Fox News Hourly Update: 2AM ET 04/01/2026 Newscast
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: April 1, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode covers the latest national and international news highlights, focusing on the U.S.’s ongoing operations in Iran, new executive orders on mail-in voting, legal and military updates, and key legal challenges facing the Trump administration.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
U.S. Operation "Epic Fury" in Iran Nearing Conclusion
- President Trump's Update
- President Trump is scheduled to address the nation live at 9pm Eastern, Wednesday, to provide an update on the ongoing U.S. operation in Iran.
- When questioned about the duration of "Operation Epic Fury," he indicated:
"We're finishing the job and I think within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer to do the job."
(President Trump, 00:19) - He addressed U.S. allies’ lack of support for U.S.-Israel actions against Iran and the effort to open the Strait of Hormuz:
"The hard part is done. Go get your own."
(Sue Guzman reporting, 00:26) - Context: Oil ships have been sunk in the Strait amid Iranian threats to international shipping.
Tightening of Nationwide Mail-In Voting Rules
- Executive Order Details
- President Trump signed an order to create a national list of eligible voters in each state for verifying mail-in ballots.
"Cheating on mail in voting is legendary. It's horrible. What's going on."
(President Trump, 01:01) - The order mandates secure envelopes with barcodes for ballot traceability.
- Trump reiterates focus on election integrity:
"And remember, it's about voter integrity. We want to have honest voting in our country."
(President Trump, 01:17) - Legal Context:
- The executive order is expected to face legal challenges, since election conduct is typically handled at the state level.
(Jared Halpern, 01:23)
- The executive order is expected to face legal challenges, since election conduct is typically handled at the state level.
- President Trump signed an order to create a national list of eligible voters in each state for verifying mail-in ballots.
Army Helicopter Incident Near Kid Rock's Home
- Update from Secretary Pete Hegseth
- Army pilots, previously suspended for hovering helicopters near Kid Rock’s Tennessee home, have had suspensions lifted and will not be punished.
- Hegseth posted: "Carry on Patriots," as Kid Rock was seen clapping and saluting the helicopters.
(Sue Guzman, 01:31)
- Hegseth posted: "Carry on Patriots," as Kid Rock was seen clapping and saluting the helicopters.
- Army pilots, previously suspended for hovering helicopters near Kid Rock’s Tennessee home, have had suspensions lifted and will not be punished.
Supreme Court Hears Birthright Citizenship Challenge
- Background:
- President Trump’s executive order seeks to deny U.S. citizenship to certain children born to non-citizen, non-lawful permanent resident parents.
- ACLU and other groups filed a class-action lawsuit against the order.
- Lower courts found the order likely violates the 14th Amendment.
- Supreme Court to livestream oral arguments at supremecourt.gov.
(Tonya J. Powers, 02:48)
Updates on Charlie Kirk Assassination Case
- Ballistics Investigation:
- New bullet analysis remains inconclusive; this does not exonerate or implicate the accused, Tyler Robinson.
- Other evidence includes Robinson's reported confessions to people he knew.
- Defense may call an ATF expert as exculpatory evidence.
(Kevin Cox, 03:32) - ATF unable to match the bullet to the suspected weapon due to bullet fragmentation upon hitting bone.
(Sue Guzman referencing Kevin Cox, 04:15)
- New bullet analysis remains inconclusive; this does not exonerate or implicate the accused, Tyler Robinson.
Kidnapping of American Journalist in Iraq
- Update:
- Iraqi Interior Ministry reports the capture of one suspect connected to the kidnapping of Shadow Shelly Kittleston.
- Kittleston remains missing.
(Sue Guzman, 04:15)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
President Trump on Iran Operation:
"We're finishing the job and I think within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer to do the job." (00:19)
-
On Mail-in Voting:
"Cheating on mail in voting is legendary. It's horrible. What's going on." (01:01)
"And remember, it's about voter integrity. We want to have honest voting in our country." (01:17) -
On Army Helicopter Incident Resolution:
"Carry on Patriots… there will be no punishment." (Sue Guzman quoting Hegseth, 01:31)
-
Kevin Cox on Ballistics Evidence:
"Although the state has not indicated an intent to produce this report at a preliminary hearing, the defense may very well decide to offer the testimony of the ATF firearm expert as exculpatory evidence." (03:32)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:03 – Update on Iran operation, Trump’s upcoming address
- 00:53 – Executive order on mail-in voting and related controversies
- 01:31 – Army helicopter incident near Kid Rock's home
- 02:40 – Supreme Court hears challenge to birthright citizenship order
- 03:32 – Developments in Charlie Kirk assassination investigation
- 04:15 – Capture of suspect in American journalist’s kidnapping in Iraq
Summary:
This newscast delivers concise updates on major U.S. and global developments, with a focus on the Trump administration’s military, electoral, and legal efforts, highlighted by direct presidential statements, updates on a high-profile criminal case, and ongoing international incidents.