Fox News Hourly Update – 2AM ET 04/03/2026 Newscast

Date: April 3, 2026
Host: Sue Guzman, Fox News Podcasts
Key Reporters: Kevin Coric, Mike Tobin, Lisa Brady

Episode Overview

This newscast delivers a brisk update on major political upheavals in Washington, ongoing US-Iran tensions, key United Nations moves relevant to global commerce, a significant NASA mission milestone, legal headlines from the entertainment industry, and a consumer update impacting airline travelers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Major Shakeups in Washington

• Attorney General Pam Bondi Fired

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi has been removed from her post at the Department of Justice.

  • Kevin Coric provides context, revealing that Bondi’s troubles began soon after appointment, tied to controversy involving the Jeffrey Epstein case.

    "Multiple sources say her problems began just weeks into the job when she appeared on FOX in February of 2025. The DOJ may be releasing the list of Jeffrey Epstein's clients."
    (Kevin Coric, 00:18)

  • Despite speculation, no client list was ever substantiated, and by July 2025, the DOJ had closed the case due to lack of incriminating evidence.

    "This systematic review revealed no incriminating client list."
    (Kevin Coric quoting July memo, 00:35)

  • Replacement Candidates:

    • Deputy AG Todd Blanch is stepping up for now.
    • Notable possible replacements: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmony Dhillon, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

• Pentagon Upheaval

  • War Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired US Army Chief of Staff, General Randy George, demanding immediate retirement.

    "Big shake up Thursday as well. At the Pentagon, War Secretary Pete Hegseth firing the US Army Chief of staff..."
    (Sue Guzman, 01:01)

2. US-Iran Conflict Escalates

• Developments:

  • Iran claims to have shot down a second US F-35 over central Iran; pilot’s survival appears unlikely.

  • President Trump is touting destruction of Iranian infrastructure—a bridge 25 miles west of Tehran—via social media, pushing for Iran to "make a deal before it's too late."

  • Admiral Brad Cooper (CENTCOM) asserts "progress is being made" in military operations.

    "The president posted the video with the text, 'it's time for Iran to make a deal before it's too late.'"
    (Mike Tobin reporting, 01:31)

  • Eight people have been killed and 95 injured in the ongoing hostilities.

3. Diplomatic and International Developments

• UN Security Council on Strait of Hormuz

  • The Security Council is set to vote on a plan authorizing defensive action to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, critical for global shipping.

  • Russia, China, and France object to authorizing use of force.

  • Iran closed the strait due to the conflict with the US and Israel.

    "The UN Security Council set to vote on a plan... Russia, China and France have voiced opposition to the use of force. Iran has closed the waterway that is vital to global shipping..."
    (Sue Guzman, 02:40)

• US Pressure on Cuba

  • Cuba pardons more than 2,000 people, calling it a humanitarian gesture linked to Holy Week, amid intensified US sanctions—including an oil blockade.

4. NASA Artemis II Moon Mission

• Crew Overcomes 'Lunar Loo' Issue

  • The Artemis II mission has left Earth’s orbit after addressing a glitch with the unlikely but crucial "Universal Waste Management System" (the space toilet).

  • Astronaut Christina Cook received troubleshooting from Mission Control, with Apollo-era backup solutions still on hand.

    "Even in space, you gotta go. And the Orion capsule has a space toilet or hygiene bay smaller than what's on the International Space Station... After Orion reached Earth's orbit Wednesday night, the lunar loo wasn't fully functioning. Mission Control guiding astronaut Christina Cook through some troubleshooting and a fix."
    (Lisa Brady, 03:27)

5. Legal and Consumer News

• Entertainment Legal Case:

  • Federal judge drops Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni from their work on "It Ends With Us," but two retaliation claims remain.

• Airline Fee Hike:

  • United Airlines raises its checked bag fee by $10 (now $50), possibly due to higher fuel costs from the Iran conflict.

    "While the airline didn't specify whether the increase was tied to higher fuel costs stemming from the conflict in Iran, United CEO Scott Kirby recently warned that sustained higher jet fuel costs could strain revenue."
    (Sue Guzman, 04:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Multiple sources say her problems began just weeks into the job... The DOJ may be releasing the list of Jeffrey Epstein's clients.”
  —Kevin Coric, 00:18

• "This systematic review revealed no incriminating client list."
  —Kevin Coric, 00:35

• "Iran reporting this morning that a second US F35 has been shot down over central Iran. They reportedly say the pilot's survival is unlikely."
  —Sue Guzman, 01:01

• "The president posted the video with the text, 'it's time for Iran to make a deal before it's too late.'"
  —Mike Tobin (reporting from Tel Aviv), 01:31

• "Even in space, you gotta go. And the Orion capsule has a space toilet..."
  —Lisa Brady, 03:27

Important Segment Timestamps

• Pam Bondi’s Ouster & DOJ Epstein Controversy: 00:03–01:01
• Pentagon/Army Shakeup & US-Iran Escalation: 01:01–01:51
• UN Security Council & Cuba: 02:40–03:27
• Artemis II Space Toilet Fix: 03:27–04:03
• Entertainment Law & Airline Fees: 04:03–04:41

This episode delivers a concise, fact-packed rundown of national and international developments as the world turns into April 3, 2026. The tone is urgent and direct, reflecting the pace of breaking news.