Podcast Summary

Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Episode: 2AM ET 04/12/2026 Newscast
Date: April 12, 2026

Episode Overview

This 2AM ET update provides a concise rundown of major breaking news and national updates. Primary topics include the collapse of U.S.-Iran peace talks regarding Operation Epic Fury, security and mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a violent incident at Grand Central Terminal, severe weather threats across the Plains, and the Artemis II crew's triumphant return from lunar orbit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Collapse of U.S.-Iran Peace Talks

• Summary:
  After 21 hours of intense negotiations, Vice President J.D. Vance announced that the U.S. and Iran failed to reach an agreement on ending Operation Epic Fury. The central sticking point was the U.S. demand that Iran relinquish all nuclear weapon capabilities.
• Attribution:
  • "[W]e leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding. That is our final and best offer. We'll see if the Iranians accept it." — J.D. Vance [00:22]
• Iran’s Position:
  Iran blamed U.S. “excessive demands” for the breakdown in talks.
• Presidential Reaction:
  President Trump declared that the U.S. has "totally defeated Tehran" and is conducting active military operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

2. Military Operations in Strait of Hormuz

• Summary:
  President Trump highlighted extensive U.S. naval operations to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and safeguard global shipping routes. He emphasized Iran's diminished naval capacity.

• Key Quotes:

  • "Their Navy has gone 158 ships. They have 28 water droppers, mine droppers they call them. All of them are sunk. They probably have a couple of mines in the water. We have minesweepers out there. We're sweeping the strait. In addition to that, we're negotiating. Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me." — Donald Trump [00:44]

• CENTCOM Confirmation:
  CENTCOM confirmed two destroyers—the USS Michael Murphy and USS Frank E. Peterson—are actively searching for Iranian mines with underwater drones to ensure a clear and safe maritime passage.

• Broader Impact:
  The blockade by Iran is causing global issues, notably a shortage of jet fuel.

• Quote Attribution:

  • "Today we begin the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce." — J.D. Vance reading CENTCOM statement [01:10]

3. Violent Incident at Grand Central Terminal

• Summary:
  In New York City, police shot and killed a machete-wielding man who identified himself as "Lucifer" after he attacked three elderly victims in Grand Central Terminal. NYPD provided details of their response and confirmed the attacker, Anthony Griffin, died at the hospital while the victims are stable.
• Key Quote:
  • "Our officers were confronted with an armed individual who had already injured multiple people and was continuing to pose a threat. They gave clear commands, they attempted to de escalate and when that threat did not stop, they took decisive action to stop it." — NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch (as reported by Debra Valentine) [02:40]

4. Severe Weather Threats Across the Plains

• Summary:
  Severe storm activity, including risks of large hail, tornadoes, and high winds, is forecast across the Plains.
• Weather Highlights:
  • Northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas are at particular risk for tornadoes.
  • Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas face multifaceted severe weather on Monday.
  • Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois could also see “sneaky” tornado activity.
  • Tuesday is expected to bring the most volatile weather due to a strong cold front.
• Weather Coverage:
  • "We're looking at northern Oklahoma, southern Kansas for the threat for tornadoes into the afternoon... we're also eyeing spots in Iowa, Minnesota and even into Illinois where a sneaky tornado risk is present along a warm front. Then come Tuesday... Tuesday looks like the most volatile day for severe weather.” — Haley Meyer, Fox Weather [03:24]

5. Artemis II Crew Returns from Lunar Orbit

• Summary:
  The Artemis II crew celebrated their return to Earth with a public appearance in Houston, marking the conclusion of a historic U.S. mission around the moon—the first in 53 years.
• Notable Quote:
  • "I would suggest to you that when you look up here, you're not looking at us. We are a mirror reflecting you. And if you like what you see, then just look a little deeper. This is you." — Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen [04:08]
• Crew Members:
  Christina Koch, Commander Reid Wiseman, and Pilot Victor Glover also addressed the crowd, emphasizing the mission’s significance in paving the way for future lunar landings.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• J.D. Vance on peace talks:
  "That is our final and best offer. We'll see if the Iranians accept it." [00:22]

• Donald Trump on military and negotiations:
  "Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me." [00:59]

• NYPD response to Grand Central attack (Jessica Tisch as reported by Debra Valentine):
  "They gave clear commands, they attempted to de escalate and when that threat did not stop, they took decisive action to stop it." [02:40]

• Weather threat assessment (Haley Meyer):
  "Tuesday looks like the most volatile day for severe weather." [03:51]

• Artemis II crew's message (Jeremy Hansen):
  "We are a mirror reflecting you... This is you." [04:08]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:02] — Collapse of U.S.-Iran peace talks
• [00:44] — President Trump's update on military and negotiations
• [01:06] — CENTCOM confirms destroyer operations in Hormuz
• [02:40] — Grand Central Terminal attack details
• [03:24] — Severe weather outlook by Haley Meyer
• [04:08] — Artemis II crew public remarks

This update delivered fast-paced coverage of urgent global and domestic news, capturing key military, public safety, scientific, and weather events shaping the national conversation.