FOX News Hourly Update – 4AM ET 04/03/2026 Newscast

Host: Sue Guzman (with reporting from Brad Cooper, Kevin Cork, Mike Tobin, and Lisa Brady)
Date: April 3, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a brisk, headline-driven overview of major national and global news stories, focusing on escalating military tensions in Iran, high-profile changes within the US Justice Department, significant Pentagon shakeups, updates on space exploration, and airline industry developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalating Military Action: US-Iran Tensions

• Iran claims shootdown of US jet:
  • Iran reports it has shot down a US F-35 fighter over its airspace, suggesting the pilot is unlikely to have survived.
  • "Iran this morning claiming it shot down a US F35 fighter jet over its territory and it says it is unlikely that the pilot survived." (Sue Guzman, 00:03)
• US Response:
  • U.S. Central Command has not confirmed the Iranian claim.
• President Trump's Role:
  • President Trump shares footage of a US military strike on Iranian infrastructure — specifically, the B1 bridge near Tehran.
  • "The president posted the video with the text: It's time for Iran to make a deal before it's too late." (Brad Cooper, 00:26)
• Iranian Rebuttal:
  • Iranian Foreign Minister accuses the US of striking civilian infrastructure as a sign of defeat.
  • “Striking civilian structures won't compel Iranians to surrender. It only conveys defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray.” (Brad Cooper quoting Abbas Aradchi, 00:41)

2. US Justice Department Shake-up

• Attorney General Pam Bondi Ousted:
  • Bondi's departure was anticipated after issues that arose early in her tenure.
  • "Multiple sources say her problems began just weeks into the job when she appeared on FOX in February of 2025." (Kevin Cork, 01:10)
• Epstein Client List Drama:
  • Speculation persists about a DOJ release of a Jeffrey Epstein client list.
  • "It's sitting on my desk right now..." (Sue Guzman, 01:24)
  • "...there was no client list to speak of there." (Kevin Cork, 01:25)
  • DOJ previously closed the case, noting no incriminating client list was found.
• Possible AG Replacements:
  • Deputy AG Todd Blanch is stepping in for Bondi temporarily.
  • Other candidates floated: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Assistant AG for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

3. Pentagon Leadership Shakeup

• Immediate Dismissal:
  • War Secretary Pete Hegseth fires Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, ordering immediate retirement. (Sue Guzman, 01:52)

4. International Affairs

• UN Security Council Vote:
  • Scheduled to vote on authorizing defensive action in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran closes the crucial waterway amid ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.
• Cuba Pardoning Prisoners:
  • Cuba announces humanitarian pardons for 2,000+ prisoners during Holy Week while facing stringent US oil blockades.

5. Space Exploration: Artemis II Mission

• Next Phase of Moon Mission:
  • Artemis II moves beyond Earth's orbit after resolving an equipment issue.
• Fixing the ‘Space Toilet’:
  • The Orion capsule’s hygiene bay malfunctioned but was fixed with mission control’s help.
  • “Even in space, you gotta go.” (Lisa Brady, 02:55)
  • NASA's upgraded ‘universal waste management system’ is explained, along with contingency plans (plastic bags, as used during Apollo missions).

6. Travel & Economy

• United Airlines Increases Baggage Fees:
  • Checked bag fee goes up by $10 (now at $50), possibly in anticipation of higher jet fuel costs due to Middle East conflict.
  • "United CEO Scott Kirby recently warned that sustained higher jet fuel costs could strain revenue." (Sue Guzman, 03:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On US-Iran Conflict:
  • "It's time for Iran to make a deal before it's too late." – President Trump via Truth Social (Brad Cooper, 00:36)
  • "It only conveys defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray." – Abbas Aradchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (00:45)
• On DOJ Turmoil:
  • "It's sitting on my desk right now..." – Sue Guzman, referencing Epstein client list rumors (01:24)
• On Space Oddities:
  • “Even in space, you gotta go.” – Lisa Brady, on the Orion capsule’s toilet fix (02:55)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [00:03] – Iran claims downing of US jet; Trump posts military strike video
• [00:57] – DOJ shake-up & Pam Bondi’s ouster; discussion of Epstein investigation
• [01:52] – Pentagon shakeup: Army chief abruptly fired; UN Security Council update
• [02:38] – Cuba’s Holy Week prisoner pardon; US oil blockade
• [02:55] – Artemis II update: Space toilet malfunction and repair
• [03:31] – United Airlines baggage fee hike and fuel cost concerns

Tone & Language

The newscast maintains FOX News’ fast-paced, concise, and direct reporting style. Quotes preserve the formal, slightly dramatic tone of news anchors and correspondents, blending hard-hitting headlines with brief moments of color (e.g., Lisa Brady’s dry humor about space toilets).