Fox News Hourly Update: 4PM ET 04/04/2026 Newscast

Host: Jane Fergus, Fox News Podcasts
Date: April 4, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a brisk, fact-driven roundup of top news stories as of 4PM ET on April 4, 2026. Key national and international developments include the search for a missing U.S. airman in Iran, mounting domestic debate about the future of the Iran conflict, a new revelation in the Jeffrey Epstein case, NASA’s Artemis 2 moon mission update, and a development in the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.

Key News Highlights & Insights

1. Search for Missing U.S. Airman After Jet Downed in Iran

• [00:02–00:59]

  • The episode opens with urgent coverage of the U.S. military search for a missing F15E crew member after Iran shot down an American fighter jet.
  • Both U.S. and Iranian teams are searching for the airman, with the Iranians viewing the incident as a potential propaganda victory.
  • Iranian media quickly broadcasted images of plane wreckage and a parachute-ejector seat; there are reports of U.S. rescue helicopters coming under fire, with some crew injured, but managing to land safely.

• Quote:

  “There is quite literally a race on to find that missing F15E crew member. The US doing everything it can... but the Iranian military also looking for him, looking for what would be obviously a huge propaganda victory.”
  — Jonathan Hunt, [00:16]

• Israeli forces are reportedly pausing strikes in the region where the airman went missing (southwestern Iran), to facilitate the search.

2. American Public Opinion and Political Reaction to Iran Conflict

• [00:59–01:46]

  • New polling data shows many Americans are opposed to expanding aggressive military action against Iran.
  • Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) urges caution, citing constituent concerns over “forever wars.”

• Quote:

  “We owe them an answer to the question of how, how does this end as we do with every single conflict. And it's been difficult... I can't name a single conflict where we've bombed Islam into peace.”
  — Rep. Nancy Mace, [01:27]

• Mace stresses the importance of negotiations with Iran, particularly to prevent them from obtaining nuclear weapons.

• President Trump recently claimed the war with Iran is "nearing completion," but has not specified a timeline.

  • Quote:

    “President Trump, in his address to the nation last week said the war is nearing completion but did not give a specific timeline.”
    — Jane Fergus, [01:46]

3. Jeffrey Epstein and Henry Jarecki: New Revelations

• [02:32–03:24]
  • Newly released DOJ documents obtained by the New York Post shed light on email exchanges between Jeffrey Epstein and longtime associate Dr. Henry Jarecki.
  • A 2009 email describes plans for evading law enforcement: disguises, plastic surgery, multiple passports, stockpiling cash, and collecting information on accusers.
  • The email was purportedly for a book project, but emerged as Epstein was nearing the end of his controversial 2008 plea deal sentence.
• Notable Detail:
  The plan’s details surfaced during scrutiny of Epstein’s attempts to avoid justice, highlighting the scale and audacity of his efforts.

4. NASA Artemis 2 Mission Approaches Moon

• [03:24–04:00]

  • Artemis 2 spacecraft is now closer to the moon than the Earth, with astronauts sending back stunning new photos.
  • Crew is set to visually observe lunar features on the far side of the moon (previously only seen via satellite) during Monday’s flyby.
  • Return journey will feature a dramatic parachute-assisted splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, scheduled for late Friday.

• Quote:

  “The Artemis 2 mission is now closer to the moon than it is to the Earth. And on the way out, the astronauts on board have been sending back some dramatic photos of our home planet.”
  — Jonathan Serry, [03:24]

• The larger Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable U.S. presence on the moon and ultimately to facilitate crewed missions to Mars.

5. Department of Homeland Security Shutdown Enters Record Duration

• [04:00–End]
  • President Trump has directed the DHS to pay all employees despite the shutdown, which has lasted nearly 50 days—a record.
  • This move comes amidst ongoing political standoff and essential personnel worries.
• Quote:

  “President Trump yesterday directed the Department of Homeland Security to pay all of its employees amid a record long shutdown at DHS that has now lasted nearly 50 days.”
  — Jane Fergus, [04:00]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the risks faced by U.S. search teams:

  “Some of those US helicopters took incoming fire. Some members of one of those crews were injured. But we understand the helicopters landed safely.”
  — Jonathan Hunt, [00:42]

• On public war fatigue:

  “No one wants another forever war.”
  — Rep. Nancy Mace, [01:23]

• On the Artemis mission’s historic visual feat:

  “They're likely to see some features directly with human eyes that previously could only be seen in satellite photos.”
  — Jonathan Serry, [03:38]

Timeline of Major Segments

• 00:02–00:59 — Search for missing U.S. airman in Iran, U.S./Iran/Israeli military activity
• 00:59–01:46 — American political and public response to Iran conflict, Rep. Nancy Mace interview, President Trump’s statement
• 02:32–03:24 — Jeffrey Epstein & Henry Jarecki DOJ documents
• 03:24–04:00 — Artemis 2 moon mission update
• 04:00–End — DHS shutdown and federal employee compensation

Episode Tone

Direct, urgent, and news-focused—delivering a mix of breaking developments and broader implications, with emphasis on national security, public sentiment, and space exploration achievements.