi faced criticism from both parties over the Justice Department's release of Jeffrey Epstein related files and investigations of perceived political enemies of President Trump.”
— Jarrett Halperin [00:15]

2. Past & Present Cabinet Changes

[00:54 – 01:18]
- Bondi’s departure follows the recent ouster of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
- Acting AG Todd Blanche shared a message of vigilance and hard work:
  - Blanche emphasized the importance of learning from the past and safeguarding the Justice Department’s integrity.

Notable Quote:

“Have to make sure that what happened for four years never happens again. And we don't talk about investigations, but I can tell you that the Department of Justice is working hard every day.”
— Todd Blanche [01:02]

3. Artemis 2 Crew Launch & Space Toilet Troubles

[01:18 – 01:54]
- Artemis 2, the mission aiming to return Americans to the moon, successfully launched after addressing a technical hitch with the onboard space toilet ("universal Waste Management System").
- The malfunction involved the Orion capsule’s hygiene bay, which is necessary for crew comfort on long flights.
- NASA astronaut Christina Koch was guided through troubleshooting steps by Mission Control; backup options, including plastic bags, are in place.

Notable Quote:

“Even in space, you gotta go.”
— Reporter on Artemis 2 [01:24]

4. Trump’s White House Ballroom & Federal Oversight

[03:08 – 03:39]
- Trump's plan to expand the White House ballroom has been greenlit by the National Capital Planning Commission—despite a federal judge’s order requiring Congressional approval for such major structural changes.

5. U.S.–Iran–Israel Escalation

[03:39 – 04:16]
- President Trump touted a military strike on Iranian infrastructure, sharing video of a bridge collapse with the message that Iran should “make a deal before it is too late.”
- Iran dismissed U.S. and Israeli claims of damaging its war machine and warned that multiple regional bridges are now targeted in retaliation.
- The attack reportedly killed 8 and wounded 95, per Iranian state media.
- Israeli Defense Minister issued stern threats to Hezbollah’s new secretary general.

Notable Quotes:

“You will be deep at the bottom of hell. Together with Nasrallah, Khamenei, Sinwar and all the eliminated members of the axis of evil.”
— Jarrett Halperin, attributing Israeli Defense Minister’s remarks [03:50]

“President Trump posted a video he says shows the biggest bridge in Iran tumbling down with a message it is time for Iran to make a deal before it is too late.”
— Mike Tobin [03:57]

6. Cuba’s “Humanitarian” Prisoner Release

[04:16 – 04:37]
- The Cuban government announced the pardon of over 2,000 prisoners, coinciding with Holy Week and amid intensified U.S. oil blockades.
- The administration described the move as a humanitarian gesture but avoided commenting on U.S. pressure or providing names and conditions of those released.

7. Governor Kay Ivey’s Health Update

[04:37 – 05:04]
- Alabama Governor Kay Ivey was released from hospital after a procedure to remove fluid that was causing her pain.
- The 81-year-old plans to continue working and looks forward to returning to the state capitol next week.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

“Pam Bondi faced criticism from both parties over the Justice Department's release of Jeffrey Epstein related files and investigations of perceived political enemies of President Trump.”
— Jarrett Halperin [00:15]
“Even in space, you gotta go.”
— Artemis 2 segment reporter [01:24]
"Have to make sure that what happened for four years never happens again... the Department of Justice is working hard every day."
— Todd Blanche [01:02]
"You will be deep at the bottom of hell. Together with Nasrallah, Khamenei, Sinwar and all the eliminated members of the axis of evil."
— Israeli Defense Minister statement via Jarrett Halperin [03:50]
“President Trump posted a video he says shows the biggest bridge in Iran tumbling down with a message it is time for Iran to make a deal before it is too late.”
— Mike Tobin [03:57]

Timestamps for Noteworthy Segments

00:03 – 00:54: AG Pam Bondi fired, cabinet shakeup details
01:02 – 01:18: Acting AG Todd Blanche addresses DOJ integrity
01:18 – 01:54: Artemis 2 moon mission and space toilet issues
03:08 – 03:39: White House ballroom expansion approval
03:39 – 04:16: U.S. strikes Iran; Israel-Hezbollah escalation; Iran’s response
04:16 – 04:37: Cuban government pardons prisoners amid U.S. pressure
04:37 – 05:04: Governor Kay Ivey's health update