Fox News Hourly Update: 12AM ET, April 12, 2026

Overview

This episode delivers up-to-the-minute coverage on pressing international developments, major U.S. political news, and recent milestones in space exploration. Anchored by Debra Valentine and featuring statements from key figures, the newscast offers concise yet impactful reporting on Operation Epic Fury, fallout surrounding Congressman Eric Swalwell, and the triumphant return of NASA’s Artemis 2 mission.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Operation Epic Fury Stalemate: U.S.-Iran Talks Collapse

• Location: Peace talks in Pakistan
• Summary: After 21 hours of negotiation, no agreement was reached between U.S. and Iran over nuclear weapons and ongoing hostilities, signaling continued tensions and uncertainty about the path forward.
• Key Quote:
  • J.D. Vance (U.S. Vice President):

    "We go back to the United States having not come to an agreement. We've made very clear what our red lines are, what things we're willing to accommodate them on and what things we're not willing to accommodate them on." (00:24)

• U.S. delegation returns home; no resolution achieved after extensive diplomatic efforts.

2. Strait of Hormuz: U.S. Navy Actions

• Summary: President Trump announces that U.S. Navy missile destroyers have conducted mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz—the first such transit during the conflict—underscoring the seriousness of the Iran stand-off and its global maritime implications.
• Key Quote:
  • Donald Trump (U.S. President):

    "All we do is we'll open up the strait even though we don't use it because we have a lot of other countries in the world that do use it that are either afraid or weak or cheap. I don't know what it is, but we were not helped by NATO." (00:44)

3. Iran’s Supreme Leader Severely Wounded

• Incident: Airstrikes on February 28th severely injured Mosh Taba Khamenei (new supreme leader), with ongoing reports confirming both the gravity of his injuries and his role in negotiations.
• Details:
  • Injuries: Disfigured leg and face, not seen publicly since hospitalization
  • Status: Mentally sharp, still communicating with peace delegation
  • Sourcing: Reuters corroborates statement by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Khamenei’s condition
• Notable Moment:

  "Despite those serious injuries, Reuters quotes anonymous sources within his inner circle as saying he remains mentally sharp and is in communication with the Iranian delegation..." (01:14)

4. Eric Swalwell Sexual Assault Allegations Rock Democratic Politics

• Summary: Accusations of sexual assault have led to bipartisan condemnation of Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell, including calls for his resignation and withdrawal from the California governor's race.
• Reactions:
  • Nancy Pelosi & Gavin Newsom: High-profile Democrats withdraw support and stress the seriousness of the allegations.
  • Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna:

    "I will be filing a motion to expel Eric Swalwell. It is unacceptable for him to just index his campaign for governor in California but still sit in the House of Representatives." (03:47)

  • Unions & Endorsements: California Teachers Union and SEIU have pulled endorsements.
• Swalwell Response: Denies all allegations, attributing them to political motivations in a video on X.

5. NASA Artemis 2: Crew Returns & Reflects

• Event: Artemis 2 crew’s splashdown after a 10-day lunar orbit mission; celebration and remarks at Ellington Air Force Base.
• Statements:
  • NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman:

    "After a brief 53 year intermission, the show goes on and NASA is back in the business of sending astronauts to the moon and bringing them home safely." (04:22)

  • Mission Specialist Christina Cook:

    "I know I haven't learned everything that this journey has yet to teach me. But there's one new thing I know and that is planet Earth, you are a crew. Thank you." (04:36)

• Significance: This mission is hailed as paving the way for future lunar landings.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• J.D. Vance on Negotiations:

  "We've made very clear what our red lines are..." (00:24)

• Donald Trump on NATO Support:

  "We were not helped by NATO." (00:44)

• Anna Paulina Luna on Accountability:

  "It is unacceptable for him to just index his campaign for governor... but still sit in the House..." (03:47)

• Jared Isaacman on NASA’s Return:

  "After a brief 53 year intermission, the show goes on..." (04:22)

• Christina Cook's Reflection:

  "Planet Earth, you are a crew. Thank you." (04:36)

Timeline of Major Segments

• 00:02–01:52: International conflict – U.S.-Iran talks, Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Supreme Leader
• 03:08–04:03: U.S. politics – Eric Swalwell allegations
• 04:03–04:55: Science & Space – Artemis 2 crew returns and reflects

This episode exemplifies the Fox News Hourly Update’s commitment to rapid, concise reporting—with exclusive quotes from prominent figures and a clear focus on today’s highest impact stories.