Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET 04/01/2026 Newscast

Date: April 1, 2026
Host: Ted Lindner, FOX News Podcasts

Episode Overview

This newscast provides a fast-paced update on key national and international stories, including President Trump’s upcoming address on the conflict in Iran, ongoing hostilities in the Persian Gulf, new executive orders on mail-in voting, legal battles over birthright citizenship, and the abduction of an American journalist in Iraq.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Iran Address & Operation "Epic Fury"

• Main Story: President Trump will deliver a prime-time speech at 9pm ET about the ongoing conflict in Iran, specifically “Operation Epic Fury”.

• Asked about the timeline for the end of the operation:

  • President Trump (00:19):

    “We're finishing the job and I think within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer to do the job.”

• Allies & Strait of Hormuz:

  • President Trump criticized U.S. allies for insufficient support in US and Israeli actions against Iran and calls for help in reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz.

  • On Truth Social, he posted:

    “The hard part is done. Go get your own.” (00:26)

  • Oil tankers remain stranded with Iran threatening further attacks.

2. Ongoing Attacks in the Persian Gulf

• Another Tanker Targeted:

  • Fox’s Mike Tobin reports a tanker was “hit above the waterline with some kind of projectile” 17 miles north of Doha; there was no oil spill and the crew is safe. (00:51)

• Communications but not Negotiations:

  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchee confirmed to Al Jazeera that there has been messaging with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, “but the messages do not constitute negotiation.” (00:51–01:27)

• US Officials’ Perspective:

  • Secretary Marco Rubio commented:

    “One way or another, the end is in sight.” (01:27)

• President Pressure on Allies:

  • Trump urged American allies—especially Europeans who rely more on the shipping lane—to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (01:27)

3. Helicopter Incident at Kid Rock’s Tennessee Home

• Outcome:
  • Army pilots, who had hovered two helicopters near Kid Rock’s home while the musician clapped and saluted, have had their suspensions lifted.
  • Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made the announcement after an investigation concluded. (01:27–02:00)

4. President Trump Signs Order on Mail-In Voting

• Order Details:
  • President Trump signed an executive order imposing stricter mail-in voting requirements.
  • Federal agencies must create national lists of eligible voters to verify mail ballots; ballots require secure envelopes with traceable barcodes.
    • As Trump said:

      “Cheating on mail in voting is legendary. It's horrible what's going on?” (03:21)
      “And remember, it's about voter integrity. We want to have honest voting in our country.” (03:37)

  • The move is likely to face legal challenges as states traditionally manage elections. (03:43–03:50)

5. Supreme Court Hears Birthright Citizenship Case

• Context:
  • The Supreme Court is hearing arguments on Trump’s executive order seeking to restrict birthright citizenship for children born to parents where neither is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • The case, brought by the ACLU and others, argues the order likely violates the 14th Amendment; lower courts have agreed thus far.
  • Audio from oral arguments is available via supremecourt.gov. (03:59–04:33)

6. American Journalist Abducted in Iraq

• Details:
  • Shelly Kittleson, an American freelance journalist known for reporting in conflict zones, was abducted in Baghdad.
  • The State Department is aware and is working with Iraqi authorities to secure her release. (04:38–05:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Iran Operation:

  "We're finishing the job and I think within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer to do the job." — President Trump (00:19)

• President Trump on Allies and Oil:

  “The hard part is done. Go get your own.” — President Trump on Truth Social (00:26)

• Mike Tobin on Tanker Attack:

  “The ship was hit above the waterline with some kind of projectile. No oil spill known and the crew is okay.” — Mike Tobin (00:51)

• Secretary Marco Rubio’s Outlook:

  “One way or another, the end is in sight.” — Marco Rubio (01:27)

• Trump on Mail-in Voting:

  “Cheating on mail in voting is legendary. It's horrible what's going on?” — President Trump (03:21)
  “And remember, it's about voter integrity. We want to have honest voting in our country.” — President Trump (03:37)

• On Birthright Citizenship Challenge:

  “The court will hear arguments over President Trump's executive order, signed on the first day of his second term, that denies U.S. citizenship to children born to a mother in the country illegally and a father who is either not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident.” — Fox News report (03:59)

• Journalist Abduction:

  “Al Monitor…identifying the abductee as American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson…known for her courageous reporting from war zones...” — Kristi Goodwin (04:38)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:03]–[01:27] Iran conflict update, President’s address & Strait of Hormuz
• [01:27]–[02:00] Kid Rock helicopter incident
• [03:08]–[03:50] Mail-in voting executive order
• [03:50]–[04:33] Birthright citizenship Supreme Court case
• [04:33]–[05:01] Abduction of American journalist in Iraq

This concise yet comprehensive update delivered the latest on U.S. foreign policy actions, election rules, immigration law, and safety of Americans abroad, with pointed commentary and rapid news hits in a characteristic FOX News style.