Fox News Hourly Update: 2PM ET – April 12, 2026

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This episode delivers concise coverage of breaking national and international stories, focusing on: the US response to failed talks with Iran and control of the Strait of Hormuz, sexual misconduct allegations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, the faltering Russia-Ukraine Easter ceasefire, rising gas prices amid Middle East conflict, and the successful splashdown of the Artemis II lunar mission.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Sets Up Blockade at Strait of Hormuz After Failed Iran Talks

• [00:02] Kathleen Maloney introduces the escalating conflict between the US and Iran following fruitless diplomatic negotiations.
• [00:17] President Trump appears on Sunday Morning Futures, claiming the US achieved its goals except for Iran’s refusal to give up its nuclear ambitions.
  • Quote:
    “from Iran except for the fact that they refused to give up their nuclear ambition. And that's the only point. Frankly, to me, that was the most important point by far.”
    — President Trump [00:24]
• [00:32] The US will now set up a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to control oil transport, taking an uncompromising stance.
  • Quote:
    “It won't be a percentage. It won't be a friend of yours like a country that's your ally or a country that's your friend. It's all or nothing.”
    — President Trump [00:41]
• [00:47] The aim: force Iran to stop picking oil trade partners, and exert strict economic pressure.

2. Congressman Eric Swalwell Sexual Misconduct Allegations

• [00:55] Democrats urge Eric Swalwell to drop out of the California governor's race after multiple sexual misconduct accusations.
• [01:04] Details from Chanley Painter:
  • Multiple claims from former staffers, including a New York-based accusation of rape in 2024 and assault in 2019.
  • Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg encourages more survivors to come forward.
  • Swalwell denies all allegations, calling them “flat false.”
    • Quote:
      “All the allegations... flat false.”
      — Chanley Painter quoting Eric Swalwell [01:23]
  • Fallout: In just 24 hours, Swalwell has lost all 21 Democratic endorsements; his campaign pages have been pulled offline.
  • Republicans now call for his resignation from Congress.

3. Russia-Ukraine Easter Ceasefire Collapses

• [01:47] Both sides accuse each other of violating a “Kremlin declared Easter ceasefire” as Orthodox Christians observe the holiday.
  • Putin had ordered a 32-hour halt in hostilities (Saturday 4pm to Sunday night).
  • Ukraine’s military reports 2,000+ violations (assaults, shootings, shelling, drones).
  • Russia claims nearly as many ceasefire breaches by Ukrainian forces.

4. Rising Gas Prices Amid Middle East Unrest

• [02:31] Industry analyst Toby Lundberg reports:
  • Average price for gas climbs 16 cents in two weeks, reaching $4.22/gallon.
  • Since Iran crisis began, prices have risen $1.20 in six weeks.
  • National average is 88 cents higher than a year ago.
  • Projections suggest a further 10 to 15 cent increase possible as retailers pass on costs.

5. Artemis II Lunar Mission Splashdown & NASA’s New Era

• [03:18] Artemis II completes a successful splashdown off San Diego after a 10-day lunar flyby, breaking record for farthest human distance from Earth.
  • NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman remarks:
    • Quote:
      “After a brief 53 year intermission, the show goes on. NASA is back in the business of sending astronauts to the moon and bringing them home safely.”
      — Jared Isaacman [03:32]
  • President Trump congratulates the crew via Truth Social.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• President Trump on Iran:
  “…except for the fact that they refused to give up their nuclear ambition. And that's the only point. Frankly, to me, that was the most important point by far.” [00:24]
• President Trump on Blockade:
  “It won't be a percentage. It won't be a friend of yours like a country that's your ally or a country that's your friend. It's all or nothing.” [00:41]
• Chanley Painter quoting Swalwell:
  “All the allegations... flat false.” [01:23]
• Jared Isaacman, NASA:
  “After a brief 53 year intermission, the show goes on. NASA is back in the business of sending astronauts to the moon and bringing them home safely.” [03:32]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• US-Iran/Strait of Hormuz Response: 00:02 – 00:54
• Eric Swalwell Allegations & Political Fallout: 00:55 – 01:46
• Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Breakdown: 01:47 – 02:31
• Gas Price Hikes: 02:31 – 03:18
• Artemis II Splashdown & NASA Announcement: 03:18 – 03:54

Tone & Language

The episode is direct, urgent, and concise, maintaining Fox News' trademark matter-of-fact and brisk tone. Quotes and reporting preserve the language of public officials and correspondents.

This summary provides a clear, timestamped overview of the day’s major headlines, highlighting pivotal moments and quotable remarks for listener clarity and convenience.