Fox News Hourly Update: 4AM ET 04/13/2026 Newscast

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: April 13, 2026
Summary Prepared by: Podcast Summarizer

Overview

This episode delivers an early-morning rundown of the latest major national and international stories. The core focus is the immediate escalation in US-Iranian tensions, specifically the imminent US naval blockade of Iran. Other important segments include the fallout from California’s gubernatorial race amid scandal, sweeping local food initiatives in New York City, political struggles over redistricting in Virginia, and a triumphant NASA Artemis 2 crew return after a moon mission.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Looming US Naval Blockade of Iran

• Tensions escalate as a US blockade of ships at Iranian ports is set to begin at 10:00am Eastern.
• Both US and Iranian delegates left peace talks in Pakistan without an agreement.
• The US aims to push economic pressure by cutting off Iran’s oil revenue.
• Demining efforts in the Strait of Hormuz have started to facilitate safe commercial passage.
• Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claims control of the strait, threatening strong retaliation if US or allied warships approach.

Notable Quotes:

• [00:21] “The blockade will involve stopping any ships that come out of Iranian ports or Iranian coastal areas… US Ships will not be stopping vessels traveling from non Iranian ports. The early stages of demining the strait has begun and information about a safe path through the strait will be communicated to commercial mariners now.”
• [00:53] President Trump: “We’re not going to let Iran make money on selling oil to people that they like and not people that they don’t like or whatever it is. It’s going to be all or none.”

2. Tensions Within the International Alliance

• President Trump criticizes NATO for not supporting the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Notable Quotes:

• [01:06] “President Trump stepping off Air Force One in Maryland Sunday also expressing disapproval of NATO for what he says has been a lack of support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.”

3. Major Shakeup in California’s Gubernatorial Race

• Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell suspends his gubernatorial campaign due to sexual assault allegations, which he fervently denies.
• Congressional Democrats are calling for Swalwell’s resignation or possible expulsion from the House if he refuses to step down.

Notable Quotes:

• [01:21] “Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell says he will suspend his campaign for governor of California. This comes after allegations surface that Swalwell sexually assaulted a former staffer. He has denied the allegations, calling them absolutely false.”
• [01:44] “In a post on X, Swalwell said he’s deeply sorry for mistakes and judgment he has made in the past, while denying those allegations…”

4. NYC Launches City-Run Grocery Store Initiative

• Mayor Zoran Mamdani marks his first 100 days by promising city-run grocery stores in every borough, starting with East Harlem.
• The initiative aims to lower prices of essentials like eggs and bread, and make food shopping “no longer an unsolvable equation”.
• The first store is projected to cost $30 million.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:40] “Eggs will be cheaper. Bread will be cheaper. Grocery shopping will no longer be an unsolvable equation.”

5. Virginia’s Redistricting Battle

• Virginia Democrats propose a temporary handover of redistricting powers to the legislature.
• Republicans warn this would silence over 2.1 million rural voters.

Notable Quotes:

• [03:20] Rep. Rob Whitman: “It is a complete, complete silencing of the voices of over 2.1 million voters across the Commonwealth of Virginia—disenfranchises them.”

6. Artemis 2 Astronauts Return—A Record Lunar Mission

• Artemis 2 crew returns after a 10-day trip around the moon, breaking records for distance into space.
• Crew receives a hero’s welcome at Johnson Space Center.
• Commander Reed Wiseman reflects on the emotional toll and gratitude to families.

Notable Quotes:

• [04:02] Commander Reed Wiseman: “This was not easy. Being 200,000 plus miles away from home, like before you launch, it feels like it’s the greatest dream on Earth. And when you’re out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends. It’s a special thing to be a human and it’s a special thing to be on planet Earth.”

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:02 – 01:06: US-Iran blockade and diplomatic fallout
• 01:21 – 01:44: California gubernatorial shakeup (Swalwell scandal)
• 02:40 – 03:20: NYC grocery initiative & Virginia redistricting fight
• 03:45 – 04:24: Artemis 2 mission recap and astronaut reflections

Memorable Moments

• The direct, uncompromising language from President Trump regarding Iran and the oil blockade.
• Emotional statements from NASA’s Reed Wiseman, sharing the dual wonder and challenge of deep space exploration.
• The gravity and political rapidity of the scandal and calls for expulsion against Eric Swalwell.

Tone & Language

• The tone is urgent and direct, consistent with Fox News’ hard news style—emphasizing action, consequences, and quotable leadership voices.
• Real-time reporting and succinct phrasing underscore the weight and immediacy of the stories.

This summary provides a thorough walk-through of the episode’s content for those who haven’t listened to the newscast, highlighting each major story with relevant context, quotes, and time references.