Fox News Hourly Update – 2PM ET 04/02/2026 Newscast

Date: April 2, 2026
Host: Lisa Brady (FOX News Podcasts)
Reporters: Peter Doocy, Grinnell Scott, Jonathan Savage

Episode Overview

This episode covers several breaking news stories: the surprising departure of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, implications for the Trump administration, new developments in U.S. immigration and law enforcement funding, growing tensions and energy agreements involving Russia, Cuba, and Venezuela, and volatility in oil and financial markets. The episode also covers the tragic loss of a Mississippi sheriff’s deputy in the line of duty.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Attorney General Pam Bondi Resigns

• [00:02] Lisa Brady breaks the news: Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General, is out after less than a month following the earlier ouster of the Homeland Security chief.
• Deputy AG Todd Blanche named interim Attorney General.
• President Trump's Reaction: Publicly posts, “we love Pam,” calling her “a great American patriot and a loyal friend.”
• Acknowledges that Bondi had overseen a “federal crime crackdown” but also faced scrutiny over the handling of the Epstein files.

2. White House Mood and Future Moves

• [00:22] Peter Doocy reports from the White House.
  • Stresses importance to the administration of showing no "bad blood" with Bondi’s departure.
  • Notes Bondi’s visible support—she occupied the front row at the President’s address the previous night.
  • Quote ([00:25]):

    “She is somebody that he still wants to have around. But he wants Todd Blanch, who has been with the president during some of the hardest times of his political life… fighting on the president's defense, legal defense.”

  • Touts Todd Blanche’s loyalty and legal support for the President.
  • Hints at Bondi moving to a new role “in the private sector” (pending announcement).

3. Legal and Political Fallout

• President Trump credits Bondi with a “tremendous job” but mentions unresolved scrutiny, especially regarding the Epstein investigation.
• House Democrats insist her resignation won't exempt her from testifying before a House panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein.
• Recent legal losses for Trump mentioned, e.g., Supreme Court striking down reciprocal tariffs.

4. Immigration, Congress, and Law Enforcement Funding

• Senate again passes a bill to partially fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• House Democrats: Claim Republicans are “caving” on enforcement restrictions.
• [01:40] Senate Majority Leader John Thune, via Grinnell Scott:
  • Quote ([01:42]):

    “They wanted all these restrictions on law enforcement agencies on ICE and CBP. They got none of that.”

  • Republicans plan to fund immigration enforcement separately.
  • President vows to ensure more DHS workers are paid in the interim.

5. Russia’s Oil Delivery to Cuba Amid Sanctions

• [02:05] Jonathan Savage reports:
  • Russia sends another oil tanker to Cuba to help with the Cuban energy crisis after Venezuela, previously Cuba’s main supplier, saw regime change with Nicolás Maduro ousted.
  • A Russian tanker delivered 700,000 barrels; shipment allowed after a U.S. waiver for “humanitarian reasons.”
  • Quote ([02:07]):

    “Moscow’s vowed to support its ally [Cuba] through an energy crisis… The Trump administration had imposed a blockade but granted this ship a waiver for humanitarian reasons, the first significant delivery in three months.”

6. Oil Markets and U.S.-Iran Tensions

• [02:42] Lisa Brady:
  • Oil prices jump over $11 a barrel, exceeding $112, after President Trump signals Operation Epic Fury will continue.
  • President delivers stern warning to Iran: “Make a deal.”
  • Iran escalates retaliatory strikes around the Middle East, broadening potential targets.

7. Mississippi Deputy Killed in the Line of Duty

• [03:10] Grinnell Scott:
  • Incident: Deputy Michael Jimmerson, a 16-year Jackson County Sheriff's Office veteran, killed while investigating a disturbance, leading to a foot chase and shootout with a female suspect.
  • Quote ([03:35]), Governor Tate Reeves:

    “[Jimmerson is] a hero who bravely sacrificed his life… The state will never forget him.”

  • The deputy was 12 years into his role as deputy, reinforcing the tragedy’s deep local impact.

8. Market Reaction

• [03:46] Lisa Brady:
  • Oil spike rattles markets, but there’s no panic:
    • Dow Jones down 187 points
    • NASDAQ down 62 points

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Pam Bondi ([00:04]): “We love Pam. [She’s a] great American patriot and a loyal friend.”
• Peter Doocy ([00:25]): “She is somebody that he still wants to have around. But he wants Todd Blanch who has been with the president during some of the hardest times of his political life…”
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune ([01:42]): “They wanted all these restrictions on law enforcement agencies on ICE and CBP. They got none of that.”
• Jonathan Savage ([02:07]): “Moscow’s vowed to support its ally [Cuba] through an energy crisis…”
• Gov. Tate Reeves ([03:35]), on Deputy Jimmerson: “[He’s] a hero who bravely sacrificed his life… The state will never forget him.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 — Pam Bondi’s Resignation Announced
• 00:22 — Peter Doocy on White House Dynamics and Todd Blanche
• 00:55 — Bondi’s Future Role & Ongoing Epstein Probe
• 01:40 — Senate DHS Funding Bill Explained (Sen. Thune)
• 02:05 — Russia Sends Oil to Cuba (Jonathan Savage)
• 02:42 — Oil Price Surge & Iran-U.S. Tensions
• 03:10 — Mississippi Deputy Killed in Action (Grinnell Scott)
• 03:46 — Market Summary

Summary

This update delivers fast-moving headlines and in-depth reporting on U.S. leadership changes, legal and congressional drama, evolving international energy politics, and public safety news. The tone is brisk, factual, and urgent, reflecting the “breaking news” ethos of FOX News Radio. From the surprise Attorney General shakeup to growing global energy and security challenges, the newscast keeps listeners at the forefront of political and economic developments.